I’m realizing that there really is something to following one’s own bliss.
More than one person has said to me, “you have literally saved my life.” Each time the sentence was directed to me, I would be struck by the enormity of the statement and I would think to myself, “surely s/he does not literally mean that.” But they do. S/he would then go on to explain how and why and what they were going through at that time. They somehow feel that without the projects/support I have proposed, they would have lost it. It being their will to go on and/or will to go on doing what they love the most (which is kind of the same thing).
So I thought about it. Why that was.
It seems that the timing of my approaching these artists and them needing some sort of direction/focus/motivation/support coincided, which made them feel like it was me who was saving their lives but as I’m recalling all these instances, I cannot help but to think that there was some other force that was in the works, creating the “coincidences.”
In each “life saving” moment, what I remember the most is how I felt about the projects I thought of. In each instance, I was so excited about the idea and possible music I would get to listen to, and I felt intense joy and gratitude for the fact that I get to make this happen, and that I get to do this for a living. I would say, “oh my god! It will be so much fun!!!!” I wasn’t thinking about anything else but the happiness this impending music will bring me. Not even other people. Just me and my bliss.
That intense feeling of joy, I noticed, is the common thread in creating the “coincidence.” The divine timing. This must be what they mean by, “follow your bliss.” Joseph Campbell said, “Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls” and I believed it when I read it without any proof because I kinda believe everything Mr. Campbell says. Lol. And after thinking about these “coincidences,” I really do think that that is how it works.
So then, the conclusion I have drawn is that pursuing one’s love/dream is not a selfish act. Right? Actions from the place of joy and bliss, it seems, have ripple effects to people around you. Your deep happiness and gratitude can lift not only you but people you care about. And some.
It is a dark time and it’s so easy to have our attention pulled towards things that are going wrong. It is somewhat important to be aware of them but I also truly believe that focusing on your bliss can do so much in righting the wrongs. I’d like to put my anger and frustration down and stand firmly in my own joy, bliss, and gratitude. Love what you do and do what you love. I think it works.