Why is Bliss a difficult word?

Bliss is an interesting word.  It is more than enjoyment; it is more like ecstasy.

Why is it that we are a little embarrassed by the word? Possibly because it has been highjacked by the dark side?  By that I mean it has been cheapened and tainted by unhelpful media and careless usage. Ecstasy – isn’t that a drug?  Bliss isn’t that what you get from an ice cream? Orgasm – isn’t that what I get when I watch porn on my ‘phone?

The joy of living, shout out loud amazement, singing in the shower, dancing in the rain.  The sheer love of life becomes distorted and inhibited. We forget what it is like to explode with excitement!  Watch a small child having a new experience – don’t we all want to feel like that again?

In a world where we are bombarded with casual and impossible sex and gratuitous violence we lose a sense of the beauty and complexity of our bodies. We forget that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We begin to doubt our worth and attractiveness.

Certainly, in the West, when the landscape of our bodies becomes more mature and characteristics change – this is not a cause of celebration! We mourn the loss of our youthful landscape and try to cover up, fill up, lift up, and sometimes just give up in despair.

The question is not why?  That road leads to navel gazing theory and inertia.

The question is how can this be reversed in my life.  The rest of the world is too big for us to worry about now.  How do I create a mind-set that expects blissful experiences every day?  I believe that in the same way that St Francis built his church one brick at a time, we can build happiness one blissful experience at a time. “ I don’t know what she had in her tea this morning but I want some!”

Take a look at this extract from ‘Vortex’ by Esther and Jerry Hicks:

We are here as co-creators. And it is my expectation as we move forward (in this marriage) that both of us will find ourselves satisfied in every way that is possible.  It is my desire to discover who I am and who you are.  But most important to me is that I be happy so that I may inspire happiness in you.  I do not take your life as my responsibility. I take my life as my responsibility.

I use this extract in marriage preparation as a discussion point, but it is equally valid in considering ourselves in community.

Christian teaching has spent a disproportionate amount of time teaching the virtues of suffering, submission and obedience.  This is all worthy doctrine but let’s not forget praise, joy, dancing, pleasure, sex, delight and love! (Check out the Song of Songs!)

Sisters, we need to recalibrate our lives.  Bliss is our right, and our duty to the world.

Baby steps:

Posture that says I have a right to be here – created to be seen and encountered – shoulders back, stomach in, get fitted for a bra that lifts and separates not that rides up your back and leaves your boobs sinking to the waist.

A face that that says I am great and so are you – have a blissful experience today my friend because I sure am going to.

A heart that fills with gratitude – counting blessings – even in the darkest moments there is a light if only we see it.

And day by day we will get stronger, more courageous, more present, more willing to take an adventure,  and when people begin to see us – some (sadly not all) will be touched in their deepest place, hope will begin to germinate in the darkness and they may never know where the gift came from.

RevJaneK