The BIG JOY project:

a 7-day Challenge & more

The BIG JOY project is inspired by the friendship between two great teachers and friends, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu as they made it their mission to spread the message of JOY around the globe. 

Inspired by this great vision, UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center along with the Mission: Joy project, are conducting the largest-ever citizen science project about JOY.

The 7-Day Challenge offered through UCB, is a series of scientifically proven micro-actions that will help you create more JOY for yourself. Try the intro practice today, and if you like it, go for the full seven days! Take 4 minutes to create some JOY for yourself AND test drive the largest-ever citizen science project on JOY.

What is an Embodiment Practice?

An embodiment practice is a method of using the unique sensations of our body as a tool to develop awareness, stay present, self-regulate, feel whole, find balance, feel connected, know ourselves, love ourselves and be empowered.

In this article, you can read an account of the experience of Embodiment Practices from another practitioner. “As a human race, we have moved far away from the wisdom of our bodies." writes Patzel. "It’s not exactly something that we are being taught at school, either. We mostly live in our minds, consumed by data, starving ourselves of true satisfaction and the joy of being alive…”

Our bodies hold the key to an abundance of untapped power, wisdom and joy. 

Qigong Daily Practice - Eight Pieces of Silk Brocade

This 20-minute video led by the beaming Judy Young, presents "Eight Pieces of Silk Brocade", a series of ancient Chinese qigong exercises. Practiced daily, it can slow down the aging process and improve health. Lots of info and versions of this practice are available online, but I find this one by Ms. Young to be super accessible. It’s also a great way to synchronize body, breath and mind.

I’ve been doing this gentle practice every morning since the beginning of the Pandemic and it’s been a huge gift. A great way to wake up the body, stimulate the organs, regulate my breathing and connect with the energies of the earth, cosmos and my own being. I also love the birdsongs in the background and the fact that all the instructions are presented as subtitles as opposed to being spoken.