The Gary Zukav Deepcast

Am I Joyful or Am I Happy?


Listen Later

Many people use the words “joy” and “happiness” interchangeably, but are they really the same? In this episode, Gary Zukav explores the profound difference between the fleeting highs of happiness—driven by external circumstances—and the deep, unwavering presence of joy. While happiness is tied to the temporary satisfaction of our fears and desires, joy arises from something much deeper: the alignment of our personality with our soul.


At the heart of this conversation is the concept of authentic power—choosing love over fear, even when fear is present. Gary breaks down how happiness is dependent on the external world, fluctuating with life's ups and downs, while joy is an unshakable state of being that emerges when we move beyond fear-based reactions. By recognizing and challenging the frightened parts of our personality, we can cultivate lasting joy rather than chasing momentary happiness.


The key to experiencing true joy is to practice emotional awareness, learning to distinguish between fearful and loving parts of our personality. When we act from love—choosing gratitude, patience, and appreciation—we step into our authentic power and free ourselves from the illusion that external circumstances define our well-being. Joy is our natural state; it is always available when we choose to see beyond fear.


What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
  • (02:05) — The fundamental difference between happiness and joy
  • (07:42) — Why happiness is dependent on external circumstances and how it leads to suffering
  • (12:30) — How joy arises from within and remains unaffected by life’s ups and downs
  • (17:15) — The role of emotional awareness in recognizing fear-based reactions
  • (22:04) — How to create authentic power by choosing love over fear
  • (28:18) — Practical steps to shift from seeking happiness to experiencing joy

  • Embrace the Soul Step Challenge: Reflect on the moments in your life when you felt happy versus when you felt truly joyful. Was your happiness tied to a specific event, person, or outcome? Did it fade when circumstances changed? Now, recall a moment of joy—one that felt deeply fulfilling and was not dependent on anything external. This week, observe your emotions: Are you chasing happiness, or are you choosing joy? The path to joy begins with recognizing when fear is present and consciously shifting toward love.


    Your emotions are messages from your soul. Learn How to Tune In and Listen HERE.


    Let’s Connect:
    • Gary Zukav | Website
    • Gary Zukav | Instagram
    • Gary Zukav | Facebook
    • Gary Zukav | Books
    • Gary Zukav | YouTube
    • Gary Zukav | X (Twitter)
    • ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      The Gary Zukav DeepcastBy Exploring The New Consciousness

      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9

      4.9

      68 ratings


      More shows like The Gary Zukav Deepcast

      View all
      Sounds True: Insights at the Edge by Tami Simon

      Sounds True: Insights at the Edge

      1,849 Listeners

      Buddha at the Gas Pump by Rick Archer

      Buddha at the Gas Pump

      634 Listeners

      Satsang with Mooji by Mooji

      Satsang with Mooji

      376 Listeners

      Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

      Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

      2,504 Listeners

      Oprah's Super Soul by Oprah

      Oprah's Super Soul

      31,855 Listeners

      Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings by Oprah and Eckhart Tolle

      Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings

      3,772 Listeners

      The Oprah Winfrey Show: The Podcast by Oprah

      The Oprah Winfrey Show: The Podcast

      1,699 Listeners

      The Gathering Room Podcast by Martha Beck

      The Gathering Room Podcast

      674 Listeners

      AT HOME with Byron Katie • The Work of Byron Katie® Podcast by Byron Katie International, Inc.

      AT HOME with Byron Katie • The Work of Byron Katie® Podcast

      909 Listeners

      Michael Singer Podcast by Michael Singer

      Michael Singer Podcast

      1,432 Listeners

      Gaia Consciousness by Gaia.com

      Gaia Consciousness

      305 Listeners

      Know Thyself by André Duqum

      Know Thyself

      610 Listeners

      Take Back Your Mind by Michael B. Beckwith

      Take Back Your Mind

      777 Listeners

      The Art of Awakening by Dr. Sue Morter

      The Art of Awakening

      87 Listeners

      The Oprah Podcast by Harpo

      The Oprah Podcast

      1,848 Listeners