Postponing Joy

At the end of every month, I take some time out to reflect on the theme of my classes, how it was received by my students and if there is anything I can do better next time.

July was all about Joy.

We moved and stretched our bodies in fun and playful ways with plenty of laughter sprinkled in between.

But it got me thinking, what then? What happens when we step off our mat and into the routines of our daily lives?

Would this month be enough to inspire my students to take time out of their day and engage in things that cultivate joy, playfulness, and laughter?

It’s human nature to forget.

Or if we remember, we might POSTPONE instead.

We are good at postponing things for later.

This is why life always feels like a pursuit.

We are especially good at POSTPONING JOY.

We do this with the ‘WHEN-THEN’ model of thinking.

It goes something like this:

When I complete this project, then I will start prioritising my self-care. I just don’t have the time right now.

When my children start school, then I will have more time to pursue my goals.

When life gets less busy, then I will start my Yoga classes again (you know I had to sneak that in!)

When ……………, then………………………………… (fill in the blanks with your own narrative).

Another similar way of thinking is. “I’ll be happy when…………..”

It’s a terrible trap we get into, always assuming (or maybe hoping) that happiness will come when life settles or only when something we desire happens.

Ask yourself, how many things have you postponed for later only to never get to it because such is life, there is always something.

You get stuck in this perpetual cycle of postponing and waiting.

Here is a gentle reminder to you to break that cycle.

You only have one life.

Stop postponing and start doing more of the things that bring you joy.

Enjoy the present moment.

Smile through the mundane daily routines of your day.

Change things up when it gets too monotonous.

Sing and dance like nobody is watching.

Laugh for no reason!  

As the saying goes, If not now, when?

To help you along on your journey to cultivating more joy, here is a video on laughter Yoga. It’s a great way to change your mood instantly and only takes a few minutes.

It was a step out my comfort zone recording this video.

But by the end of it, I was feeling really happy.

Most often, when we try to change how we feel, we do things to distract us to get out of our heads.

We forget that a better way to get out of ours head is to change our physiology.

A simple smile will do.

Better yet, LAUGH!

I hope this video puts a smile on your face and helps you tap into your inner joy. 

If all else fails, simply laugh at me 😊