Make Space for Joy

I woke this morning before the sun. This, for those of you who don’t know me, is a real effort. I am a night owl and I love sleeping in. I woke early because it was the only way to get my practice in before teaching my class, and then a long day of work.

I woke up this morning and I didn’t want to do any of it. We have a foot of snow here, and part of me wanted to spend the day as I did yesterday, in silence and exploring the woods in the snow. I allowed myself to feel into that. To really feel that frustration and sulk about it. The more I pouted and crossed my arms and said “no” to Monday, the more I could begin to feel it shift, and feel lightness around it. Like, ok- today calls for some fun or I’m not going to make it. What sounds like fun? Playing a song from my yoga teacher training during my class and dancing around my living room with a friend. Just allowing myself to be as I was (tired and not having it) allowed me to shift my perspective.

Later in the morning, the idea arose that one of my dearest friends might also need to dance around the living room this morning. She did, and I had the sheer joy of getting to teach her this morning- part of which was just shaking and dancing and taking up space. Having fun. Creating joy as we transition from the energy of the weekend into the intensity of the week.

This act, to be joyful, feels quite radical for me at the moment. It is something I have noticed a lot since returning to the United States from India. So much less joy. So much more worry. So much more fear. It is radical to be joyful, and thus, it becomes more important to create joy in your days. Even if you think it is silly/superfluous. Even when your mind says “I don’t have time.” Even if you have to force yourself to smile until you can laugh at yourself for being so serious. Even if your heart is breaking or things feel challenging. Especially then.

Wishing you joy in your day, however that manifests for you.