Today's theme is a powerful one: joy is our first and most fundamental responsibility. Not as a performance, and not as something we wait to "earn," but as a daily priority we practice—one breath, one choice, one moment at a time. In this longer, bonus-style meditation, you'll be invited to release the habit of postponing your happiness and to reconnect with what's already present beneath the noise.

You'll be guided into a simple breathing technique designed to cultivate joy from the inside out—a gentle way to shift your nervous system toward ease, brightness, and quiet aliveness.

As you breathe, you'll strengthen your ability to choose joy—softly, sincerely, and without guilt—so it becomes a steady inner home you can return to anytime.

This is day 3 of a 7-day meditation series, "Awaken to Joy Celebration Meditations," episodes 1297-1303.

ABOUT THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY:

As the year gently comes to a close, this special episode of Awaken to Joy Celebration Meditations invites you into a sacred pause. Between this week's celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah, and any other spiritual celebrations, light and love are celebrated in different ways—but the invitation is the same: to slow down, reflect, and soften into gratitude.

This special bonus episode of Awaken to Joy is part of a meditation series I recorded a few years ago—created not for a moment in time, but for moments like this. As the year draws to a close and the light of celebration fills the season, I wanted to offer this meditation as a gift of gratitude to you, my listeners.

These reflections are timeless by design—an invitation to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with peace, gratitude, and inner light. Whether you're celebrating, resting, or simply needing a pause, this meditation is my way of saying thank you for being here.

May it bring you calm, comfort, and gentle joy as one year ends and another begins.

✨ With deep gratitude, ✨ A moment of stillness, just for you ✨ A new beginning softly forming.

YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Unconditional Joy Challenge"

This week, your mission is to share unconditional joy with 3 people daily:

• someone you know
• a stranger
• and someone who is difficult in your life (you've got this)

THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY

Day 1: Embracing Joy Visualization

Day 2: Affirmation: "I awaken my inner joy."

Day 3: Breathing: Inhale Joy - Exhale Light

Day 4: Heart mudra for inner joy

Day 5: Third Chakra to connect to your passions

Day 6: Awaken to Joy Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques

Day 7: Weekly review meditation and closure

SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS

Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at [email protected] or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!

WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST

SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual.

SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support.

I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at [email protected] and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast!

All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to [email protected].

FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST

Each day's meditation techniques are shared at:

• sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/
• sip and om Facebook
• https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/

SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP

Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.

2-Week's Free Access on iOS

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone

All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to [email protected].Let go of repetitive negative thoughts.

The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig.

Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.