Delight

​We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure, but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of this world. 
 - Jack Gilbert

I don't often think about the distinction between pleasure and delight but in my mind they are very separate states of being. Pleasure is a sensual experience, body based, reserved for sex and food and carnal experiences. Delight is headier, more of an emotional state in reaction to something that's happened to me. 

For me then, delight comes to me no matter what or who I'm touching. I doesn't require my direct  tactile experience. Delight is easier to come by and perhaps more fulfilling (?). It seems that it would be since it can come to me in so many forms - stories and pictures, for instance - whereas carnal pleasure can be hit or miss.

I think I mistakenly focus more on the pursuit of pleasure and I discredit the delights of being delighted. Delight requires openness and perhaps a lack of self-awareness, a willingness to let myself get swept away, Perhaps there's the risk.

An open heart is more likely to be delighted.

I have friends who are very good at delight. They seem to walk to world like wide-eyed kids and they're always a joy to be around. Delight is catching and delicious. One of my friends, in fact, says "I'm so delighted!" when something pleases her.

 It's a good phrase. I'm going to use it today.