IN SEARCH OF BLISS!
Creating more blissful moments in your life.
I am known for my crusades. I suddenly become passionate about a topic and have a strong desire to discuss it, share it and explore it with everyone who will listen to me. Let’s blame it on the red hair and freckles.
Lately, I have been wondering about
BLISS!
My latest crusade inspiration came from a quote from Kyle Maynard in the book Tribe of Mentors written by Tim Ferris. Kyle has climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro amongst other fantastic feats and owns a Crossfit gym. He wrote:
“Thinking of what makes me happy doesn’t give me the same clarity as thinking about what gives me bliss”
What initially really struck me about this quote is that Kyle has no legs and no arms and how can someone who is quadriplegic climb a mountain and how in the world can he feel bliss? There are so many of us on this planet who rarely if ever enjoy the feeling of
BLISS!
What resonated from his words is that we can do things that make us happy, but only if we are clear about what we are doing, may we experience
BLISS!
And so the crusade in Search of Bliss began. I mulled around the idea that bliss is more than being happy, joyful or ecstatic.
BLISS!
is the pinnacle of happiness that completely envelops our being.
Recently I felt blissful on a 16km walk with my partner along the Norfolk Coastal Path in England. We strolled along a cliff top, hopped over puddles along the beach, explored grassy dunes, passed ancient grounds called Seahenge, then through a bird sanctuary, by watery inlets and passed boats perched on the sand at low tide. We stopped for lunch in a cozy local pub and then returned on the same path listening to the sounds of birds, the sea, church bells in the distance and jets in the sky.
What was incredible was that I was experiencing
BLISS!
two days after my Mother’s funeral.
Feeling guilty, I thought how can this blissful moment be possible? On that walk, I was able to let down my guard, be at peace, be present and really enjoy the moment. I was doing what makes me happy but I was also mindful and in reverence of my surroundings.
With no internet connection, I unplugged that day on the coastal path. Inspired by Dr. Greg Wells’ book The Focus Effect, shutting down my phone has been a more common occurrence so I make space to focus on what’s important.
I started challenging my Yoga for Athletes class participants to discover and create bliss in their lives. They started sharing stories. A 60 plus-year-old woman described her bliss “When I was in the Somersault Triathlon zooming through the tunnel in Brockville on my bike”. A golfer exchanged “when I am in a flow state on the golf course,
BLISS!
Eoin Finn, a Yoga instructor, and teacher trainer
“There is a place within (all of us), a source of infinite joy, love, and bliss. When we are in touch with this still place within, life ceases to be merely about us and we feel deeply connected to the well being of our body, mind, our personal relationships, our community, and nature.”
BLISS!
has started just appearing right in front of me in different forms: a heartfelt hour-long phone call with my son who never talks on the phone, peaceful walks in the woods with my partner, music which rocks my soul, the LOVE of being surrounded by family, the JOY in my clients’ eyes when they have accomplished something great, or the curious shapes of the
snowflakes landing on my windshield.
This Holiday season, open your hearts, be quiet and give yourself permission to feel BLISS! We are all deserving and worthy of being happy. We are only on this planet a short while, we might as well enjoy it. Unplug, put down the phone and take the time to notice, feel and hear in awe,
what
Kids are the best mentors in BLISS,
they pause and taste the snowflakes.
HAVE A PEACEFUL AND BLISSFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!
Julia Aimers is the Head Coach & Owner Team Triumph Triathlon Club. As a certified exercise physiologist and triathlon, yoga and strength coach she coaches, beginners to elite athletes in
A year ago I could only tread water and had not run since childhood. With the amazing Virtual Olympic course, support, guidance, and tips from of all the folks at Team Triumph I've ended the season with my first Olympic distance triathlon under my belt and am hooked! Really looking forward to the 2025 season and even to the hard work over the winter to prepare. Karen Houle
I wanted to let you know that the Perth triathlon was a great experience, I somehow placed third in my age group! What a supportive group of participants (including Team Triumph athletes), cheering bystanders and volunteers.
Thanks to your swim lessons, I learned the technical basics and gained confidence to get back in the pool after decades. And it was really special doing this with Ann Laidlaw, my bestie for many years. We did a couple of additional swims with Kevin and Team Triumph people, also a great way to continue learning and practicing good technical form.
I will continue with lane swimming and who knows, maybe there's another triathlon in my future!
I love the accountability and the structure of the Virtual 70.3 Half Ironman training program. I don't think I would have gotten this far without the program. The accountability is huge for me!
Deborah Jackman