Yoga with Jen
I know we've all seen the "Choose Joy" inspirational quote plastered on a coffee mug or the cover of a notebook, but have you ever seen it when you're in a really bad mood? It kind of feels the same as someone telling you to "calm down". It doesn't work. Okay, so now you get it.
We think that joy is the result of something good happening. Therefore, if nothing good has happened, how can you POSSIBLY find joy?? Well, my friends, here is why I love joy and those ridiculous signs that tell me to choose it: Joy is sneaky. She's a mindset, a shift in perspective. Joy is an intentional pause. Joy = Hunt the Good. Joy has a special place in your yoga practice, both on and off the mat.
Tips for Choosing Joy (On and Off the Mat)
Practice without Performance. This means you've got to yoga like nobody is watching. You have to yoga without expectation of outcome, embrace the wobble, and above all, stop competing with a different version of yourself and/or your mat neighbor. Off the mat? Dance to that song playing in the grocery store. Try something new even if you're convinced you'll mess it up. What if you do? What if you DON'T? gasp
Smile on the exhale. Studies show that smiling stimulates the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which are associated with feelings of happiness, pain relief, and stress reduction. Buddy the Elf was on to something. Not in the mood to smile? Close your eyes and think of something that you know will make you smile. Nobody's gonna know.
Start your practice (or day) with intention. I cue this at the beginning of my class as I ask students to take a scan of the body to notice what they're feeling (physical, mental, and or emotional). More often than not, our brain will pick out the stuff that doesn't feel good: The sore muscles, the frustrating exchange with a co-worker, the looming to-do list. Once we become aware of that, I offer up a second body scan. This time, find something, anything, that feels good. There's your joy.
So, the next time you're doom scrolling, remind yourself that you can do tree pose anytime. It's just there. Once you keep your eyes open for those moments, you'll find them everywhere.
