When we are mindful — free of preconception and judgment — we are automatically imbued with a lightheartedness. We can step far enough back from ourselves to make room for a sense of humor and playfulness. Richard Davidson's research on mindfulness meditators found that their brains shift in a way that fosters positive, upbeat moods rather than negative ones.
I remember a story told by one of my tea teachers. He always said that bringing tea mind into the world included having a deep peace in oneself that is unperturbed by small annoyances, and being flexible, capturing the lightness of the moment.