Joy is not something you earn, it is inherent in the essence of who you are. Opening up to the wellspring of joy however, may involve a shift in perspective, as so many people, women in particular, have been conditioned out of feeling the joy. It can be too easy to put the needs, wants and desires of others ahead of our own. And, as we become older and wiser we know for sure this doesn't serve anyone. In the words of Schitt's Creeks Moira Rose "if aeroplane safety videos have taught me anything, David, it's that a mother puts her own mask on first." And this is not just true for mother's, it's true for every human. If you need a little reminder to Choose Joy as you embark on a Bright New Year, read on . . .
Release expectations and be present
Unfulfilled expectations dissolve joy. Allow the events of life to simply be. Become alert, alive, conscious and aware of each moment without the need to judge it right or wrong. When we can be fully present we can give other people the very best of ourselves and this naturally opens a wellspring of joy.
Developing a regular meditation practice, and mindful observations offers a regular opportunity to be present. Try it out for 5-10 minutes a day. If you are new to meditation, Deepak Choprah offers some easily accessible resources. You can also do your own search to find what resonates with you. Taking a moment to sit at the beach or in nature, and feel the breeze upon your skin may offer you a beautiful gentle practice. There are no rules or boxes to tick, simply allow yourself moments to be without distraction.
Turn inward
Joy is not always a result of external circumstances, but rather a focus inwards. Letting go of the need to control your destiny is key. Michael Singer in his book "The Untethered Soul - the journey beyond yourself", teaches people how to surrender and let go so that they can remove the negative blocks that reside inside of them. By doing this, positive emotions, like joy and happiness can flow with grace and ease. He suggests that the most important thing in life is your inner energy. If you love your life, nothing is ever worth closing your heart over. And one way to love your life is to let go of the need to control what is out of your control.
Check in with how all of your body feels
Do you feel like your best self every day when you wake up? If not, it may be time to ask yourself what one thing you could do differently that would help your body to feel different. For the over achievers out there, this is not about changing everything at once and creating yet another to-do list. Perhaps there is something that has been niggling at you, a food you know makes you feel bad when you eat it. Simple small steps will help you stay in alignment with what feels good. Creating awareness is the first step.
Move
Move your body in nature. This may sound like a given but it's always worth a reminder. We know that 20 minutes of movement a day changes brain chemistry and affects mental mojo in a positive way. Physical activity changes the stress response in your body and lowers the level of cortisol (stress hormone) you produce in your brain.
Explore a new perspective
"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." This is one of our favourite Wayne Dyer quotes. Cultivating a new outlook can create space for something new, something unexpected to take the place of the known and potentially outdated.
Remain compassionate to a new way of thinking and be open to new possibilities. Taking a moment to journal your experiences will open your consciousness to the reality of a new way of thinking. It can be as simple as walking your morning loop in reverse, there is no need to overcomplicate here!
Be You
This can feel a little overwhelming when we are so entrenched in the labels that have been given to us and the labels we have created for ourselves. When you feel true alignment with the essence of who you, you can't help but be a vessel for joy. What are the things that you love doing that you haven't given yourself permission to do recently? Let the real you come out to play. For a lot of women we speak to this is about letting creativity flow.
Combardis x Inu8 Free The Spirit Mist is a collaborative offering that encourages authentic and creative energy to flow. Mother Nature's gifts of pure botanicals work in harmony to uplift the mind, body and spirt. The affirmation infused into this blend is "I am free to be me." It is a lovely tool to have in your creative resurgence toolbox.
Find magic in the mundane
John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” We have to create the conditions with which we can express joy and be joy. What allows you to get into the flow each day? Each day is a chance to embrace the life you have, challenges, joys, and opportunities and relish in the moments of peace, synchronicity, and the mundane. The mundane as some would define it is the space where nothing exciting happens, it is the place where “we” wait for the next important moment in our life. The reality is the magic happens when our life is happening, not just in the moments that you have waited for. Acknowledge and appreciate the space between, don't be in a rush to fill the gaps.
Connect and laugh
Spend time with people who make you feel good. We look forward to creating more opportunities to get together as a community. There is nothing like the energy that is created when like-minded souls come together. "I am working toward a time when everything gives me joy" – Maya Angelou
Gratitude
Gratitude naturally shifts the energy within us. We shift from what we lack to where we feel abundant. Say thank you, write a note or letter of kindness, journal what you are grateful for. Spend time letting happiness and joy permeate through your being.
