Calming Practice -- Uncovering Joy (6/25/26)

Allison Miller

June 26 2026 • Duration: 47 Minutes

With a gentle, calming set of poses, and a balanced breath we work to uncover our intrinsic joy. A few minutes of meditation at the end of this one to visualize your joy increasing.

Muditā is the Sanskrit term for joy toward those who are virtuous or embody goodness. It is often translated as sympathetic or appreciative joy.

The translation of Sutra 1.33 that I usually work from explains that jealousy, like cruelty, arises from desire. In the context of the sutra, jealousy is discussed in relation to our spiritual path—when we find ourselves comparing our practice or growth to those who seem more virtuous or spiritually advanced.

The teaching invites us to cultivate happiness toward those who embody virtue.

We tend to put people we admire on a pedestal. We imagine they have something we lack, and comparison naturally follows. Then, if we discover they are simply human—or that they have made mistakes—we may even feel a subtle sense of relief. The sutra invites us to notice this tendency with honesty rather than judgment.

In a modern context, this often shows up through social media. We see curated images of people who appear to be thriving, peaceful, or effortlessly successful, and comparison arises. And when we later learn that things are not as perfect as they seemed, there can be a quiet sense of satisfaction or validation. Both patterns subtly disturb the clarity and calm of the mind.

The underlying premise of this class is that joy is intrinsic. When the mind is not clouded by comparison, judgment, or jealousy, joy is already here.

This also ties back to the self-compassion we began with earlier in the month. As we move through daily life, we can gently ask: Can I choose joy more often? Can I allow someone else’s goodness or happiness to be something I appreciate, rather than something I measure myself against?