Do you ever have a sudden, fleeting experience of joy and/or peace?

[raccoon]

This morning I was sitting at my desk at work, and I was alone in the lab then. I was looking out the window at a large oak tree, and the light green leaves of that tree and others, and suddenly I had this feeling of joy and peace.

I had a similar experience last spring while I was walking.

If anyone has any input on how to have such experiences more often (without chemical assistance), please post.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear raccoon!

I've had them, but far too rarely...

I wish I knew how to trigger them...

Sometimes a great sexual experience can do it, too...

Other than that, I've got nothing...

:hi:

[LeftyFingerPop]

2. Yes.

Do you know that feeling you would get as a child on a nice day? It is hard to explain, but...just a rush of comfort and good feelings. I get this feeling once in awhile, but it only lasts for literally seconds.

[raccoon]

3. Same here, literally seconds. nt

[LeftyFingerPop]

4. I love when it happens though...

:)

[Sequoia]

5. I remember that happened to me once in Mexico.

We were ridining along on a Sunday afternoon and I was glad that I had decided not to go back to work in the USA on Monday (didn't have a choice since the people I came with didn't want to go back) and I looked at some trees and grass and I got that feeling which just washed over me like water. I don't know how it's triggered but maybe not feeling any stress is like an open door to allow it in if other factors are considered in the mix.

[raccoon]

11. Good point--I think you're onto something,

"I don't know how it's triggered but maybe not feeling any stress is like an open door to allow it in if other factors are considered in the mix."

[Sequoia]

14. I think the best word to describe this is : euphoria

Euphoria is medically recognized as an emotional and mental state defined as a sense of great (usually exaggerated) elation and well-being. Technically, euphoria is an affect but the term is often colloquially used to define emotion as an intense, transcendent happiness combined with an overwhelming sense of well-being. The word derives from Greek εὐφορία, "power of enduring easily, fertility". Euphoria is generally considered to be an exaggerated state, resulting from psychological or pharmacological stressors and not typically achieved during the normal course of human experience, although some natural behaviors, such as activities resulting in orgasm or the winning triumph of an athlete, can induce brief states of euphoria.

Euphoria has also been cited as a high connection with God. Prophets and those having seen visions and prophecies have claimed to have felt an indefinite sense of love and happiness, a state of mind associated with euphoria.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphoria_(emotion)

[grasswire]

15. that's exactly what I was going to post.

Euphoria.

Also explained as an endorphin rush. There IS a biochemical, physiological basis for the feeling.

[Sequoia]

17. Hey, what can I say, great minds think alike.

[LisaM]

6. It happens to me a lot, and the color green and sunlight are often associated with it

in fact, almost invariably, though I get the same effect from light sparkling on water. I also note that it happens (to me) from late spring to early summer more often than other times, though I occasionally feel it from a beautiful fall day or light on snow in the evening. I get it VERY occasionally in late, dark fall when there is heavy rain but cosy lights showing in windows.

I read once that the angularity and non-natural angles of buildings in cities are jarring to the psyche. I believe it.

Our ancestors probably felt this more often than we do.

[raccoon]

10. "Our ancestors probably felt this more often than we do." Somehow, I think you're right.

In spite of the fact that so many conveniences are available now to us, in some ways maybe we've lost out.

[BarenakedLady]

7. Yes

It had been a long time since I did, then just recently I was in a situation where I thought that I didn't want to be any where else in the world at that moment. I was content for the first time in so very long. Too bad it didn't last. :(

[Lucian]

8. Yeah, a few weeks ago when I was stargazing.

I love it. It's fleeting, and only lasts for a few moments. It's one of the best feelings one can experience.

[Spacemom]

9. It happens to me sometimes

but not nearly enough.

A feeling will wash over me where I just know "Everything is going to be Okay."

I also have moments when I'm looking at my husband or kids and I get this overwhelming feeling of how much I love them.

[suninvited]

12. On the weekends

I go to work at 3:30 in the morning. I get up, take a shower and get dressed and walk outside all usually half asleep.

On a clear night the sight of the stars usually makes me stop and look for a few minutes, and that feeling comes over me. After living in a city for so many years seeing the night filled with the stars and being able to find certain constellations that I remember from growing up in the country makes me feel very very peaceful and joyful, too.

I have often wondered if anybody else feels that way when looking at the stars on a perfectly clear night. It is the only thing that can bring that peaceful feeling to me in seconds. A really nice way to start the day !

[datasuspect]

13. i once grasped the unity of all learning and knowledge

where i found emblazoned in light the unity of the arts and the sciences.

[Tikki]

16. Back in '67, young bride, married a few months..

living away from the place and people....where I'd lived, before...
I was suddenly joyfully and truly aware that I was
on the start of the journey of adulthood and
that I'd be making choices by myself and, also, along with my
sweet hubby.

I have never forgotten that moment...I danced
around our little apartment. I smiled non-stop
for days after.


Tikki

[UndertheOcean]

18. When I inject Heroin , yes , I believe I do ...n/t