The word cheerfulness comes from the English word cheer, a derivation of the Old French word chiere meaning face (itself derived from the Latin word cara=face).  
  The word Cheerfulness is rich in definitions. The most common and historical are:  
 
1. The face
2. In good spirits, living (1460)
3. Solace, encouragement (1549)
4. To brighten up (the face) etc (1611)
5. To encourage, inspire, animate (1700's)
6. Disposition, mood, usually qualified as good, glad (1600's)
7. Gladness, mirth, gaity (1600's)
8. Hospitable reception or entertainment (1666)
9. To take heart (1600's)
10. To feast (1690)
11. Food, eating, drinking, living (1600's)
12. A shout of encouragement, welcome or congratulation (1720)
 
  The key qualities of cheerfulness  
  Considering the origins of the word, it is interesting and makes sense that the most commonly understood recognition of cheerfulness is a happy/smiling face. As a word rich with positive meanings, we need to consider the division of these into some essential categories of qualities, namely: • positive state of mind and emotions • positive expression of state of mind/emotions (smiling, cheerful) • encouragement of a positive state of mind/emotions to others (motivation) • celebration/expression of a positive state of mind/emotions (eating, entertainment, drinking, gaiety, mirth, living).  
  1. Wise discernment of mind and emotions in the now moment  
  The first group of definitions of cheerfulness represent one being in a fully positive state of mind and emotions in the now moment, expressed as “glad, in good spirits, good mood, gladness, gaiety, mirth”. Few words in the English language are so all-encompassing of such an array of positive state of mind and emotions. Even fewer words exist without moral qualification.  
  With this first array of definitions we see Cheerfulness as a unification of the mind and body as one in a positive state, without reference to desire, to greed or to any of the pleasures normally associated with ego.  
  2. Positive expression of state of mind/emotions (smiling, cheerful) in the now moment  
  The second grouping of definitions of cheerfulness is the physical expression of being a fully positive state of mind and emotions by smiling and “brightening up the face”.  
  Again we see no negative attachment to the smile as being self-satisfying or related to the negative emotion of smirking. Instead we see the genuine nature of Cheerfulness expressed as smiling as the positive radiance of goodness and state of positive mind/emotions.  
  3. Encouragement of a positive state of mind/emotions to others (motivation) in the now moment  
  The third grouping of definitions of cheerfulness is most extraordinary, in that it encompasses more qualities of encouragement of a positive state of mind/emotions to others than almost any other word in the English language, including motivation. What is even more interesting is that the word cheerfulness is not usually consciously recognized as having these qualities, even though the saying “smiling is infectious” is well understood.  
  In terms of qualities of encouragement, we see the word cheerfulness also means “solace, encouragement , encourage, inspire, animate, a shout of encouragement, welcome or congratulation.” Again we see these positive attributes are expressed in the present now moment.  
  4. Celebration of a positive state of mind/emotions (eating, entertainment, drinking, gaiety, mirth, living) in the now moment.  
  The fourth and final grouping of definitions of cheerfulness again is unique in that the word encompasses an extraordinarily wide set of qualities of the celebration/expression of a positive state of mind/emotions, including “hospitable reception or entertainment, gaiety (also implying singing, dancing), mirth (implying laughter, enjoyment), to feast, food, eating, drinking, living”.  
  Again what is amazing is that this list is made without any moral negative judgment as to the appropriateness of one form of expression or another.  
  Cheerfulness and concept of absolute  
  For many people, the concept of Cheerfulness is frowned within the current doctrines of ones own God, Allah, One Spirit or Unique Collective Awareness. It is as if we are not supposed to be happy. Our labour is to toil for the sins of our ancestors, for the sins of the Garden of Eden.  
  And yet the right to happiness and peaceful life is without question a divine blessing and ultimate common sense. To say otherwise is to defy all logic and wisdom. So cheerfulness is an emotion to be encouraged, not frowned upon as showing the greatest respect to any divine creator.  
  Cheerfulness as one of the six (6) key present moment emotions  
  Cheerfulness is special as one of six (6) key emotions called the VIRS that may all be experienced simultaneously in the present moment of time. The others are (in order) respect, honesty, consistency, enthusiasm, and compassion.  
  Unlike most negative emotions that rely upon a person shifting their focus primarily to the past, or the future, cheerfulness is firmly a "present moment" emotion.  
  Finding answers  
  You might be interested in finding more answers in relation to this emotion. If this is the case then the Journey of UCA might be of interest.  
  If you would like a practical answer and something that may help you in relation to this issue right now, then please click on reflections to see one or more reflections you can immediately use about this issue.  
 
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Definition