Discovering Mudita: The Art of Feeling Joy for Others’ Success

The Brahmaviharas, known as the "heavenly abodes" in Buddhist tradition, are qualities that promote love, joy, and connection.

Among them is Mudita—empathetic joy, or simply put, the ability to celebrate someone else’s win like it’s your own. It’s about stepping out of jealousy and into joy.

Sounds sweet, right? But let’s be real: Mudita is hard. It’s like trying to high-five someone when your hands are full of jealousy and self-doubt. Sure, it’s easy to feel Mudita for your bestie’s promotion or your kid’s soccer score. But can you cheer when your mat neighbor nails that freestanding Pincha you’ve been sweating over for months?

Mudita says, “Yes, you can.” Here’s why (and how)...

Be Okay with Being Human

Confession time: We’ve all felt that pinch of envy when someone beats us to a goal or floats into an arm balance we secretly wanted to nail first. It’s as if their happiness robs us of our own, like someone yanking the last cozy blanket off your side of the bed, leaving you with cold feet.

But here’s the truth: Happiness isn’t a limited resource. It’s infinite. Like bottomless mimosas at your favorite brunch spot, but with less regret.

Your joy isn’t diminished by someone else’s. In fact, celebrating others can actually fill your emotional cup.

When jealousy rears its head, pause and breathe. Acknowledge that feeling without judging yourself, then try repeating this mantra:
“I am happy that you’re happy. May your joy ripple out and inspire others.”

Count Your Own Blessings

Envy loves to whisper in your ear, trying to convince you that someone else has more sparkle in their life than yours. Don’t listen. Instead, practice contentment and take stock of all the goodness in your own world.

Maybe it’s your health, your friendships, your ability to do crow pose without face-planting. Big or small, these are treasures worth celebrating. Gratitude is grounding, and practicing it allows you to more naturally and genuinely cheer for others.

💡 Pro tip: Keep a “joy journal.” Each night, jot down three things that made you smile. It’s a Mudita muscle-builder!

Spot the Good, Even in Tough Places

The world has plenty of heartbreak, and it’s easy to get stuck in the doom spiral. While compassion for others’ suffering is crucial, don’t forget to balance it by looking for inklings of joy, however small, and cherish them.

When you notice someone’s happiness (maybe it’s a kind gesture, a shared laugh, or a big win) breathe it in like fresh air. Feel the lightness it brings. Then exhale and send that energy out into the world.

Even when someone’s behavior challenges you (thinking of you, high school nemesis), dig deep to find the good. Maybe their intentions were kind, even if their execution was off. This doesn’t mean excusing harmful actions but understanding that hurt often hides behind them.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Mudita isn’t a one-and-done deal. It takes consistency, like a handstand practice for your heart. Start small: the next time someone shares good news, let your first thought be a cheer rather than a comparison. With time, Mudita becomes second nature, a natural extension of your own happiness.

Mudita invites you to step out of the competitive mindset and into a world where joy multiplies instead of divides.

So next time someone else gets the gold star, try this: Smile. Cheer. Feel the warmth of their happiness radiate through you. After all, their joy doesn’t just belong to them…it’s a gift for all of us.

Want to level up your practice while being part of a community where envy doesn’t exist and every win is a team win? At Yogi Flight School, you’ll find a cheering squad for your arm balances, inversions, and everything in between. Come experience a place where “your crow is my crow,” because shared joy makes the journey so much sweeter.