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Mindfulness

Cultivating Joy

Cultivating joy is called for when, in the routine of our lives, we lose our sense of joy and excitement, and life feels flat and blah.

“Would you believe me if I told you when I opened my mouth a bird flew out?”
–Terry Tempest Williams

We may focus on the difficulties or challenges in our lives and forget to feel the joy. Though it’s important to open our hearts to pain and difficulty, it’s equally important to balance that with opening to joy.

During difficult times, we can practice cultivating joy by finding something that excites us in a healthy way. We can look for the little things that bring us joy throughout the day—birdsong, music, a brilliant blue sky, the sound of the rain, seeing a loved one smile, completing a task at work, playing with our favorite pet—and savor those moments.

When you feel the joy, take time to savor the experience by noticing how it feels in your body, heart, and mind and then writing about the experience in hour mindful journaling practice. Open your heart to joy.

Jen Johnson is a mindfulness teacher and counselor, photographer, and writer teaching meditation for healing and creativity. Contact Jen to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

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