Joy begins inside of us. It is not about what we do, it is about how we do it. One of the simplest ways to reconnect with that joy and our innate vitality is through a playful return to movement: doing jumping jacks for joy.

The how is in centering on breath. Don’t count repetitions. Count breaths. Set intention to complete 10 full, intentional, whole-body breaths while doing jumping jacks or however many one can do in that time. Feel the first inhale expanding the heart, then one’s body and soul. With each exhale, release that which no longer serves. The goal isn’t endurance or performance; it’s presence, groundedness and awareness of our whole self.

Each breath reconnects us to our vitality, acknowledging that we are a physical, psychological and spiritual being. As our breath expands, our mind clears, and our spirit opens as our body moves. Breath becomes our metronome; movement becomes our mantra.

When one finishes the tenth breath, pause with one’s hands over the heart and smile from within. Feel the pulse of aliveness moving throughout one’s body. That pulse is joy, steady, luminous and always available.

So, the next time one needs a reset, skip the coffee and start doing 10 breaths of jumping jacks. By doing so, we’ll remember our vitality and the joy that’s already alive and well inside us.

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Big Joy Theory is a heart-centered resource for leaders and seekers who want to live with greater ease, purpose, and joy. Through our signature Joy Tracker app, transformative assessments... Read More »