HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF JOYFUL LIVING

Are you working too hard and feel close to burnout? It may be time to pause, prioritise your well-being and get your groove back.

---

In our journey through daily life, it’s easy to lose touch with our awareness. Even with the best intentions, we often find ourselves mindlessly navigating each day. We go through the motions, fulfilling obligations, meeting deadlines and surrendering to habitual patterns, all the while yearning for that moment when our to-do list miraculously vanishes.

Our minds become caught up in mental whirlwinds in the face of challenges like load shedding and financial pressures, causing us to miss the beauty that already and always surrounds us. Joyful living requires commitment. It calls us to be fully awake and aware in every moment of our lives.

It invites us to interrupt the momentum of our habits, allowing us to reclaim peace, appreciation, wonder, awe and simple happiness. In his powerful book The Art of Joyful Living, Swami Rama reminds us that happiness is within our grasp and that we have the power to radiate it to others.

“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” Even in the face of challenges, his teachings can inspire us to have a more joy-filled perspective. So, embrace the opportunity to create happiness in your own life. These steps, when practised daily, will nurture the seeds of joy within you, allowing them to flourish endlessly.

CLEAR THE CLUTTER
Clutter and chaos can hinder our joy. Take the time to declutter your physical surroundings and address any unresolved issues. Every step towards tidiness creates space into which joy, peace and happiness can flow.

If there are tasks you’ve been procrastinating on, pay attention to them. Don’t settle for ‘good enough’ or delay any longer. Carve out the time, seek solutions and clean up.

CELEBRATE THE BOUNTY OF YOUR LIFE
While problems often demand our attention, Swami Rama encourages us to recognise what is working. Take stock of the positive aspects of your life – from your living situation to the people you love and appreciate. You may be surprised by the abundance already present in your life.

FOCUS ON WHAT TRULY MATTERS
“Mind your own business!” Swami Rama advises. Release the desire to control things beyond your reach, such as other people, situations and the past or future. Instead, shift your attention inward, cultivating compassion for both yourself and others.

Whenever you find yourself caught in an emotional reaction, turn the mirror inward. Release the grip of your stories and examine what is genuinely true in your direct experience. Infuse compassion into the places where it is most needed. By working on areas where you feel stuck, you will naturally radiate joy.

SAVOUR LIFE WITH ALL YOUR SENSES
“Slow down and appreciate the richness of life that surrounds you,” Swami Rama says. Engage your senses fully, relishing the sights, sounds, tastes, textures and smells that envelop you. From a simple apple to the symphony of washing dishes, every experience can become a source of delight.

GIVE FREELY, GET ABUNDANCE
Instead of waiting for external validation or fulfilment, offer attention, understanding and love to others. In this act of giving and generosity, you will discover a wellspring of love overflowing within you.

“EVERY EXPERIENCE, FROM A SIMPLE APPLE TO THE SYMPHONY OF WASHING DISHES, CAN BECOME A SOURCE OF DELIGHT”

EMBRACE STILLNESS
By quieting the noise, we discover the profound beauty that exists around us. Find moments to be still and experience the deep peace that arises, melting away stress and fostering clarity.

When we consciously allow ourselves to be still, we naturally open ourselves to a deep appreciation of the present moment. In this state, we become relaxed, grounded and clear, as stress gradually melts away.

LEARN AND GROW FROM LIFE’S CHALLENGES
Difficult experiences offer invaluable opportunities for growth. Embrace life’s challenges with an open mind and heart, acknowledging the areas where you are not yet free. Slow down and become conscious of your self-defeating patterns, making choices that lead to a better life.

RELEASE GRUDGES
Choose to let go of past grievances and live in forgiveness. Seek resolution and make amends, fostering a way of living that’s free from hurt and resentment. By doing so, you will experience a new-found sense of joy, strength and empowerment.

RADIATE POSITIVITY AND KINDNESS
Regardless of the circumstances, approach life with a pleasant and open attitude. Leave negativity and complaints behind, instead focusing on being patient, kind and agreeable in our daily interactions. By embodying positivity, you will be contributing to a more joyful world.

FOLLOW THE PATH OF JOY
Each moment in life presents a choice, and joy serves as our compass. Observe what truly brings you joy, and prioritise it in your life. By making space for positivity and life-affirming experiences, you will have truly mastered the art of joyful living.

Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photograph: Getty/Gallo Images