Discovering Joy

9 Techniques for cultivating presence and embracing joy.

How frequently do you experience pure, unadulterated delight, bliss, and happiness? As children, joy came easily to many of us. But as we mature into adulthood, we’re burdened with rules to follow, climbing the career ladder, building families, and striving for financial success. Along the way, we forget how to find joy. We forget to fully embrace the present moment.

While a fulfilling career and financial security are important goals, the key to true fulfillment and lasting joy lies in discovering our purpose and giving back to others. Finding joy is a continuous journey that starts with a set of practices that can ultimately lead us to happiness.

Release The Past

Your past does not define your future unless you choose to dwell in it – and dwelling in the past prevents you from discovering joy in the present. It’s valid to feel down after experiencing loss, the end of a relationship, or financial struggles. Allow yourself to feel sadness or loneliness, but never lose hope. Ask yourself what you can learn from your experiences and emotions. Then release the past. You deserve to experience joy once again.

Cultivate Gratitude

One way to move forward from the past and experience joy in your life is to cultivate gratitude. By choosing to be optimistic and focusing on the good things in your life, you can train your brain to experience joy more frequently. As Tony Robbins says, “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” This is how gratitude creates a cycle of positive emotions: The more you practice gratitude, the more positive emotions you will feel.

Harness The Law Of Atrraction

The more positivity you radiate, the more positivity you will attract into your life – that’s the law of attraction. This principle has been known for centuries and is utilized by the most successful people in the world to design their dream lives. It’s not complicated: What you focus on, you attract. Focus on creating joy in your own life and sharing it with others, and you will naturally attract even more joy.

Surround Yourself With Positive Influences

Surrounding yourself with positive people is closely linked to the law of attraction and is crucial to every aspect of your life. When you are surrounded by uplifting individuals, it becomes nearly impossible to feel pessimistic. They will lift your spirits and help you find the silver lining in any situation. Letting go of people who do not bring you joy – or who actively hinder it – may not be easy. However, you cannot learn how to find joy with their toxic negativity holding you back.

Shift Your Physiology

Ever heard the saying “change your body, change your mind”? It’s true. Your physical posture and demeanor can affect your mood and outlook on life. If you’re feeling down, try putting on a smile, standing up tall, or even striking a power pose. Changing your physiology can send signals to your brain that you’re happy, even if you’re not, and help you shift your focus towards joy.

Embrace Positive Daily Rituals

Your daily routine plays a significant role in your overall mindset and well-being. Incorporating positive habits into your daily life can greatly impact your ability to find joy. Exercise, for example, has been proven to reduce depression and boost mood. Even a short run or a leisurely walk can make a difference. Eating well and practicing mindfulness through activities like priming, meditation, or journaling can also help you experience joy on a daily basis.

Practice Full Presence

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in constant planning and searching for the next best thing. This can make it challenging to experience joy in the present moment. To combat this, try unplugging from technology, and focus on being fully present in the moment. Take notice of your surroundings, savor the little things, and let go of the constant need for something better. True joy can be found in the present moment.

Discover Your Purpose

Once you’ve laid the foundation for joy through gratitude, positive rituals, and presence, it’s time to dig deeper and find your purpose. Your purpose is not just about your career or short-term goals, but it’s about what gives your life meaning. What brings you joy? What do you want to be remembered for? Discovering and pursuing your purpose can bring immense joy and fulfillment into your life.

Give Back

The act of giving back is a powerful way to experience joy. It’s not about how much money you have, but about the desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Giving back can be done through donating your time, skills, or expertise to a cause you’re passionate about. It reminds us of the abundance in our lives and brings purpose and fulfillment. Learning how to have more joy in your life often involves the act of giving back to others.