I believe everybody deserves a dose of bliss on a daily basis. In fact, I think it’s essential to good health as well as being one of the cornerstones of a fulfilling life.
Unfortunately, many people don’t give themselves this gift. They either don’t believe they deserve it deep down, or they are waiting for some future circumstances before they give themselves permission to indulge in bliss.
And for those of you who signed up for my blog for tips on growing your business, before you dismiss this idea as unrelated, think again. This will make you more productive because the more deeply satisfied you are at the basic human, emotional and primal level, the more powerful, creative, and efficient you will be at work.
If you have big goals, a tight schedule and many responsibilities, you might think you just don’t have time for bliss. Well, I say you don’t have time not to enjoy some bliss. Don’t let your days pass you by.
So if you aren’t giving yourself some daily bliss time, the solution is simple. Make it a priority. No more excuses. No more waiting. the time is now to enjoy your life. Make a quick and simple list of things that you absolutely enjoy – your “bliss list”. Then commit to making time for at least one of them every day.
Personally, I give myself bliss time every morning and evening. In the morning, I do yoga and meditation and listen to music. I don’t do these things because I think they are good for me. These aren’t objectives to accomplish from my to-do-list. I actually really enjoy doing yoga. For me, it’s self-indulgent. I don’t push myself hard to increase my flexibility or strength, instead I do what they call “restorative yoga” and just enjoy coming fully into my body. It’s almost like receiving a massage. I listen to whatever music I’m in the mood for and start the day off right.
In the evenings, I always do something different. It could be enjoying a cup of tea and chatting with a friend. Reading a good book. Watching a DVD with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, or taking a walk along the cliffs down at the ocean. The specific thing that I do isn’t that important. What’s more important is simply that I devote at least a little time each day to the purpose of pleasure. It’s time to indulge my inner child, have some fun, be sensual, be entertained, laugh, relax, and enjoy just being alive, being human, and being in a body.
Sometimes I even take a nap in the middle of the day! In many other countries it is common to take a guilt-free siesta. It’s only in America that naps are considered weak or lazy.
We are all unique and what I find blissful might be downright dreadful to you. So make your own unique “bliss list”. Don’t make this another task. Have fun!