Joy: A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
Where does joy come from? By now, most have figured out that it can’t be bought.
But let’s ponder the origin of joy a little farther.
We can say “it makes me happy when this or that happens or when he or she does this”.
Or we may feel joy being sparked when we are around someone else who is joyful. Have you ever been around someone who’s laugh was so joy-filled and wonderful that it became contagious and you felt a genuine laugh bubbling up maybe without even knowing why?
These situations are just passing stimuli that trigger our joy response. Those external things are not the joy.
WE hold the capacity for joy within us.
Are you familiar with the 5 Koshas according to Yoga? That is five sheaths, or layers, of our human system.
They are:
Annamaya Kosha - Outermost, physical layer. The food body.
Pranamaya Kosha - Breath. Vital energy.
Manomaya Kosha - Mental/Mind.
Vijnanamaya Kosha - Intuitive Mind.
Anandamaya Kosha - Bliss Body. .
That innermost layer, the bliss body is where what we call joy resides. It can also be described and experienced as euphoria, lightness of being, love, unity, purity and peace.
The joy and peace that you are seeking is within you. Sure, our outer environment can make it easier for us to access these states of being, but you can’t hang your hat on that because life is in an ever-changing state.
We have to consciously CHOOSE joy, minute by minute. Day by day.
I am offering a 3 week series on cultivating joy through the mindful practice of yoga.
Each week we will look at things like surrender, gratitude and loving kindness as gateways to a joyful state of being.
We will take these qualities into a well rounded practice of asana (poses and movement), Breathwork and meditation.
Come join me on Saturday evenings from 7-8, July 15 - July 29.
Classes held at Elemental Yoga with the option to join online.
See you soon!
~ Virginia
There is only one practice. To find that holy seat inside. The one that rests beneath all things. The one that is right here.”
Maya Luna
