I had the pleasure of talking with a few of my mindfulness teacher friends this past Friday night about joy. And it goes without saying how much fun we had together, sharing our thoughts about what joy means to each of us, and how we cultivate joy through mindfulness. If you didn’t catch the live panel discussion on Facebook on Friday night, you can watch it via the link below, though there are a few things I learned that I’d like to share here.
First, joy is sacred. If we accept that things are ever-changing, we must also accept that joy comes and goes, sometimes ending before we would like it to. Cherishing those moments of happiness or contentment by tuning in fully, with all of our senses, honors the sacredness and helps us to see the extraordinary in those sometimes ordinary experiences that we may otherwise let pass us by.
Second, connecting with nature can cultivate a deep sense of joy and appreciation. Whether it be time on the beach soaking up the rays and salt-air, a hike in Maine, or just pausing to gaze up at the clouds as they float by, being fully present for these experiences can elicit feelings from comfort to delight to awe.
Third, intentionally cultivating rituals in our lives can create opportunities for joy. Intentionality is one of the core tenets of mindfulness practice — bringing purposeful and intentional attention to the present moment. Having daily mindful habits (or other personal or family rituals like weekend pancakes shaped like animals!) can create opportunity for moments of joy throughout our lives.
As you reflect on the panel discussion, maybe ask yourself: what can I do more of to open myself up to joy? Let us know in the comments under the video or feel free to email them to me — I read every single email I get from you!
With so much metta,
— Nikki and the Sacred Treehouse faculty
Nicole Davis is a licensed psychologist practicing at Therapeutic Oasis of the Palm Beaches. Dr. Davis starts with the core belief that each person already has everything they need to live a life of joy and fulfillment, and that therapy is just a process of uncovering their inherent wholeness. Dr. Davis gently invites her clients to uncover their strengths in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Dr. Davis completed MBSR facilitator training through the Center for Mindfulness at UCSD. Dr. Davis is also a 200-hour trained yoga teacher registered with Yoga Alliance.