A Joyful Practice – Part 2

In my last article (A Joyful Practice-Part 2), I talked about the power of sitting with and recalling positive experiences. Strengthening our memory of those experiences allows us to more easily tap into our positive memories whenever we need a little boost. Thinking about the warm hugs and kind words my team gave me when I left for a new position brings back the feeling of being appreciated. Remembering my nephew’s squeals when I chased him around sends a shot of joy through me.

In coaching people around their own positive moments, I’ve seen other significant benefits. Coaching around positive moments in people’s lives often reveals how the experience aligns with their deeper values. And that often leads to them finding greater insight into what’s truly meaningful in their lives.  

A 2022 study published in Nature Human Behaviour focused on whether experiential appreciation, or valuing our own life experiences, contributes to finding meaning in life. Through seven studies, the authors found that experiential appreciation influences our perceptions of whether or not we are living meaningful lives. 

Want to try it for yourself? Here’s a little exercise I’ve done and used with coaching clients:

1. Think about a peak experience in your life. This could be a time when you experienced a lot of fun or felt you were performing at high levels. Try to recall as much about that experience as you can.
2. Next, ask yourself what made that experience such a highlight. Was it because of the people who were with you? Was it because you were doing something you truly love? Was there something you learned about yourself from that experience? 
3. Consider how your answers have shown up in other positive experiences. What themes or patterns emerge? These are the clues to what brings you a sense of meaning and purpose.
4. Notice what you’re feeling. What do you notice about your heart rate? What emotions or sensations are you noticing? Has a smile crept onto your face? Conjuring up these positive feelings does just as much for our brain chemistry and body as having a new positive experience. 

Experiential appreciation is incredibly valuable as a means for supporting our wellbeing, and also supporting us when we come to crossroads in our lives. By pausing to reflect on what brings me the most joy, I’ve gained clarity around what is most meaningful to me in life and what isn’t. Now, I have the opportunity to be more intentional in my choices so that I lead a more meaningful and joyful life.