Posted: 8/13/2013 | Happiness	Comments
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Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit. –e.e. cummings

Not too long ago I attended a large social event. The band struck up with great music from my teen years, and I began moving to the music. As a former dancer, dancing is a natural expression for me, and so I grooved to some of my favorite old songs. A woman standing nearby said, “Oh, gosh, you must be tipsy!” I wasn’t of course, but I found it interesting that to this woman, dancing required “liquid courage.”

It’s how so many of us live our lives, ruled by our fear, inhibitions and cultural expectations. It’s easy to miss those precious moments, the ones that create the best memories and make us happy. It’s essential to practice spontaneity and allow ourselves to follow our joy in any moment.

How do we do this? It doesn’t require perfection, just the willingness to be unselfconscious. We need only be playful and present, right now, in this moment. We can practice any time by bringing our awareness to whatever we’re doing. We notice we are reading a book in this moment, driving to the beach in this moment, watching the drifting clouds in this moment, writing a blog in this moment. Spontaneity is available at any time as we tune into our deepest selves and follow the next impulse, the next “right” thing to do.

Spontaneous joy is our natural expression. Our intuition–our essence–will guide us to the next best action. When we tune in we can dance when we’re moved to dance, laugh when we’re moved to laugh. We can swing our arms, gaze at the horizon, break into song. It feels good and right to do so.

Spontaneous joy is inclusive. When we’re spontaneously dancing, singing, laughing, joking, or moved to tears–whatever our expression–we energetically invite others to join us. Of course, not everyone is willing or able to play, but when we live in the moment we can’t help but expand and connect with others.  

Take a moment to go with the flow today. Tune in, follow the impulse, act on your joy. Don’t worry how you look, however briefly, and let yourself sway to the music. These are the joyful moments that make up the fabric of your life.

Please share what happens. Your comments make a difference for us all.