Bliss & Joy

Definitions: a state of being happy/Contentment. Mental or emotional states including positive and pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.

Bliss is a state of extreme happiness, joy or contentment. Its often described as a profound and transcendent happiness that goes beyond mere pleasure or satisfaction. It can be experienced in various ways, such as through a sense of inner peace, fulfilment, or spiritual enlightenment. Bliss is a subjective state that can arise from different sources, including love, deep meditation, achieving personal goals or being in harmony with oneself and the surrounding environment.

Joy is a feeling of great pleasure, happiness or delight. It is characterized by a sense of inner contentment, elation or jubilation. Joy tends to be more enduring that fleeting moments of happiness and often stems from a deep sense of fulfilment, satisfaction, or a positive outlook on life. It can be derived from various sources such as personal achievements, meaningful relationships, experiences that evoke happiness, or a sense of gratitude and appreciate for life’s blessings. Joy is often considered a profound and lasting emotional state that can positively influence one’s overall wellbeing.

How do we achieve it? What makes one happy?

Our list of things that make us happy:

·        Food

·        Dopamine – prescription drugs

·        Shoes

·        Shopping

·        Good internet

·        A tiny duck

·        Lack of people

·        Pets – caring for

·        Giving and receiving

·        Sleep

·        Peace and quiet

·        Music making/listening to

·        Films/good tv

·        Baths

·        Making art

·        Looking at art

·        Friends/partners

·        Practicing gratitude

·        Completing tasks

·        Relationships

·        Sense of accomplishment

·        Humour/laughter

·        Hugs/sex/kissing

·        Drink

·        Alcohol/nicotine

·        Family

·        Dancing

·        Singing

·        Sport

·        Nature

·        Having a home

·        Being clean

·        Spa

·        Money

·        Opportunities

·        Financial freedom

·        Security

·        Choice/options

·        Community – belonging to

·        Being attractive

·        Being a strong woman

·        Buying stuff

·        Playing games

·        Receiving post

·        Finding someone attractive

·        Being inspired

·        Someone finding you attractive

·        Going on holiday – sun/summer

·        Christmas – special occasions

·        Sugar

·        Religion & spirituality – faith

·        Power and fame

·        Competition

·        Reading

·        Learning/knowledge/skills

·        Career/prospects

·        Pampering

·        Massage

·        Receiving a text/phone call

·        Success

·        Recognition

·        Social status

·        Good health

·        Therapy

·        Hobbies

·        Validated

·        Dreams

·        Being appreciated/admired

·        Respected

·        Smells – candles/essence

·        Being cared for

·        Self care

·        Caring for others/pride

·        Social events – parties and weddings

·        Hitting life milestones

·        Being alone – solitude

·        Good company

·        Spending quality time with others

·        Taking your bra off

·        Relieving of pain

·        Intimacy – touch/contact

·        Technology

·        Sharks

·        Fire

·        Heat – hate being cold

·        Fantasising

·        Rest

·        Cute things

·        Kindness

·        Understanding oneself

·        Having fun

·        Playing (role..)

·        Dressing up

·        Owning stuff – buying

·        Retail therapy

·        Stealing

·        Adrenaline rush

·        Speeding

·        Fighting – debating/discussing

·        Performing

·        Travel

·        Memories & making memories

·        Getting something for nothing

·        Bartering

·        Compliments and complimenting

·        Designing

·        Making

·        Crafting

·        DIY

·        Decorating – interior design

·        Saving

·        Living frugally

·        Selling your art

·        Tidying and organising

·        Writing things

·        Gossiping

·        Flying

·        Gambling – risk – investing

·        Donating

·        Gardening

·        Feeling free

·        Having a family – procreating

·        Seeing santa

·        Feeling of nostalgia

·        Tooth fairy

·        Co-existing

·        Inheritance

·        Luck

·        Snow

·        Being relaxed

·        Meditation

·        Cold therapy – sea swimming

·        Escape

·        Something to fight for

·        Eating

·        Cooking

·        Risk

·        Watching the sunset/sunrise

·        Meeting a celeb

·        Home life

·        Time

·        Kinks and fetishes

·        Changing your appearance – self expression

·        Secrets

·        Teaching

·        List writing

·        Praise

·        Equality – social justice

·        Collect things

·        Proving others wrong/being right

·        Sarcasm

·        Taking the easy option

·        Sharing your achievements

·        Showing off

·        Ability

·        Being facetious

·        Spectating

·        Slap stick

·        Respecting boundaries

·        Growing up/becoming wiser

·        Happy accidents

How can I find Bliss & Joy?

• Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises. Being present and mindful can help you appreciate the current moment and find joy in simple things.

• Explore spiritual practices or philosophies that resonate with you. For some, finding peace through meditation, prayer or mindfulness can lead to a deeper sense of joy and tranquility.

• Cultivate a sense of appreciation for the small and big things in life. Keep a gratitude journal, reflecting on what you’re thankful for regularly.

• Dedicate time to hobbies, activities, or pursuits that genuinely bring you happiness. Whether its painting, playing music, hiking or cooking, doing things you love can bring joy.

• Engage in work that align with your values and passions. Contributing to something greater than yourself, whether through volunteering or pursuing a meaningful career.

• Building and nurturing meaningful relationships can contribute significantly to happiness. Spending quality time with family, friends or a supportive community can bring immense joy and a sense of belonging.

• Treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Practice self-care regularly by taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This could include exercise, adequate rest, healthy eating, and setting boundaries to protect your time and energy.

• Be open to new experiences, perspectives, and opportunities. Cultivating curiosity can lead to moments of joy in discovering new things.

• Focus on the positive aspects of situations. Train your mind to see the silver lining even in challenging times. Optimism can foster joy.

• Embrace imperfections and let go of the pursuit of perfection and comparison. Accept that life has ups and downs, being flexible and adaptable can lead to a more contented state of mind. Finding joy often involves embracing the journey rather than focusing solely on the destination.

• Acknowledge and savor moments of happiness as they occur. Take time to truly experience and appreciate joyful moments, allowing them to linger in your memory.

Personal Response

Finding bliss and joy in my life as a student and a mother is all about embracing the little moments of happiness and cultivating a sense of gratitude for the blessings I have. It's not always easy, especially with the pressures of academic work and household responsibilities, but I've learned that prioritizing my well-being and seeking out sources of joy is essential for my mental and emotional health.

For me, bliss and joy often come from simple pleasures and meaningful connections. It's the warmth of the sun on my face as I take a walk in nature, the laughter shared with friends over a cup of coffee, or the feeling of accomplishment after overcoming a challenge. It's also the excitement of discovering new interests, pursuing my passions, and expressing myself creatively through art, music, or writing.

I find bliss in moments of solitude, too, whether it's losing myself in a good book, meditating in quiet reflection, or simply enjoying my own company. These moments of self-care and introspection allow me to recharge and reconnect with myself, grounding me in the present moment and reminding me of what truly matters.

But perhaps most importantly, I find bliss and joy in giving back to others and making a positive difference in the world. Of course, finding bliss and joy isn't always easy, and there are times when life throws challenges my way. But I try to hold on to hope and gratitude, knowing that every experience, both positive and negative, has the potential to teach me something valuable and lead me closer to true happiness.

In the end, bliss and joy are not destinations to be reached but rather a journey to be embraced, and as long as I continue to prioritize my well-being, cultivate meaningful connections, and stay true to myself, I know that I'll find moments of joy along the way.