The Breath of Joy

Do you want to invite a little more joy into your day? Maybe feel some lightness or energy that doesn’t require an extra cup of coffee? Well, there's a practice for that—it’s called the Breath of Joy. Now, I know what you’re thinking: "Can breathing alone really help me to feel better?” Yes! Keep reading to learn how.

The practice starts with three deliberate inhales, each paired with a movement, followed by a long exhale. Sounds simple enough, right? It is. With practice. Trust me, this little sequence can shift your energy in a big way.

On the first inhale, extend your arms out in front of you. This opens up space in your chest and shoulders. Feel that expansion as your breath moves in, creating room for something new—a sense of calm, maybe, or just the ability to breathe without thinking about your to-do list.

With the second inhale, your arms stretch wide to the sides. This moment might remind you of an airplane getting ready for takeoff, but instead of soaring into the sky, you’re inviting more openness into your heart and lungs. As your breath deepens, notice how your body feels—like you’re making space, letting go of tightness you didn’t even realize was there. Maybe this is where joy starts to sneak in.

On the third inhale, your arms rise all the way up overhead, stretching as if you’re reaching to touch the sun. This time, your whole body extends, your spine elongates, and it feels like you’re drawing energy from the sun into your entire body. With each breath, you’re filling yourself up—maybe even feeling a little lighter, a little more connected to the moment.

Then comes the exhale, and with it, the fold. Now, if you’re like me, this "fold" might not look as graceful as you'd hope, and that’s fine. Maybe you fold deeply, or maybe your hands only reach your thighs, but either way, this is where the magic happens. On this long, slow exhale, you’re letting go—of tension, of stress, of the endless mental clutter. Just release it. Feel your body soften as you exhale, and notice the lightness that follows.

After a few rounds of this, pause and just be still. Close your eyes. Feel the subtle shifts in your body—the tingle of energy, the warmth, or maybe just a sense of peace that wasn’t there before. Even if you don’t suddenly feel like you’re glowing with joy (because, let’s be real, it’s a practice, not a miracle), you might notice something small—a quiet presence, a little more ease. And that’s something.

The Breath of Joy isn’t about doing it perfectly, and it’s certainly not about turning into an enlightened being in five minutes flat. It’s about reconnecting with yourself in a way that feels simple and joyful. Whether you're standing or sitting, flexible or, well, not so much, this practice is for everyone. It’s less about how it looks and more about how it makes you feel.

So, next time you need a little boost (or a break from staring at your to-do list), give the Breath of Joy a try. It may just remind you that joy doesn’t need to be chased—it’s already within you, waiting for a little room to breathe.

Namaste.

Click here to try a free gentle yoga or free chair yoga class with me.