Does Bliss Lead to Health?

Welcome to Art and Healing Wednesday!!

I know that happiness is good for the immune system.  It is a catalyst for those  helper cells to fight off what you don’t want in your body.  It gives your body the fortification it needs to take on the health challenge you’re facing.  But what about bliss?  Is bliss different from happiness?  Does bliss take your level of happiness to a higher level?

I started reading Joseph Campbell’s, Pathways to Bliss.  It was at the end of the first chapter that he recounts the story of King Arthur and his court as they discuss going to seek the holy grail.  The text according to Campbell reads, “They (knights of the roundtable) thought it would be a disgrace to go forth in a group.  Each entered the Forest Adventurous at that point which he himself had chosen, where it was darkest and there was not way or path.”  Campbell goes on the say, “You enter the forests at the darkest point, where there is no path.  Where there’s a way or path, it is someone else’s path; each human being is a unique phenomenon.  The idea is to find your own pathway to bliss.”

I’m sure you can totally understand about entering the Forest Adventurous where it’s dark and no path.  Being diagnosed with a chronic or life-altering illness is that Forest that’s dark, unknowing, mysterious, and intimidating.  So how will you blaze your own trail?  I believe we can do that with our creativity.  We each have unique gifts so if we use these gifts aren’t we blazing a trail?  How do you want to express yourself that is unique to you? 

I just finished watching the summer series, So You Think You Can Dance.  When the dancers are in danger they are asked to “dance for their life”.  It’s at that moment that they perform a 30 second solo in their own genre showing their own uniqueness.  They get an opportunity to express themselves fully and without abandon.  They can interpret the music and their story because the choreography is their own; they’re not performing someone else’s choreography.  What better way to see their ability and hunger than by expressing their uniqueness.

If we gave you time to express yourself fully how would you do it?  Personally, I’m a textile artist so I’d create a piece of art using fabric and embellishments.  It allows me to utilize color and texture to share my story.  That’s why I enjoy working on a series because the story can continue.  The story gets more intricate as I finish each piece.  The viewer is given the opportunity to share my world view on overcoming health challenges and how to create a personal sanctuary by viewing a piece of art.

I hope you follow your bliss because it’s one more tool in your health and healing toolbox that will help you achieve wellness.  Let me know what you’re doing to express yourself.  If you want to send me an e-mail at greg@survivingstrong.com and show me how you’re expressing yourself.  I’d love to share the experience with you!