"Joy, which was the small publicity of the pagan."

The core idea here is that joy, in its simplest form, was something that pagans celebrated openly and frequently. They didn't hide their happiness; they shared it with their community. It's about recognizing joy as something public and communal, rather than private.

Historically, this quote takes us back to times when paganism was the prevailing belief system. Pagans celebrated many aspects of life with festivals, dances, and rituals that were filled with joy. These were not solitary events but community gatherings where everyone participated. Think about the harvest festivals or solstice celebrations - these were vibrant, public displays of joy and gratitude.

Now, let’s ground this idea in a real-life example. Imagine a small town that holds an annual summer fair. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate. There are games, music, dancing, and plenty of food. Kids are laughing, parents are chatting, and everyone is just enjoying the moment. This public celebration of joy is very much in the spirit of those ancient pagan festivities. The summer fair becomes a space where joy is contagious and spreads from person to person.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by finding or creating opportunities to share joy with others. It could be as simple as hosting a dinner party, organizing a game night, or just being more open about your own happiness. When you're excited about something, share that excitement. Don't keep it to yourself. Think about how your joy can uplift the people around you.

Here’s a story to illustrate the concept. Picture Sarah. She lives in a bustling city and works a demanding job. She often finds herself stressed and isolated. One day, she decides to throw a small party for her friends. It’s nothing extravagant – just a potluck dinner. She invites neighbors, colleagues, and a few old friends. They bring dishes, share stories, laugh, and dance a little. By the end of the night, Sarah feels a deep sense of connection and happiness. Her joy has multiplied because she shared it with others. The party becomes a cherished memory for everyone who attended, and they've all experienced a piece of that old pagan spirit of communal joy.

In a nutshell, joy doesn’t have to be a solitary emotion. It’s something that gains strength and spreads when it’s shared. So next time you feel happy, don’t just keep it to yourself. Share it with those around you. Let your joy be infectious. After all, life’s a lot brighter when we celebrate together. Remember those ancient pagans and their festivals – joy was their way of connecting with each other and with the world. Why not bring a bit of that into your own life?