Following Your Bliss: A Journey Through Yoga and Ānanda

A Journey Through Yoga and Ānanda

In our busy daily life, it's easy to lose touch with what truly makes us happy. Yet, there's a profound wisdom in the simple idea of "following your bliss." But what does it mean to follow your bliss, and how can yoga help us connect with this state of pure joy?

Photo Credits Jules Wilkin

What is Bliss?

Bliss is often described as a state of perfect happiness, an innate sense of joy that transcends momentary pleasures. It’s a feeling of deep contentment and fulfilment that comes from within. When we follow our bliss, we align with our true passions and purpose, experiencing a flow of positive energy that enriches our lives.

Ānanda: The Essence of Bliss in Yoga

In Sanskrit, the word for bliss is Ānanda. This concept is deeply embedded in Indian philosophy and spirituality. Ānanda is not just a fleeting emotion but a profound and enduring state of being. It is said to be our true nature, the essence of who we are at our core. In ancient texts, such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, Ānanda is often linked with the ultimate goal of life: achieving union with the divine.

Yoga Practices to Connect with Bliss

Yoga offers a multitude of practices designed to help us connect with our inner bliss. Here are a few key practices:

1. Meditation (Dhyana): Meditation is a powerful tool to quiet the mind and access the deeper layers of consciousness where bliss resides. Simple mindfulness meditation or loving-kindness meditation can open the heart to experience pure joy.

2. Asana (Physical Postures): Certain yoga poses are particularly effective in fostering a sense of happiness and contentment. Poses such as Sukhasana (Easy Pose), Balasana (Child's Pose), and Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge) can help release tension and open up the heart space.

3. Pranayama (Breath): Breathing exercises like Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Bhramari (Bee Breath) can calm the nervous system and cultivate a sense of inner peace.

4. Bhakti Yoga (Devotional Practice): Engaging in practices of devotion, such as chanting, singing, or simply expressing gratitude, can open the heart to the divine and enhance feelings of bliss.

5. Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep): This deep relaxation technique guides you into a state of conscious sleep, allowing you to connect with your subconscious mind and experience profound relaxation and joy.

Historical Insights into Ānanda

The concept of Ānanda has been explored for centuries in various Hindu scriptures. The Taittiriya Upanishad, for instance, describes Ānanda as an essential aspect of the self, beyond the physical, mental, and intellectual layers of existence. The pursuit of ā Ānanda is seen as a path to self-realization and enlightenment.

The Bhagavad Gita also touches on this idea, suggesting that true happiness comes from within and is achieved through selfless action and devotion. In the Vedanta philosophy, Ānanda is considered one of the three fundamental aspects of the divine, along with sat (truth) and chit (consciousness).

Following your bliss is more than just a catchy phrase; it's a way of life that brings us closer to our true selves. Through the ancient practices of yoga, we can connect with our inner Ānanda and experience the profound joy that lies within. Embrace the journey and let your bliss guide you to a life of peace, purpose, and fulfilment.