What is bliss? The dictionary describes bliss as great joy or happiness. It also defines it as spiritual joy, or heavenly rapture. Ooh! Heavenly rapture! Doesn’t that sound delightful?
So, what gives you that feeling of bliss? What gives you great joy or heavenly rapture? Or, to use the vernacular, what floats your boat?
I know this seems like an oxymoron, but I am quite serious about joy! Too many people have no idea of what gives them joy. You’d be surprised at how many times I’ve asked the question, “what brings you joy?” and simply receive a blank, uncomprehending look. In our society, joy is something you get later, when all of your work is done, or when you eke out half of a week for vacation. Then, you get to have joy and fun. Despite all of the beer commercials where beautiful, young people seem to be having a heck of a good time, many of you only allow your fun and joy in small increments, after you have finished all of your never-ending to-do list.
Some of you define joy by what you think others think you should be enjoying, like exercising at the gym. If you truly enjoy the exercise, that’s great! But a lot of people go to the gym or go for a run out of a sense of obligation to their health or out of fear of gaining weight, and they don’t really enjoy it. They just say they do because you’re supposed to enjoy it.
Then there are the guilt people. You know who you are! You are the ones who feel guilty about enjoying things when so many other people are suffering or aren’t happy in their own lives. Where do you think the term “guilty pleasure” comes from? If it gives you joy and is not hurting yourself or others, there is no room for guilt with your joy. The unhappy ones will be unhappy whether or not you have joy. That is their choice in the moment. That may change for them at some point, but for now, why are you feeling guilt over your God-given joy?
Yes, God given! Who do you think invented laughter and joy? Perhaps Divine Creation? The gift of bliss is a gift from Divine. Who are you to throw a gift back in the giver’s face? Who are you to be dour and unhappy when your purpose here is to reflect Divine joy and love? Who are you to decide that life sucks and everyone should be unhappy?
You, of course, always get to choose. That is the gift of this planet of free will and choice. But choosing heartache and pain over joy and laughter doesn’t make you a better person. It doesn’t make you deeper or more spiritual or any of that nonsense. It just makes you unhappy and no fun to be around.
So, what gives you joy? Where do you feel bliss? Is it in your garden, on a beach, on a boat, with friends and family? Is it the gentle bliss of vegging out with a good book or the more rowdy fun of cheering on your favorite team at your most beloved sporting event? Is it a walk in nature or a day spent watching the Nascar races?
The only “bad” bliss is one in which you are harming yourself or others. All the rest is fair game!
But here’s the thing–I want you to own it! I want you to revel in it. I want you to jump in with both feet and holler whoo-hoo!
Years ago, a friend told me about being on a particularly bumpy flight with a treacherous landing. Everyone was tense, except for one little girl who, upon landing, raised her hands in the air and yelled “wheee!” as though she’d just been on a ride at Disneyland. As everyone laughed, my friend said that the energy of the passengers shifted and the tension was lifted.
While you may not be like that little girl if your plane is bouncing through turbulence, when you are experiencing something that gives you bliss, really feel it. Notice it. Give yourself permission to do it more! Because when you are in a blissful state, the energy around you shifts and reflects that. By being happy, you encourage those around you to be happy. By reveling in your bliss, you raise your energy, which transfers to Mother Earth, making her happy.
Yes, I know there is pain and suffering in the world. Yes, I know you have your problems and challenges. But you are not your problems and challenges. You are a delightful soul who gets to have fun while you’re here experiencing your life. You are a divine spark, a light on the planet. You get to shine.
So, go find your happy. Go find your bliss. Revel in joy and heavenly rapture. Know that you are here to embrace your bliss. It’s a gift from Divine. Please do not squander your gifts from Divine through guilt or a false sense of obligation to unhappiness.
After all, in the northern hemisphere, it is summer. It’s time to play and have fun. Allow yourself to enjoy this gift of life, love, and laughter you’ve been given.
In joy and love,
Barbara