Spring Int0 Joy

Put Yourself in the Path of Joy When You Step onto the Dance Floor

This week I’ve got joy on my mind and in my body

I recently saw a fascinating TED Talk by Ingrid Fetell Lee, "Where Joy Hides and Where to Find It," and caught myself smiling the entire time I watched. Lee describes joy as a moment of full presence, an instant feeling of elevation, abundance, life, and vitality. And as a designer, she suggests the world around us can be a powerful resource for creating happier, healthier lives.

But rather than chasing happiness, put yourself directly in the path of joy, she says.

And for me, that path leads straight to Zumba!

Lee explores the "aesthetics of joy" in design, highlighting how color, roundness, and abundance can evoke joyful feelings. It got me thinking about the sensory explosion of a Zumba class: the vibrant music, from gentle rhythms to powerful beats; the bright, colorful clothing and beaming smiles on the dance floor (or screen!); the feeling of my muscles moving, the sweat dripping down my face! These sensations pull me out of my mental chatter, release stress, and connect me to the music, to you (my amazing community), and back to myself.

Lee points out that the aesthetics of  joy are often missing from the places we spend most of our time – offices, schools, and homes. We seem to think that bright colors, whimsical patterns, and playful energy are only for children. But why? Why do we grow out of feeling energized, elated, and creative?

Zumba, for me, is the perfect antidote. It's dedicated time to be silly, to play, to let go of perfection, to add your own style, and yes, to get loud! (You know I love a rowdy class!). It's a chance to reconnect with that joyful kid within us.

Watching Lee's talk, I realized how fortunate I am to be in the business of joy. And I want to invite you to spring (or should I say, dance) into joy with me this April!

Here's how you can join the joy-filled movement:

• Taipei Crew: Let's dance together in person! Check out my class schedule for this week. (Please note that there will be no class Saturday of Tomb Sweeping Holiday weekend.)

• Global Shakers: Join my online Zumba classes! Get ready to feel the joy from anywhere in the world with our All-Access pass for April.

• Find Your Joy: This week, pay attention to the little things that bring you joy. Maybe it's the cherry blossoms in the park, a favorite song, or a silly dance move. Share your moments of joy with me!

Let's dance our way into a joyful spring!

Keep moving!

xx,

Katie