Life is cyclical, sometimes we are full of joy naturally, sometimes we have to work at it. Sometimes you need someone else to remind you where it is, to help you get back on a path you once knew well but have gotten lost.
Zen tools may be all that’s needed as a reminder to practice mindfulness.
You may be able to do mindful journaling without prompts. When I’m joyful and in a good mental state I can. However, when I’m in a slump, prompt tools definitely help. You may like to use a Mindful Journal or perhaps play with Tarot Cards. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you in the moment. Each day is different, and that’s OK.
My daughter loves her Pocket Animal Spirit Deck which is perfectly sized for children’s hands.
After spending time in our friend’s Zen Room my girls requested breathing balls. We used to do breathing exercises together often. This is a nice reminder for us to get back into regular practice. Our breath is a tool that is always with us.
Having a few favourite songs up your sleeve also gives a quick reset. My energetic Friday Night playlist is a favourite for my daughters now, but I will warn you that it’s not the radio version. I also love Singing and Chilling out.
Of course there is the practice of getting off devices. Reading and/or journaling before going to sleep provides a joy that scrolling depletes. It’s funny how reading for twenty minutes helps me drift off to sleep, yet some nights I still scroll for an hour in bed. We need to laugh off those slip ups and do better next time.
Larger Time and Effort Joy Seeking Activities
I will go for a walk alone, with my family and with friends, depending on my mood. My favourite quiet places are in the local national parks. Anyone who joins me knows that I always really connect with nature. I’m often stopping to talk to birds, lizards, insects, plants and hug the occasional tree.
There are times when my head is so busy and loud that I like to listen to a podcast to tune out. The Brene Brown Podcast is a favourite, as are her books.
One of my families favourite ways to find joy is to make something. Lara is always drawing, Olivia loves to cook, Mark makes things with woodwork and on top of writing I like to play music and craft.
Looking around our home you can see paintings by we three girls. Some have been created due to Mum guilt and me thinking that we need to do something fun together. But lots have been created on slow rainy days when we’ve just enjoyed the process.
A friend recently stated that she loves how I’m always so open and honest about my mental health. It isn’t always easy since society has taught us to always say “I’m fine”, but I believe that by being brave and honest it gives others the space to be brave and honest. Give it a try.
Do you have ways to help you quickly find your joy? Let me know.
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