In this episode, we're talking about three common roadblocks that stand in the way of our element of sympathetic joy (and joy in general). These three obstacles trick us into feeling like we're always the victim, there's never enough (time, money, relationships, jobs... everything), and that we are lacking or flawed in some way. These obstacles are sneaky, but when you start to notice them, they can be tamed and overcome. Tune in for some strategies and encouragement to overcome these obstacles and to make more space for joy.

Key Takeaways:

• The fallacy of fairness keeps us stuck in resentment, jealousy, and in a victim role. It's a sneaky and really common obstacle that can really hold us back. This fallacy also keeps us from actually seeing what is objectively unfair... which means we fight every single battle with the belief that everything we don't like is unfair, we are always the victim, and we have no power in making a change. That's an exhausting and defeating place to be. That leaves us no energy for much else, including working to change systems or sound the alarm when something is objectively unfair.
• The fallacy of scarcity tricks us into thinking that we never have enough. This keeps us on this ever-racing-track of wanting more and more and never settling into a feeling of contentment or ease.
• And that last obstacle we're talking about in this episode keeps us locked into this feeling that we are flawed or lacking in some way. This is false. You are not flawed, broken, or lacking some essential quality. At Joy Lab, we work on building the elements in our lives that help us step into our most authentic, joyful, and perfect-for-us selves.
• Interoception is a powerful skill that we can use to navigate these obstacles and regulate our emotions toward something that nourishes us more.

Links Mentioned:

• Joy Lab Program (step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life)
• Joy Lab podcast episode 9 (Sympathetic Joy: Happiness Goes Viral)
• Joy Lab podcast episode 34 (Meditation with Music: Heart-Opening Meditation)
• Joy Lab podcast episode 36 (Eight Billion Quick Tips for Joy)
• Joy Lab podcast episode 37 (Meditation with Music: Sympathetic Joy Meditation)
• Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (personal website)

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2147812918