A Path with Heart
by heathervescent
When you are passionate about something it's easy to make it work. Many obstacles magically disappear. Solutions appear or the problem just stops being applicable. Life is perfect. You've followed your bliss.
But what happens when the bliss runs out?
The situation changes. People don't act the way they used to. Promises, agreements are broken. Bliss has run out. What happened? And what do you do when that happens? Work to make it better. Learn from the situation. Break and rediscover your bliss?
It's a hard call and every situation is different, but you can apply the same criteria to the conundrum. Where is your passion? If you still have passion with/for the thing that's giving you trouble - this is merely a more difficult obstacle for you to over come. But if your passion has run dry, then it's time to find another well to drink from.
This recently happened to me. I started on a project I was extremely excited about. It held promise and wonder and novel possibilities. Slowly those possibilities dried up and I became more and more frustrated. My passion turned to anger and resentment. The situation had changed dramatically from the beginning. It was excruciating to realize that I no longer needed or wanted this thing in my life. It was time for an exit strategy. As soon as I realized this, I became detached from the daily frustration and worked on a plan to get out. This gives me renewed hope and my passion has returned from its angry dark side. New opportunities and exciting possibilities again return to the forefront of my life.
I totally agree with Joseph Campbell and following your bliss. But like all things, you must be aware to the subtle changes of bliss and the world in which we walk. Bliss is not a static activity, nor a goal to attain. It is a mindful journey. If you're in doubt take a moment of silence and listen to your heart.
* photo by Suzimo via Flickr
| 01/31/07
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Practices
