When you hear the phase, “embody joy”, how does it make you feel? Does it cause stress or more joy? I invite you explore that for yourself and try these simple suggestions.

The dictionary’s definition of joy is “a feeling a great pleasure and happiness or rejoicing”. If you look at joy versus happiness, happiness is temporary, joy is not.  Joy is a deep well-spring that stays with us through life’s highs and lows.

Try making joy a priority and schedule as part of your day. However, do not schedule joy into your day but schedule your day around joy. Even if you just take time everyday to notice one positive, joyful thing it will become a habit.

Make a Joyful List

Consider what brings you joy. Have you ever thought about the things that bring you joy? Is it spending time with friends or are there certain times of the day when you feel joyful? Does helping others bring you joy?

For example, my joyful list might look like this:

• Spending time with my dog.
• Baking
• Teaching Yoga and Pranayama
• Laughing with my friends
• Reading a Jane Austen novel (Pride and Prejudice is my favorite – I feel joy just thinking about it)
• Eating a homemade meatball
• Sitting at the beach or by the lake
• Taking a walk with my husband
• Relaxing in a warm bath