Finding Your Happy Place: How to Cultivate Joy Mindfully Everyday

Sep 1

We all know that happiness lies within us. But sometimes we need to travel to somewhere or be in that place externally that evokes our “happy place”. Sometimes it could be just a special place in your own home, like your favorite room, or in your own backyard. Or it can be going to your favorite lake, or your favorite ocean, or just being at the beach. Perhaps it’s sitting by a pool with your feet in water or walking by the shore. It can even be going for a walk with friends, or taking yourself out to lunch at your favorite restaurant, or going out to lunch, dinner, or breakfast with some friends. Or taking your dog for a walk.

The interesting thing is that sometimes you don’t even have to physically go to your happy place. Just take a mindful moment, close your eyes, and imagine being in your happy place in your own mind. Mindfully imagine being there by sensing it, visualizing it, and there could even be a pleasant smell associated with your place. What emotions does this visualization bring up for you? Notice how you feel. This mindful exercise can boost your mood in just a few seconds.

According to the Huffington Post, here are 10 ways to find your happy place:

Share some laughs with old friends
Surround yourself with beauty
Travel someplace new
Write a letter to your former self
Get active
Check something off your bucket list
Re-read your favorite book from childhood
Freshen up your look
Do some volunteer work
Set a goal or make an intention for your year ahead

I’d like to personally invite you to Peaceful Yoga, 32 Church Street, Malverne, NY. The studio is opening in September. Come see how Peace yoga can be one of your new happy places.