An Evening of Bliss

Many years ago I heard Joseph Campbell speak of "following your bliss." It sounded wonderful, but I didn't know what he meant. I thought bliss was the same as happiness. How can a person be happy all the time? And is it possible to find bliss in such a troubled world?

It's only in recent years that I've begun to understand what Campbell meant. First, bliss is not the same as happiness which depends upon external events or people. Bliss is a state of joy that comes from within. It can occur in any place and at any time. Also, bliss is a quiet kind of joy that comes without trying. It occurs spontaneously when one is totally in the present moment. Finally, following your bliss involves discovering what it is in life that brings you into that present moment, when time stands still.

For me, bliss began with only brief glimpses and feelings of inner peace. It usually occurred when I was teaching. As soon as I began to notice it and analyze it, bliss evaporated. I've discovered that I can't be conscious of myself experiencing bliss. I have to just be immersed in it, allowing the bliss to fill me with joy and love, without questionning it. Bliss is not something that I possess. It is about me showing up for others. It is about being in a state of love and grace.

Last weekend I experienced an evening of bliss. It was an event that I had been looking forward to, but being a shy person, I was feeling anxious when I was driving to the venue. As I approached the restaurant where I knew people would be awaiting my arrival, I spoke to my spirit guide and asked him to use me to make the evening meaningful for others who would be in attendance that evening. A feeling of peace and love
filled my heart, and I walked into the room knowing it would be a special evening.

I was surrounded by people who emanated love. We were together to share details of our spiritual lives. Everyone had read my book More Than a Whisper which speaks of my spiritual evolution. Each person present had their own story which was shared with me and others. The love in that room was palpable. It was only at the end of the evening that I realized I had remained in a state of bliss the entire evening.