I welcome April as my month to choose “Radical Joy.” I heard the expression from my teacher, who reminded me that I had to make this my daily commitment. I have been riding exhaustion trying to navigate my frustrations with the world today. She is the person who has been my witness all these years of being a yoga practitioner.
I’m invited into my neighbor’s home only to see they are passionate voters for my least favorite man. Why are they so kind as to ask about my daughter and appreciate my unruly dog? Why can’t they be nasty and irritable? I find that human beings are a contrast of opposites, and my judgements only make me miserable. I practice holding the balance and realizing that every behavior and thought is learned. Habits of attachment are so hard to let go of. So I can explore the possibility of finding the good in everyone even if I disagree with their opinions on the world.
This past weekend, my niece Sara organized the most fun, outrageous unifier for all human beings—puppy chaos! The room was filled for two days with yoga students actually following Kim Eisengrath’s wonderful led Gentle Yoga with Puppies fundraiser class with the cutest mayhem of puppy energy everywhere. It was giggles and laughter with all ages enjoying an afternoon where love was the only experience. Just enjoying the sweetness of these innocent babies and “want a be dog owners.” We even had some successful adoptions! As a passionate practitioner and teacher of the tools of yoga, I forgot that being in the experience of joyous fun is more important than my rigid idea of what a yoga experience should be. I am grateful to be humbled by this delightful weekend mayhem—a shout out to Sara, Kim, and the puppy rescue crew.
We celebrate our 28th year of creating Yoga Among Friends this week. I’m reminded why I wanted to establish community and share in the gift of loving as kindred souls of living life fully. I am so grateful for all of the students and teachers who hold this vision of a shared yogic lifestyle and living fully with joy even as we witness sadness and sorrow. I am always practicing what I need to hear and feel. Renewed energy is returned as my cortisol levels lower, and I stay away from my little mind’s need to be in control. I never imagined that we would become a studio offering puppy yoga!! But no better way to embrace the radical joy. Let’s all choose better as we enjoy the month of April.
This month, we’re embracing Radical Joy in every way—through breath, movement, stillness, and community. Browse our April offerings and find the experiences that speak to you. There’s a place for you here.
If any part of this reflection spoke to your heart—whether it was the idea of Radical Joy, the practice of releasing judgment, or the playful magic of puppy chaos—I’d love to hear what it stirred in you. Feel free to leave a comment.
With love and light,
Laura Jane