Standing With The Oppressed Is Standing With Lasting Peace, and, Ultimately, Joy

Standing with Ukraine is standing with joy, because if we stand with the oppressed, that will create lasting peace, and then joy will follow organically.

It seems the tree and I want to hug each other | Taken with my tripod in the wilderness of the Yukon

Is going to bars, dancing, drinking, having fun in life, taking holidays, and visiting interesting places all about finding joy? Then my straight answer is, no, that is not joy. That is merely fleeting happiness — a temporary state that passes quickly. Although I am not against occasional recreational pursuits from time to time, as they offer temporary respite from life's challenges, and is good in that way. The type of joy I promote and preach is much deeper, and it has a bigger and wider meaning and value. This profound joy encompasses everything, including compassion, standing for those who are oppressed, supporting people who are fighting for justice, advocating for people who have been denied basic rights, speaking up for people who have been marginalized, and helping those who are sidelined by dictators and the money-focused powerful people of the world.

Actually, for true, sustainable, and real lasting joy, we need to stand with the oppressed, and specifically, I'm talking about Ukraine at this time. Without delving into the deep complexity of the geopolitical situation, which I leave to experts on international relations, all I would like to emphasize is that Ukraine is a country that has been attacked. Ukraine did not attack any other country — they were the ones who were attacked. So clearly, in my view, without seeking anyone's political advice, Ukraine is an oppressed country that has been taken advantage of by someone else with greater power. So it is both good and morally healthy to stand with that kind of country in their time of need.

Standing with Ukraine is standing with joy, because if we stand with the oppressed, that will create lasting peace, and then joy will follow organically. We should also stand with many other territories in the world who are facing similar situations as Ukraine, who have been attacked, oppressed, and taken advantage of by more powerful entities. True joy includes not supporting or sharing messages of those who try to dominate the world, who attempt to control the world with money and power. Instead, we should search for humanity, kindness, and love — this is the foundation of true joy. That's the essence of true happiness.

Three years ago via a virtual call, in a beautiful cultural exchange, the Ukrainian Shumka dancers from Edmonton gifted me the grace of their traditional dance steps while I shared with them vibrant rhythms of Panjabi Bhangra. Together, we wove movement into a tapestry of solidarity, crafting a video that transcended borders to deliver hope to war-torn communities. I'm sharing it here:

So this kind of happiness, or this kind of joy, which I preach, is much deeper than superficial pleasures. It encompasses so much more than momentary satisfaction. It's not just about having fun or seeking personal gratification; it's about finding real purpose and meaning in life and supporting humanity as a whole. It's about connecting with the struggles of others and contributing, even in small ways, to the betterment of our shared world. This is the enduring joy that sustains us through life's challenges and gives us a sense of fulfillment that no amount of other pleasure can provide.

Standing with the oppressed is standing for lasting peace and, ultimately, joy.

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Cheerfully,

Gurdeep