It dawned on me in a moment of transition from school ending and summer schedules beginning, that I was really overwhelmed. There were so many moving parts, that all felt unfamiliar and temporary. Traits that I realize aren’t always my personal favorite. Background: I have a cancer moon (our new moon today is also a cancer moon). Those who have cancer moons tend to like to build families (chosen, bio, work families, etc.), make tender and protective connections, and create a life with others that is intimate and supportive. So when my family routine was out of whack, I felt spikey in my body and mind. I described it as velcro. It felt like I was being held together in a clawed or gripped manner.
In this routine shift, I noted that temporary joy is beautiful but during transition especially I want rooted joy. The “I spent time imagining this outcome and fostering relationships that support our collective vision” kind of joy. The “I am thrilled about this life because of all these fabulous humans and time in nature” kind of joy. The “I am so glad to be basking in the present moment” kind of joy. I want the joy that is grounded in something sustainable and connects me to you, my chosen family. And honestly, I know I am not alone.
I am not alone in feeling excited for summer festivities and needing a foundation. I am not alone in wanting to play on the beach and snuggle into a good book at home. I am not alone in wanting support and wanting to feel available to show up for others in a reliable way. But to hold these truths, I realized that I needed to build joy; sustainable joy.
Joy that is based in, union and a lifestyle. And the people at Yess continue to remind me that this life is best shared with others. The yogic lifestyle houses the practices that we can incorporate when life is overwhelming. It has routines that can be maintained when we feel burnt out. Yoga perspectives can be integrated to stay connected and mindful. Personally speaking, Yoga supports my foundation of joy. Sustainable joy that I can come back to whenever life has compounding challenges.
Perhaps take a moment to ask yourself:
- What helps me build joy?
- Is there a place in nature or a home that is particularly joyful?
- What groups of people do I feel most full of joy in?
- Which tools/practices/ways of thinking help to remind me that joy is available to me?
- How do I find joy daily?
This month, as we relish in the spontaneous joy, may we also find ways to make this joy more trustworthy. Building joy into our lives in a more reliable way so our future days have it’s building blocks as a foundation.