Lighten Up and Bring in Joy
“At the height of laughter, theUniverse is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities”Jean Houston
Often times the seriousness of life takes over and we forget the power that pleasure and laughter can bring. We focus so much on what we do not want that we actually create more of the things that we want to move away from. The key is learning how to achieve vibrational harmony with our source energy.
As we focus on what we do not want we resonate with that vibration and the universe will then send that quality to us. A better idea is to focus on feeling joy and allow that vibration to bring in more joy and abundance. This takes time, discipline, and a conscious awareness of our thoughts
When I forget and get over serious in my quest to contribute to the world, to become a better person and a more enlightened teacher, I am reminded that being is lost in becoming as Sai Baba once said&how true that is!
As we move into the promise of spring let us embrace the energy of passion and joy. It is helpful to remember that the month of April was named after the goddess Aphrodite; the goddess of love and the month of May was named after the goddess Maia, the goddess of sprin
Upcoming Holidays:April 1st: Veneralia- Roman- the holiday of Venus,April 22: Earth Day- honor and celebrate the EarthApril 23: Passover- commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II.April 27: Floralia- Central and Eastern European- goddess of blossoming flowers April 30th- Beltane-Celtic- celebration of sexuality and power May 1: May Day- celebration of fertility and sexualityMay 5: Boys Day (Kodomono-hi)-Japan-boys fly long streamers to represent(freedom) and carp kites (strength to overcome obstacles)May 8th: Mothers Day (USA) an opportunity to express our love, respect and gratitude to our mothersMay 18: Feast of Pan (Greek) celebration of menMay30: Memorial Day- USA- pay respect to the men and women who have died in wars
How can you relax and play more and enjoy the sensuality of your body? It is time to let go and celebrate the beauty of life that surrounds us on a daily basis. Lets allow the energy of sensuality and celebration to transform us .My favorite way to move into this energy is to listen to great music and dance. It doesnt matter if it is tap, belly dancing, tango or rock and roll, the point is to have fun and allow your natural rhythm to take over (yes, we all have a natural rhythm)
Toni Condos, a blue belt NIA teacher explains that movement, our first language, gives us the opportunity to express joy, which is beyond the reach of words. Nia is a movement form that blends martial arts, dance, and yoga to experience “the body’s way.” When we dance and stretch, joy is released…physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Through movement, we connect to a place that’s deeper, more creative, more alive, and more joy-full.
Throw a Joy Party this May Day
Invite your friends to come and dance for joy. Ask each one to bring a special song that makes them remember being in love or just being incredibly happy. Each one of us has a special song that makes us smile and evokes memories that reflect the happiest times of our lives. Here are some favorites from some of my friends: Aint no stopping us now, I want to hold your hand, Oh what a day for a daydream, Mac Arthur Park and You are the sunshine of my life.
Create A Modern Day Indoor Maypole
Use your old Christmas tree stand and put in a pole about 6 high. If you dont have a stand simply use a standing pole lamp but reinforce the base with heavy books to keep it steady.
Cut colored ribbons to lengths about one and a half times as long as the pole and tie to the top. Each person takes a ribbon. Some people dance clockwise and some counterclockwise, alternating under and over one another. As you dance around the Maypole in this pattern, your movements will weave the ribbons into a quilt of colors. Make sure to play your special joy songs and let yourself have fun.
Dont forget to laugh
Laughter therapy has become the new rage. Try it and see why. Your muscles cannot stay tense when you are laughing so your entire body relaxes. Remember when you were younger and laughed so hard that you spit out your food or wet your pants?
Laughing boosts the immune system and can add years to your life. Norman Cousins used to say that laughter is so beneficial for your body that it is like inner jogging.
And for those of us who are always looking for new ways to stay in shape, according to Dr. William Fry from Stanford University one minute of laughter is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine. In other words, laughter stimulates heart and blood circulation and is a great way to get aerobic exercise.
But the best part of laughing is the way you feel. As you increase the joy in your life, all of your interpersonal relationships will improve. Lets set our intention to greet each other with smiling faces.
Meditation to bring in joyClose your eyes and take a few deep breathes. Allowing your body to take in all the air it needs. Slow deep belly breathes.
Imagine being in love. Capture the feeling of being in love. Let your whole body tingle. When you are in love, everything looks like Technicolor. Give yourself permission to fall in love with yourself.
See yourself dancing freely, laughing out loud, and really enjoying your own company. See and feel yourself smiling- expressing joy. Notice how sensual and vibrantly healthy you are. You are radiant and glowing with joy.
Imagine sharing this joy with others. Imagine how good they feel celebrating with you. How good you feel sharing with them.
The more you practice feeling joyful, the more joy you will experience. As you expand your capacity to receive love and joy, you will become magnetic to fabulous new experiences and people. And like any new skill, the more you practice, the better you will get at it. So start right now.
True celebration arises from a joy that is first experienced deep within, and spills over into an overflow of song and dance and laughter, and yes, even tears of gratitude&dont bother about scheduling a party on your calendar. Let your hair down, take your shoes off, and start splashing in the puddles right now. The party is happening all around you every moment!
Osho Zen Tarot
© 2011 Blue Lotus Productions