Internal

1. Source: Internal vs. External

• Joy is an internal experience. It comes from within and is often connected to a deeper sense of peace, contentment, or spiritual connection. Joy can arise regardless of external circumstances and is often linked to a state of being rather than doing.
  Example: Feeling joy from practicing gratitude, meditation, or simply being in the present moment.
• Happiness is generally tied to external factors. It is a reaction to something that happens in your environment, such as achieving a goal, receiving praise, or having a pleasant experience.
  Example: Feeling happy when you get a promotion, enjoy a meal with friends, or receive a gift.

2. Temporary vs. Lasting

• Happiness is often temporary and fleeting because it depends on external factors, which are subject to change. Once the moment passes, the happiness may fade.
  Example: You may feel happy after winning a game, but the feeling might fade quickly as life moves on to the next moment.
• Joy is more enduring. It tends to persist regardless of life's ups and downs because it stems from a deeper sense of fulfillment and connection. Joy can exist even during difficult times as it’s not as dependent on external conditions.
  Example: Someone might experience joy while reflecting on their life purpose or helping others, even when facing personal challenges.

3. Active vs. Passive

• Happiness can be considered an active pursuit. Many people actively seek happiness by chasing achievements, relationships, and material comforts. Happiness often feels like something that needs to be "earned" through actions or experiences.
  Example: Traveling to new places, pursuing hobbies, or buying new things to feel happy.
• Joy, on the other hand, is often more passive or naturally arising. It's a state of being that can arise spontaneously without effort. You don’t need to chase joy; it flows from an alignment with your values, purpose, or connection to something greater.
  Example: Joy can arise naturally while spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, or engaging in mindfulness.

4. Deeper Meaning

• Joy is usually tied to a deeper, more spiritual or existential experience. It is often associated with inner peace, a sense of connection to life or the divine, and a feeling of gratitude. Joy can be felt even in difficult situations because it goes beyond the surface of emotions.
  Example: Feeling joy during meditation, moments of self-realization, or when contributing to something meaningful.
• Happiness tends to be more surface-level and is linked to pleasure, satisfaction, or a positive mood. It's about feeling good in the moment but doesn't necessarily involve deeper reflection or inner peace.
  Example: Happiness when achieving a desired outcome or enjoying an enjoyable event.

5. Emotional Depth

• Joy is often considered to have more emotional depth. It’s associated with a sense of fulfillment and alignment with your true self, making it more profound and less subject to the highs and lows of life’s circumstances.
• Happiness is a lighter, more fleeting emotional state. While it’s pleasant, it tends to come and go based on what’s happening around you.

6. Connection to Purpose

• Joy is closely linked to a sense of purpose or meaning. It can arise from living authentically, following your heart, or contributing to the well-being of others. Joy often comes when you feel connected to something larger than yourself.
• Happiness is more often tied to achievements or satisfying desires. It’s about checking off goals or experiencing pleasure in daily life, which can be fulfilling but doesn’t necessarily evoke a deeper sense of purpose.

Summary

• Happiness is a temporary, externally-driven emotion based on positive experiences or outcomes.
• Joy is an enduring, internal state of contentment and peace that comes from within, often tied to purpose, meaning, or spiritual connection.