Saturday, June 5, 2010

Bliss?

Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls. - Joseph Campbell

I just read this quote.  I can see that it would be pretty inspirational, and it sounds nice, and seems to make sense and all.  It's the kind of quote that would probably motivate me.  If I recognized my bliss.  What is bliss?  Trusty Wikipedia tells me:


Bliss can be a state of profound satisfaction, happiness and joy.
Bliss is a constant state of mind undisturbed by gain or loss.

Ignorance is bliss.  Sorry.  I'm too aware to be ignorant.  

So, my interpretation of bliss is inner peacefulness.  Not ignorance to the crappy things in life.  Not all or nothing, just savoring or appreciating or focusing on the happy little moments life gives you.  Positive bits.  It's about being aware of things that satisfy you, which means being aware of who you are and what makes you tick. Like....

+ when, out of the blue, your kid smiles at you and says, "I love you, mom.  You're my favorite mom ever."
+ when your cynical friend opens up and shows his/her heart
+ the "silly" things that make you excited, bring you joy...the new pair of shoes, freshly washed sheets, music you love, scents you love, textures you love...
+ watching little kids dance
+ laughing with abandon
+ reading an awesome novel
+ that crushy/googly feeling when you "like" someone
+ that tingly/happy feeling when the person you "like" engages you
+ when you figure something out...when you master something
+ when you make someone else smile or laugh
+ having a fantastic dream!
+ clean, clear ocean waves breaking against the shore - the sound, the scent, the spray
+ daydreaming
+ when a puppy likes you.  petting that sweet little pup.
+ newborn baby heads
+ sleeeeeping late!
+ snuggly blankets
+ creativity
+ a finished project; a result you contributed to
+ leaving your comfort zone - and loving it.
+ connecting with a person.  Getting them. Understanding what they like.  I love a connection.

So, the quote says to concentrate on your blissful moments and you'll make opportunities for yourself.  You'll be more open to see the doors?  You'll break down the walls you may have built around yourself?  I'm not sure (I'm never sure!) - I'm just philosphisin'.

To be honest, I don't even like the term 'bliss.'  It's just too extreme for me.  Maybe I need to come up with my own "joyful" word.  I'm glad I did this little exercise, though.  I've been DOWN in the dumps for days now, and was starting to feel pretty hopeless.  I think I've slowly been seeing the blissful things in life, but haven't been reveling in them in the least.  Think I'm ready to resume some positivity now, though. 

Tell me your bliss?

3 comments:

Jenny said...

I think the quote has a lot to do with perspective. When you come from a happy place, things ,people, opportunity become more receptive, open and possible.

yeah.

bliss/happy for me?
*good sleep
*baby breath
*getting lost in my writing
*driving with the music really loud
*hot coffee cup resting on my chest in the morning
*hugs
*words
*the way I feel right after yoga
*achieving goals
*reading
*when my parrot calls me, "pretty birdy"

Anonymous said...

You don't know any cynics that are un-cynical to open up their cynical hearts to you, do you?

Genevieve said...

I don't know if I can think of anything that gives me bliss right now except the look of pure love in my childrens' eyes.