In fact, I think my conscious memory begins when I began writing, around the age of six, when I penned my first story. I began to keep a Read As a yoga teacher and speaker, I’ve made it my business to help others access joy. My inspiration came from my own experiences with anxiety and extreme sadness.
As a yoga teacher and speaker, I’ve made it my business to help others access joy. My inspiration came from my own experiences with anxiety and extreme sadness. My darkest moments are what led me to practicing joy.
In college, I suffered from anxiety attacks and feelings of depression following the September 11 attacks.
Life felt meaningless.
I got to a point where I’d start to cry the moment I woke up. I no longer liked my friends and felt alone. I lacked energy and was constantly smoking cigarettes. I had an overall feeling of fear and distrust. I didn’t recognize myself, and I knew I wanted to feel better. But I needed support.
I sought help from a counselor at my university. With regular meetings, I was able to explore my pain and acknowledge that I couldn’t change the past. However, I had a choice in every moment to control my actions. So I made a conscious decision to start practicing joy because frankly, being depressed sucked.
For a year, I made small changes day after day. I quit smoking cigarettes and started practicing yoga. I got a job at a coffee shop and started to make new friends. I left my toxic living situation and moved into a home with roommates who loved to cook, paint and hike. Eventually, I began volunteering at a local nonprofit and adopted a dog named Zoid.
All of these new practices helped me make a 180-degree turn in my life. It took time, but every step in the right direction made it easier to take the next step.
I still had moments of sadness or anxiety, but with practice, it was easier for me to rebound from negative experiences and bad days. I don’t believe that “practice makes perfect,” but I do believe that “practice makes permanent.”
With practice, I had developed the tools and support system to enjoy life, despite the hardship and pain. The world around me hadn’t changed, but I changed the way I looked at the world. I had developed a new perspective and grace.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed, anxious or bummed out?
Here are the five keys that helped me practice joy:
1. Maximize the breath.
2. Move your body.
3. Do what you love.
4. Find people who bring out the best in you.
5. Practice gratitude.
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