Finding Your Joy
Creating experiences, thoughts and feelings to ease stress and feel happier
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” — Mahatma Gandhi
When was the last time you felt joy? I hope it was today. Let’s try and feel it right now. Take a moment to close your eyes and immerse yourself in a memory where you experienced pure joy. Try and picture all of the details. What does joy feel like to you? It will be a little different for all of us.
The definition of Joy according to the Meriam-Webster dictionary is: “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires; the expression or exhibition of such emotions.”
Some synonyms of joy include: bliss, blissfulness, gladness, happiness, jubilance, and (my favourite) warm fuzzies.
There are so many health benefits to cultivating more joy in our lives. In addition to lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system, according to the Journal of Happiness Studies feeling joy can also lead to a longer life.
So how can we bring more joy into our lives?
Martha Beck, in her book The Joy Diet – 10 Practices for a Happier Life says the most important step in moving towards a more joyful life is to become still. She recommends doing absolutely nothing for 15 minutes every day. It sounds easy but it’s actually very hard, especially for those of us who think we never have enough time. By doing nothing you will start noticing the mindless activities that are part of your day and you’ll start engaging in activities that are more aligned with your goals. Doing nothing for a short time each day will also help you to be more truthful with yourself and help you identify your heart’s desires. Other recommendations include engaging in creative activities, starting to move towards your goals by taking risks, and treating yourself on a regular basis. Finally, Martha suggests including time for play, laughter and connecting with others.
Here are some other ways to easily add some joy to your day:
Write it down – Make a list in your journal of all the things that make you happy. You are a unique individual, so we all have our own ideas about what it means.
Give your time to others – Give your friends and loved ones the gift of your time. Phone, write, invite them out, or just listen. Making someone else feel good will make you feel great!
Be kind to others – Extending a small kindness to everyone you encounter throughout the day will bring joy to both of you.
Brighten up your surroundings with colour – One of the reasons that flowers always brighten up a room is their colour. Add a splash of colour to a few rooms in your house and notice how your mood improves.
Exercise – Movement, any kind of movement, will make you feel more energized, alive, and happier. Exercise outside for bonus points!
Enjoy the small stuff – Your morning cup of coffee, listening to a bird outside your window, lighting a candle, the smell of freshly cleaned clothes, etc. – these may not seem like a big deal but when enjoy them mindfully, truly savor them, they all increase joy.
Be grateful – Gratitude has been scientifically shown to improve happiness and people who keep gratitude journals are more optimistic.
Mindfulness Exercise: Do Nothing
(adapted from The Joy Diet by Martha Beck)
Suggestions for your “do nothing” time:
Put aside 15 minutes just for yourself. Put up a “do not disturb” sign, turn off your phone, and don’t let anyone interrupt you.
Let your body totally relax. You can sit still or lie down in your home, engage in a repetitive activity, or find a river or stream to watch.
Try to detach from your thoughts by watching them go by on clouds in your mind or even as a parade or waterfall – anything that sends the words on their way.
Engage in a visualization – imagine somewhere that is calming where you’d like to be. Take yourself there in your mind.
You’ll find that the more often you become still and take yourself out of your usual frenzied activity, the more focussed you will be and the more aligned you will become with your true self and your goals.
What could be more joyful than that?
I’d love to hear from you so please send any comments or questions to me at sharon@sharonashtonmindfulyoga.com. Feel free to share this email with anyone else who may be interested.
Are you interested in life change & mindset coaching? If you are interested in exploring new ways to bring joy into your world and live your best life, please email me to set up a complimentary 30 minute coaching session/discovery call at sharon@sharonashtonmindulyoga.com or visit my website coaching page.
You can download your free Find Your Inner Coach Guide including a guided visualization and journal prompts here:
“When Sharon and I started working together, I was surprised by how quickly I started seeing changes and results. Her coaching has helped me gain confidence in my professional life and I now feel like I have what it takes to keep operating my business on a daily basis, while staying true to my values. Through heart-centred conversations and guidance, Sharon always has the right words. I definitely recommend her services.”
— Vicky Drolet, Quebec, Canada
You are also invited to join my free Facebook group The Journey Within Mindful Yoga and Life Change Community here where we can connect to share resources and short mindful yoga and meditation practices: