Misery is really hard work, Bliss is our Nature
Misery is really hard work. This might sound counterintuitive at first, but when we delve deeper into our spiritual understanding, it becomes clear that maintaining a state of misery requires a significant amount of effort. On the other hand, bliss is our inherent nature, an effortless state of being that we often overlook due to our conditioned minds.
The Effort of Misery: Misery, in its various forms such as stress, anxiety, and sadness, is often the result of resisting the flow of life. It stems from our attachment to certain outcomes, our expectations, and our desire to control circumstances beyond our control. This resistance is exhausting and drains our energy.
Consider the mental gymnastics we perform when we worry about the future or ruminate over the past. We construct scenarios, analyse them from every angle, and try to predict or alter outcomes. This mental effort is not only tiring but also keeps us in a loop of negativity. Our bodies react to this mental strain, leading to physical fatigue, tension, and sometimes even illness.
The Conditioning of Misery: From a young age, we are conditioned to believe that life is a struggle. We are taught to compete, to strive for success, and to constantly improve. While growth and improvement are not inherently negative, the pressure to constantly achieve and the fear of failure create a fertile ground for misery. This conditioning makes us believe that happiness is something to be earned, a reward for our hard work and achievements.
In reality, true happiness or bliss is not something to be attained but something to be realized. It is our natural state of being, obscured by layers of conditioning, fears, and false beliefs.
Bliss — Our Natural State: Bliss is our true nature. It is the state of being that exists when we let go of our attachments, expectations, and need for control. When we are present in the moment, fully accepting of what is, we experience a sense of peace and joy that is effortless. This state is often referred to as “flow” in modern psychology — a state where we are so engrossed in the present activity that we lose all sense of time and self.
In spiritual traditions, this state of bliss is described as the experience of the self or the soul. When we connect with our inner self, we tap into an infinite source of love, peace, and joy. This connection is not dependent on external circumstances but is an inherent quality of our being.
Pathways to Bliss: The journey from misery to bliss involves a shift in perception and a change in how we relate to our thoughts and emotions. Techniques like mindfulness and meditation help us become aware of our thoughts and emotions without getting entangled in them. Through regular practice, we learn to observe the flow of thoughts and let go of those that create misery. Cultivating a sense of gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. This simple practice can transform our perspective and bring us closer to our natural state of bliss. Asking ourselves questions like “Who am I?” and “What is my true nature?” can help peel away the layers of false identity and connect us with our true self. Embracing life as it is, without resistance, allows us to flow with the natural rhythm of existence. Acceptance doesn’t mean complacency but rather a deep acknowledgment of the present moment.
Recognising that misery is hard work and bliss is our natural state is a profound realisation. It reminds us that we have the power to choose our experience of life. By letting go of resistance and embracing our true nature, we can transition from a state of struggle to one of effortless joy. In this state, we align with the divine essence within us and live a life of peace, love, and fulfilment.
