Diana Psyras What do we do when we don’t feel joyful? We can set an intention every morning to plant the seeds and to cultivate joy. One of my teachers, Tara Brach, talks about two types of joy:
The first type of joy is happiness that sources from our outer world…family, friends, a new bicycle, a car, an A on a test, or a promotion or work bonus.
The second type of joy is happiness without a cause. We can be happy for no reason at all.
As people, we are born with a negativity bias. We tend to think about what is wrong. When we notice negativity, we can…
- Stop and take a few deep breaths.
- We can ask, “What is standing between me and happiness right now?”
- Notice if you are distracted from being right here, right now.
- Notice if “if-only” mind comes up. (I would be happy if only I could…or they would…)
If-only mind keeps us dwelling on a future wish. We miss out on savoring this moment.Notice if “something’s wrong” mind comes up. If we are anticipating and looking for obstacles, we tense up with anticipation. It’s like the idiom “Waiting for the other shoe to drop.” We’re assuming that something isn’t going to be quite right or will require a lot of preparation and effort. This takes us away from enjoying the richness of this moment.
When these thoughts occur, you can take a few long full breaths. Soften and release any tension or tightness in your body.
5. Try sending yourself some positive energy and kindness.
“May I be happy. May I be happy. May I be happy.” Does happiness feel possible in this moment? Notice a sense of kindness. See if you can feel it in your body. We all deserve happiness.If self-judgement or resistance comes up, just notice it.
If you can, imagine yourself as expansive as the ocean. If a wave of self-judgement comes up. Take a breath and allow it to flow by. It’s just one wave that will crest, fall, and absorb back into an ocean that is wide enough to contain all waves.
6. Take a breath and rest in the flow. It’s a wonder! We’re all wonders! “May I be happy. May I be joyful.” May we all be present and open to experiencing joy and happiness along with whatever waves of challenges that come up. Moment by moment, we’ve got this!
