One of the biggest influences in my life has been Joseph Campbell (1904 - 1987), a scholar, teacher and writer who was a pioneer in sharing the wisdom and beauty contained in myths from cultures all over the world. The collective wisdom of humanity is recorded in mythology and as well as being an epic storyteller, Campbell had a deep understanding of the human experience.
Perhaps Campbell’s most famous saying was ‘follow your bliss’ which was his credo for living life to the full. Essentially, Campbell’s advice is to find out what fascinates you, what lights you up and brings you experiences of rapture: this is the ‘bliss’ part. It’s a great question to consider and the key to it is that each person’s bliss is as different and unique as we all are.
To ‘follow’ your bliss means to never lose sight of what brings you moments of bliss and, as far as possible, set your life up to maximise the opportunities to experience moments of delight.
All very well and good but it’s not that easy, I hear you say! Ok here are some common obstacles and suggested solutions.
I don’t know what my bliss is?
You’re not alone! Here’s the thing, it’s likely nobody has asked you lately, “What really lights you up?” So, it can take some time for a clear answer to emerge. Be patient and also be brave, it’s likely that if you don’t know then it’s not something you’re already doing so it’s time to mix it up and try some new things.
I don’t have time.
I get it, we’re all so busy that ‘following your bliss’ hasn’t made it into you daily to-do list. Only you can know whether there is something on that habitual daily list of tasks that you could drop that would make space for some more ‘bliss time’.
I have responsibilities!
Following your bliss doesn’t mean you abrogate all your worldly obligations and become totally self-absorbed. It’s about prioritizing taking time to nourish your own happiness and contentment which then rubs off on and benefits all the people around you.
Wes Smith
