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Writer's pictureRebecca Griffin

Finding Joy in the Ordinary

The everyday things we usually move through on autopilot are opportunities for us to experience greater joy. Even in the rush, the queues, the routine, the busyness and the repetitions, can you feel more joy? Can you find it in the things that you usually overlook and take for granted? Can you find it in yourself and other people? Can you connect with the joy of simply being alive, in this body and in this time and space?


So often people get hyper focused on the negative aspects of their day to day lives; if they had a misfortune or were put out in some way, this becomes the focal point of conversation. But this is just a thought pattern, a habit of the overthinking mind. What if we were to rewrite that program? What if we could let go of what we thought we were supposed to focus on and switch our attention to the everyday pockets of joy that are so readily available to us?


Ways to Experience Joy in the Ordinary


Develop self-awareness: Catch yourself when you get caught up in negative talk, whether it’s internally or out loud. Notice where you feel this in your body, take a few mindful breaths to recalibrate and let it go. Notice a lightness in your body when you consciously choose to let it go.


Focus on the things that truly matter: What makes your heart feel full? People, places, a favourite spot out in nature, a certain food or drink, your health and wellness.


Be less reactive: Before reacting, take a deep breath in and practice the art of equanimity. This is not a way to suppress emotions, but a way to connect with them and mindfully feel them, rather than instantly reacting to them. Find joy in the relief and empowering aspect of this practice.


Be more embodied: Being embodied is living life through the awareness of the felt sense within your body, rather than getting caught up in the mind. To be embodied is to feel more connected to your emotions (energy in motion).


Journal your experiences: Who and what brings you joy? How does joy feel in your body? Where do you feel it? Which moments help you to feel joy more easily?


Practice gratitude: When we are more grateful, of course we are more likely to be joyful! Be grateful for the little things. Show gratitude too - it will inspire others to do the same.


Open your heart: Live with a more open heart and the energy of joy will naturally radiate through and out of your body.


A restorative yoga pose to gently encourage the opening of the heart:  Supported Reclining Bound Angle Pose.



This blog post was inspired by this week's Yoga class theme. To join one of our upcoming classes, click here

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