Mindfulness Blog for Educators: Joy is Good for You. Really.
- Greg Hungerford
- Jan 8, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 11, 2022
This work in schools is getting beyond tough.
Demands are high. Stress is higher.
When we feel overwhelmed, it can be hard to find delight and happiness in our lives.
Educators need practical and impactful approaches to boost their immune systems and overall wellness. This is where seeking and finding joy comes into play.
The experience of joy gives us an uplift of happy chemicals that come from the brain and nervous system. This helps us feel and be healthier, in mind and body.
If you are looking for a pick-me-up, joy is an ideal approach.
3 Acts of Joy that can bring great pleasure to your life.
Act 1: Heartfulness
In topic 15 of our Mindful Educator Resource Guide, we offer that heartfulness invites us to evoke genuine care and concern for others. We think kind thoughts and wish for others to experience joy in their lives.
Amy and I use this practice to think about our kids and send them good vibes and fortune during the day. We imagine them being with us and smiling in their presence. It makes us feel better.
Who might you take a moment to think about and send kind thoughts?
Self-Care Tip: Go easy on yourself with this practice. It is always ideal to start with people who demonstrate care for you and only go as deep as comfortable.
Act 2: Do What Brings You Joy
We love our pets! Amy and I have cute critters that bring us joy. They keep our lives interesting with their antics and also love. We get to snuggle with them and get to smile when they do silly things.
What brings you joy? Where and how can you explore what joy means to you? A hike in the woods, a sumptuous bowl of your favorite soup, or some special time with someone you love are ideal ways to do so. Go for it!
“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”
― Rumi
Act 3: Playfulness is a Boost of Joy
It can be frustrating when your motor is running low and you really want a boost up.
You can exercise with a friend or play a board game with the family. Regardless of what you choose, bring playfulness by laughing, being silly, and light-hearted.
With joy, creative energy and a playful attitude mix. We gain a perkiness that makes the current situation entertaining and engaging.
We feel joy.
If playfulness is new to you, this is okay!
A gentle smile, a bit of laughter, or even a few positive thoughts are stepping stones forward towards finding joy in your life.
Playfulness comes in many shapes and sizes. Be you. Let go a bit. Have fun.
SWW Practice Challenge: Think about some activity that lifts you up emotionally. Spend a moment thinking about yourself doing this activity. Close your eyes and add a few deep breaths as comfortable. Put a smile on your face when you are done with this practice. Take this newfound joy on the road to your next activity.
Our Journey Together...
Amy and I have worked in schools for over 40 years combined. We share this not to make ourselves seem important. More so, it is to let you know we are still in there with you.
We are trying to be our best selves. This includes sadness and tears from the deep suffering we are witnessing in schools.
These joyful practices rejuvenate us and remind us to pay attention to our blessings. So, we share them with you.
Why? Because you matter. You make a difference.
Please join us on this journey together. We need each other to stay grounded and steady.
We are so grateful to be a part of your practice.
Enjoy the ride...
Greg & Amy
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What lovely reminders! Joy is definitely and antidote to so much in life that cause pain. Melvin is a cutie! Thank you for taking the time to put this content out there, we need healers like you both now more than ever.