Joy-of-Life Exercise

JOY Yoga or The Joy to Vacuum the Floor

To perform a conscious body movement can change a boring or heavy work issue into something interesting and easy. The following example shows you how a “simple” task like vacuuming the floor can be like a joyful game.

The exercise

Get your vacuum cleaner, switch it on and take the handle or pipe into your hand.

Part 1: Standing

• Stand in a well balanced position.

Part 2: Concentrating

• Feel your shoulders. Are you able to keep them relaxed? Is your breathing calm and relaxed?
• Now imagine that your shoulders are made of honey wax. The sun is shining and the wax is softening. It is melting. Do you smell the lovely scent?
• Observe your rhythmic breath. If you feel like laughing during this – even better.

Part 3: Working

• Start vacuuming. Do it slowly! Take your time and do not move hastily.  
• Keep your attention to your shoulders and to your breathing.

And we go on....

• After approx. 3 – 4 minutes vacuuming: have a break and readjust your posture.
• Concentrate on your shoulders again. Let them fall down outwards in a relaxed movement. They start to get softer and more flexible.
• Observe your breathing. It is gentle and deep.  
• Repeat everything: standing – concentrating – working – standing – concentrating – working…

After finishing your task (vacuuming) ask yourself: how do I feel now? Do I feel more relaxed than before doing this work?

Final remark

In the beginning it might seem to be difficult to you to perform a well known task with such a lot of attention, but after some time your body will learn to work spontaneously and much more relaxed without thinking about it.