The Breath of Joy: Remembering Sukha’s Gift of Ease

Joy is medicine. That’s the lesson I relearned this weekend celebrating the fourth birthday of my sweet Sukha, whose name means ease or joy in Sanskrit.

Some teachers come to us on two legs, and others arrive wagging their tails—Sukha has been both.

Her purpose in life is greeting every person who walks through the studio door, offering what I call her Reiki kisses—pure, heart-centered energy that seems to melt away the day’s tension. It felt only natural to dedicate this week’s Reiki Restorative class to The Breath of Joy—a practice that mirrors her gift: expansive, uplifting, and filled with presence.

The Breath: A Bridge Between Body and Mind

In Ayurveda and Yoga, the breath is seen as the bridge between body and mind, a messenger of the soul’s current state. When the breath is shallow, the mind is restless. When the breath is full and rhythmic, the heart opens, and the mind quiets.

The Breath of Joy (a three-part pranayama) helps us remember this connection. With each segmented inhale—arms sweeping wide, high, then overhead—we expand the chest, awaken the lungs, and invite lightness into spaces that have been holding on. The full exhale releases the weight of the day, grounding us back into the body.

It is a simple, joyful breath that invites both expansion and surrender. It is laughter in motion.

(If you haven’t yet read my earlier blog, When the Body Speaks, the Mind Listens, this idea is explored in greater depth—how the body and mind mirror each other and how awareness through breath bridges the two.)

Joy as High-Vibration Healing Energy

In the Reiki tradition, joy carries a high vibration—it moves energy freely and restores balance effortlessly. When we smile, laugh, or move with playfulness, prana (life-force energy) flows. The body softens. The nervous system exhales.

Joy (pictured here with Sukha) brought a box of tissues as a birthday gift — perfect for Sukha, who loves to sneak tissues from students during class, often after a few heartfelt tears. It always brings laughter to the room! Joy happens to be one of Sukha’s favorite students — maybe because they share a name. 🩷🐾

Sukha has always embodied this truth. Her very presence in the studio changes the atmosphere—students arrive tired or stressed, and within moments of her greeting, there’s a visible shift: shoulders drop, faces soften, and smiles return. Often, I think people come more for her than the yoga itself—a true testament to her joyful presence!

That is the power of joy. It’s not something we chase; it’s something we allow. It rises naturally when we stop gripping so tightly.

How Joy Nourishes Your Vitality (The Ayurvedic View)

Ayurveda teaches that joy nourishes ojas, the essence of vitality that sustains immunity, radiance, and longevity. When we live in alignment—with our breath, our rhythms, and our hearts—ojas flourishes. But when we overwork, overthink, or overlook the sweetness of simple moments, our light begins to dim.

Practices like the Breath of Joy rekindle that light. They remind Vata to ground, Pitta to soften, and Kapha to awaken. With each breath, we remember the wholeness already within us.

An Invitation to Breathe with Joy

As I guided class, the room filled with movement, laughter, and open-hearted breath. For a moment, it felt as if we were all breathing as one—connected by joy, by life, by the spirit of a little Pomeranian whose only mission has ever been to love.

Mellissa and Sukha — old friends reunited. Sukha hadn’t seen her in a while and was absolutely delighted! Moments like this remind me that joy often shows up through connection — heart to heart, and sometimes, paw to hand. 🐾💛

May you, too, find moments this week to breathe with joy. Step outside. Stretch your arms wide. Take in three deep, generous breaths, and exhale it all away. Feel your heart lift.

Joy is not outside you—it is the breath moving through you.

Before we close the year, I’ll be offering two final Reiki Restorative sessions at Treehouse Studio — on Sunday, November 16th and Sunday, December 7th at 3:00 PM. These gatherings are a space to reconnect with your breath, refill your reserves, and rest deeply in the warmth of community (and of course, Sukha’s joyful presence).

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If this practice speaks to your heart, I’d love for you to join us. Each class is a reminder that joy, love, and healing are already within you — sometimes, we just need to slow down enough to feel them.

With love and light,

Jennifer & Sukha

Treehouse Studio | JenZen Living

Practicing Warrior I with my little warrior of joy by my side — Sukha reminds me daily that strength and love can coexist in the gentlest heart.

P.S. As a proud partner of Banyan Botanicals, I wanted to share that their 20% off oil

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