I woke up in the dark, hit the alarm clock and went to my breathing, thinking “it is way too early to wake up now…”. And then I looked outside and saw the most gorgeous sunrise. The sky was on fire and suddenly I was wide awake. Morning plan was to walk my dog, meet up with a neighbour to go for a cold swim and then do a yoga class. It all went to plan. And afterwards… OMG the feeling of having started the day like that was incredible. I felt this immense sensation of joy.
In order to understand how joy came to life in me I decided to “dissect” my morning to see what had actually happened:
- Waking up I went straight to my breathing. The breath is the aliveness within you, this amazing power each of us have. Once you have decided to place your attention on your breathing you are in control of your mind. One in-breath and one out-breath, that is already a meditation – if you are present for it.
- I looked outside. Looking outside helps me settle into the new day. I am lucky to have nature right outside and this brings me so much joy every morning. The sky and the sea never look the same at any moment. I am well aware that how the sun comes up, the shape of the clouds, the way the sea moves, it will never be exactly the same again. Ever. And when the sky shows up on fire like this morning the only thing I can feel is amazement and gratitude.
- I walked my dog. Walking outdoors is pure wellness. In the morning it wakes up the body. Cats and dogs stretch after sleep and perhaps some yoga moves might have been better for me, but I just love going outside early morning. My body comes to life as I feel the air and walk with freedom.
- I met up with a friend to go for a cold swim. That is both social and fun and freshness right away! We only had time for half an hour so it was a bit rushed. Anyway it was so worth it (btw a cold shower is always an option). It is a bit cold outside in the morning, the temperature in the sea is going down, and this easily makes for nervous laughter before we are in the water. Meeting the cold this way is a voluntary shock to the body. It makes me feel so alive and in control of my mind and breathing every time.
- I taught a yoga class. Teaching yoga always puts me right into presence. Being in presence is my favourite place to be – I believe it is for all of us! While teaching I move on my mat too and so it is a win-win situation.
And this is why I am on a high right now. I actually aim to be high on Life. Joy comes when I engage in activities that are good for me and I forget about anything that might be troubling me. I am very aware I take time every day to engage in what I find joyous and that enriches me. It doesn’t come to me just like that, I make it happen. My wellbeing is important, and so is yours! I do believe in making the effort to bring joy consciously into your day so that you can spend your day in a lighter way. There has to be space for ease and play.
Conclusion: Joy is good energy. It is high vibration. It is pure wellbeing not only to your mood and mind but to your body as well. Anything you can think of right now to set yourself up for more joy?
I wish you well – Annette X
