Welcome to the joy practice.
I'm Danielle and together we'll explore simple ways to invite more joy into everyday life.
Before we get pulled into the busyness of the day,
Let's take a few minutes to get grounded and notice the wonders that are in front of us right now in this very moment.
Joy isn't something that waits for us at the end of a perfect day.
It's available in each moment if we're willing to notice it.
Take a slow,
Deep breath in.
And a gentle breath out.
Allow your shoulders to soften.
Your jaw to unclench.
Your hands to rest gently on your knees.
And settle into a comfortable seat,
Starting to bring your attention inward.
Feel free to close your eyes or lower your gaze,
Whatever feels most comfortable and natural.
There is nowhere else you need to be for the next few minutes.
Notice the feeling of the chair beneath you or your feet touching the floor.
And maybe notice the gentle movement of your breath and where you most feel it in your body.
It could be in your belly.
In the back of your throat.
Your nostrils.
Take one scan and anywhere in your body where you feel tension,
Just breathe into that area and relax.
Let the tension melt away.
Now imagine you are standing in front of a beautiful door.
Take a look at the details you see.
What is the style of the door or the color?
What do you imagine is behind the door?
What kind of handle or knob does the door have?
And when you're ready,
Go ahead and turn the handle to open the door.
As you do,
You immediately smile at the beautiful day you're opening it up on.
You see and feel the sunlight spilling across the floor.
You feel a gentle breeze.
Notice what sounds you hear.
Maybe it's birds,
Leaves rustling.
Laughter in the distance.
Or maybe it's the quiet of morning.
Imagine stepping into that space.
And as you do,
Ask yourself,
What would make today feel just 1% more joyful?
Not more productive,
Just a little more joyful.
Could be as simple as drinking your tea more slowly.
Sending a thoughtful text to someone you care about.
Taking a walk at lunch either by yourself or with a colleague.
Or maybe it's listening to music while you cook dinner.
Let one small idea settle into your heart.
And take another breath.
And as you exhale,
Notice one thing that already brings you joy in this moment.
Is it the feeling of your breath that is always there for you?
Maybe it's the strength of your body and the sensation of feeling supported.
Or is it the opportunity of a brand new day that lies ahead?
One more slow inhale.
And let it go.
And as you move into today,
Set an intention for how the day will go.
You will notice the joy that each moment brings.
Could be to notice the beauty around you.
Or to create moments worth remembering.
Remember that joy grows wherever we pay attention.
It isn't something we need to wait for.
It's something we practice.
Take a few more breaths as you let this intention sink in.
Start to bring sensation back.
Wiggle your toes and your fingers.
Notice the sounds around you.
And when you're ready,
You can open your eyes.
Thank you for practicing with me and have a lovely and joy-filled day.
