Bliss, etc.

Joseph Campbell formulated what became his most quoted dictum, "Follow your bliss" in the decade before his death. Join this conversation to explore this idea and share stories.

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Neoplato
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Post by Neoplato »

CarmelaBear wrote:A book by Daniel H. Pink,

DRIVE: THE SURPRISING TRUTH ABOUT WHAT MOTIVATES US,

says that routine, step-by-step work is improved with incentives of reward and punishment. By contrast, creative work that calls for discovery and innovation is actually impeded by reward and punishment, and it tends to be more enjoyable than leisure time activities.

So, steering a course in one's "career" by following one's bliss is about finding something to do involving work that is not too routine, and that allows one to set aside matters of reward and punishment. It is work done for the challenge and the chance to solve problems and to look at things in a different, better light.

~
It reminds me of the poem "The World is too much with Us" by William Wordsworth..
The world is too much with us; late and soon,
Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers:
Little we see in Nature that is ours;
We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!
The Sea that bares her bosom to the moon;
The winds that will be howling at all hours,
And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers;
For this, for everything, we are out of tune;
It moves us not.--Great God! I'd rather be
A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn;
So might I, standing on this pleasant lea,
Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn;
Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea;
Or hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn.
Infinite moment, grants freedom of winter death, allows life to dawn.

CarmelaBear
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Post by CarmelaBear »

Haven't read that one in a month o' Sundays......

~
Once in a while a door opens, and let's in the future. --- Graham Greene

Andreas
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Post by Andreas »

Didnt know if I should post this on the movie thread or this one. I guess ill post it here since it is very relevant with bliss. And how bliss is not about money, ofcourse. :P

My new role model! Too bad I hate sushi, sorry!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1UDS2kgqY8

CarmelaBear
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Post by CarmelaBear »

Life beyond my caregiving for a quadriplegic has finally begun. The new live-in was hard to find. It took a year and a half to find the right person, whom I trained over a period of weeks.

Insecure and exhausted, but not homeless, I am thankful to the government for the safety net that supports and protects me, and for a set of excellent, supportive friends. My patient is adjusting to her new set of caregivers, and I am free to start anew.

Taking care of another person is a real privilege and the rewards are so ginormous that one can meet tough challenges directly. It was cool to be a live-in caregiver for the better part of fifteen years. I learned a lot.

When I am more rested, I will decide how to proceed. Top priority: my own health. Now, I am being my own caregiver, who seems to be emerging from a fog. I would not perform caregiving for another person now if my life depended on it! I have paid my dues, and feel good about the services rendered.

Spiritual, intellectual and emotional bliss is always present, but no one with any empathy at all can avoid the sadness and burden of suffering. Joy and compassion live together.

Helping one other person to stay alive has been a life-saver for me in hard times and a refuge, both within and beyond this one human life I call my own.

What I have now is a whole new life. I am so grateful for this opportunity to begin again.

We will see what comes next.

~
Once in a while a door opens, and let's in the future. --- Graham Greene

Cindy B.
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Post by Cindy B. »

At last! I'm glad to hear, Carmela, that the issue has finally come to a resolution. The next phase will prove easier for you, I hope. Good luck! :)
If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s. --Jung

CarmelaBear
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Post by CarmelaBear »

Thank you, Cindy.

~
Once in a while a door opens, and let's in the future. --- Graham Greene

CarmelaBear
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Post by CarmelaBear »

Watched a movie about rediscovering bliss.

Starring Martin Sheen and his son, Emilio Estevez, it is called, "The Way".

My favorite line: "You don't choose life. You live it."

~
Once in a while a door opens, and let's in the future. --- Graham Greene

CarmelaBear
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Post by CarmelaBear »

James Taylor's song, "Secret O' Life" was fuzzy until now. Suddenly, lights are blinking on.

What a ride!

8)
Once in a while a door opens, and let's in the future. --- Graham Greene

JamesN.
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Post by JamesN. »

Indeed Carmela; One of the most timeless and beautifully transcendent songs ever written ( I think ).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO5Da9Yhlys

Thanks for bringing it up. 8) :)
What do I know? - Michael de Montaigne

CarmelaBear
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Post by CarmelaBear »

Lost a friend on July 4th.

Basil, R. I. P.

My poem for him is called "Remembering Basil" (...just scroll down...).

http://www.frenchfunerals.com/obituaries/Basil-Nellos/
Once in a while a door opens, and let's in the future. --- Graham Greene

JamesN.
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Post by JamesN. »

Carmela I am so sorry for your loss. That was truly a beautiful and heartfelt tribute. I had a friend of mine I lost a few years back I was particularly close with where I had the opportunity to share a few of my memories and it really helped to get some closure. I think when you have a chance to do that it kind of gives you a special way to say goodbye.
What do I know? - Michael de Montaigne

CarmelaBear
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Post by CarmelaBear »

Thank you, James. He was surrounded by many who loved him, and we are supportive of each other, each in our own way. It makes all the difference.

~
Once in a while a door opens, and let's in the future. --- Graham Greene

CarmelaBear
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Post by CarmelaBear »

Walt Whitman ("I Sing the Body Electric", 1855):

"There is something in staying close to men and women, and looking on them, and in the contact and odor of them, that pleases the soul well..."

~
Once in a while a door opens, and let's in the future. --- Graham Greene

Cindy B.
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Post by Cindy B. »

I just want to mention, Carmela, that I've wondered how you've been getting along since relinquishing your caretaker role. Better and a much less stressful life, I hope. :)
If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s. --Jung

CarmelaBear
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Post by CarmelaBear »

Well, Cindy, I am making progress. I have to be patient, because as I get settled in my new way of life, the big challenge is to address the health issue of mild obstructive sleep apnea, which will probably go away with weight loss. l am working, (again), on establishing permanently healthy habits so I will be more fit. It just takes time.

Then, with some moxie, maybe I can figure out how to organize a political campaign for governor (2018). A vision of a better future for all of us is what keeps me going. I don't know what my chances might be outside the cloistered life of a live-in caregiver, but I have to give it the old college try.

My dreams give me a positive and optimistic focus.

~
Once in a while a door opens, and let's in the future. --- Graham Greene

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