Now, over a decade later, I am training in yoga and combining this with graduate work in education, with an eye towards supporting yoga and mindfulness as an integral part of public education to create better learning environments. Recently I came across a Hindi word that means the exact opposite of schadenfreude: mudita. Mudita is the pure joy in the wellbeing of others. Hindi has an opposite for this too, and that word is invidia, though there are no catchy tunes called Invidia that I know about to lead in on this topic of how we feel regarding the wellbeing of others. While the showy song is funny, the overall themes of the musical Avenue Q actually reflect the ideals of yoga (purposeful living, helping others, and surrender to the present moment). It’s presented in extreme jest for the sake of relating to a broader spectrum of people and connecting them to truths.
The take away here is that there is much happiness to be experienced in honoring the good fortune of someone else. When we are practicing joy, forgiveness, and compassion inwardly, it becomes easy for that practice to reverse it’s course in an outward expression. Feeling centered, connected, and content, you will be able to truly delight in the growth and wellbeing of others!
Presence and Positivity 