'Bliss'.
For a long time the sound of that word made me cringe. The mere mention of it on the lips of a self help guru would launch me into a panic and what at the time seemed like a never ending need to jump into every situation with both feet without thinking; for the sake of finding MY 'bliss'.
No matter how much I jumped, it seemed that 'bliss' was completely out of my reach.
I think back to those years and know that all of the time, effort and creativity was not wasted (nothing ever is). Instead I think of the invaluable gift of contrast that I received. Going through the motions for things that gave me little to no satisfaction so that I would know beyond a shadow of a doubt what it was that truly would give me satisfaction and purpose (when I found it).
Through my journey I have learned that everyone's bliss looks different. Each of our blissful states is as unique as our individual DNA. That what is blissful for one may certainly not be for the other. With social media being what it is; I believe it's highly likely that most of us at one time or another will look at another individual displaying their bliss filled lives for the entire world to see and wonder 'What is wrong with me?' or 'Why can't I be that happy'.
If you find yourself thinking those thoughts and you are anything like me you will immediately start a mental list of all of the things that are wrong with you. Once the list is complete you start looking for ways to prove to the Universe that you are worthy of the same level of bliss that everyone else on the planet seems to be experiencing.
This routine becomes painful (that's putting it mildly).
Bliss is defined as 'perfect happiness; great joy'. The trouble with this definition may be that our perception of what 'perfect happiness and great joy' is; is totally out of whack with reality.
We may have forgotten that perfect happiness and great joy comes from being present in the moment we are in. As you sit on your deck, sipping coffee; instead of looking at your tattered deck boards and wondering how on earth you will be able to afford a new deck. Allow yourself the pleasure of being present bringing your awareness to the feel of the breeze on your skin and the taste of coffee on your tongue. This is bliss.
I know this is bliss because I've experienced it. My life is far from perfect. I stumble and fall and more importantly get back up again. I am not perfectly happy (in that way that we perceive perfect happiness to be) in every moment. Though when I hang my laundry; pick the weeds from my garden or marvel at the improvement a coat of paint makes on a wall I feel warm inside. I feel blissful as though nothing in life could be better.
These moments that we are being summoned to acknowledge the gift of life; to find and follow our bliss. They are the simple moments filled with simple things. Helping a friend; preparing a healthy meal for your family and even standing up for yourself and taking time to nurture the precious gift that you are. These are where you will find your bliss if you allow yourself to.
And I promise you that once you find your bliss you will want to follow it everywhere.
For a long time the sound of that word made me cringe. The mere mention of it on the lips of a self help guru would launch me into a panic and what at the time seemed like a never ending need to jump into every situation with both feet without thinking; for the sake of finding MY 'bliss'.
No matter how much I jumped, it seemed that 'bliss' was completely out of my reach.
I think back to those years and know that all of the time, effort and creativity was not wasted (nothing ever is). Instead I think of the invaluable gift of contrast that I received. Going through the motions for things that gave me little to no satisfaction so that I would know beyond a shadow of a doubt what it was that truly would give me satisfaction and purpose (when I found it).
Through my journey I have learned that everyone's bliss looks different. Each of our blissful states is as unique as our individual DNA. That what is blissful for one may certainly not be for the other. With social media being what it is; I believe it's highly likely that most of us at one time or another will look at another individual displaying their bliss filled lives for the entire world to see and wonder 'What is wrong with me?' or 'Why can't I be that happy'.
If you find yourself thinking those thoughts and you are anything like me you will immediately start a mental list of all of the things that are wrong with you. Once the list is complete you start looking for ways to prove to the Universe that you are worthy of the same level of bliss that everyone else on the planet seems to be experiencing.
This routine becomes painful (that's putting it mildly).
Bliss is defined as 'perfect happiness; great joy'. The trouble with this definition may be that our perception of what 'perfect happiness and great joy' is; is totally out of whack with reality.
We may have forgotten that perfect happiness and great joy comes from being present in the moment we are in. As you sit on your deck, sipping coffee; instead of looking at your tattered deck boards and wondering how on earth you will be able to afford a new deck. Allow yourself the pleasure of being present bringing your awareness to the feel of the breeze on your skin and the taste of coffee on your tongue. This is bliss.
I know this is bliss because I've experienced it. My life is far from perfect. I stumble and fall and more importantly get back up again. I am not perfectly happy (in that way that we perceive perfect happiness to be) in every moment. Though when I hang my laundry; pick the weeds from my garden or marvel at the improvement a coat of paint makes on a wall I feel warm inside. I feel blissful as though nothing in life could be better.
These moments that we are being summoned to acknowledge the gift of life; to find and follow our bliss. They are the simple moments filled with simple things. Helping a friend; preparing a healthy meal for your family and even standing up for yourself and taking time to nurture the precious gift that you are. These are where you will find your bliss if you allow yourself to.
And I promise you that once you find your bliss you will want to follow it everywhere.
Love your blog Jennifer. It is usually exactly what I need to hear!
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