Three Ways You Can Rewire Your Brain To Experience More Bliss
bliss /blis/
noun
perfect happiness; great joy.
"she gave a sigh of bliss"
What brings you bliss? You’re not alone if you find this question difficult to answer. Sure, you might find great joy in some areas of your life, but how much better could your life be if you experienced the all encompassing expansiveness of joy?
As the famous professor, writer, and student of humanity, Joseph Campbell, wrote, “follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.” This idea connects bliss to the scientific concept of neuroplasticity: your brain’s ability to restructure or rewire itself when it recognizes the need for adaptation.
Neuroplasticity creates new pathways for growth; it’s the antidote to stagnation.
I’ve tested my own neuroplasticity many times on the path towards bliss. One of my first big steps towards actively incorporating “great joy” into my life was beginning a new career as an executive and life coach. I took another big step by leaving a marriage that was no longer serving me. As I continued forwards in bliss, I simultaneously became more resilient and open to change. Where there were once walls, I now saw doors.
I coach my clients to rewire their brains toward bliss, no matter where they are in their journey.
Three time-tested hacks to rewire your brain for bliss:
Meditation - Meditation is powerful! Meditation allows you to reach a heightened state of awareness and attention that seeps into all areas of your life. When you meditate, you rewire your brain to manage stress and anxiety as well as reducing inflammation and improving your memory. I recommend the Insight Timer and Calm apps and I’ve heard great things about Headspace. I also recommend the book, The Buddha Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom by Rick Hanson.
Gratitude - Practicing gratitude doesn’t come easy for most of us; as humans, we’re wired toward a negativity bias. Therefore, you need to practice daily to truly experience the benefits of gratitude. Just like a garden: if you don't tend to it, then the weeds will grow right back. It takes consistent effort, but the results can be really beautiful. This short YouTube video, The Science of Gratitude, explains that concept in depth. Start your gratitude practice today: write a list of 3 things you’re grateful for.
Social connection - The pandemic made socializing difficult and you may just be easing back into your social circles. There are numerous studies that show that people who spend time with loved ones are happier than those who don’t. Now is a good time to phone a friend, schedule a lunch date, join a meetup and rekindle those relationships you’ve been missing all these years. This article from Everyday Health highlights some great ideas for reconnecting with social connections. I especially like tip number 2! See doors where there were walls.
Bliss isn’t reserved for people who “have it all.” This expansive all encompassing feeling is available for you when you move forward with practice, dedication and a willingness to make choices for your own wellbeing.
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