Follow your blister

Many life coaches and wellness practitioners advocate for following your bliss. You know what makes you happy; so go for it, and you’ll find happiness. Right?

Of course not. While well-intentioned, the advice clearly doesn’t work.

Much more helpful, and practical, is this suggestion from Joseph Campbell: follow your bliss blister. Far from a masochistic endeavor, this approach opens a window into the realm of real change.

Blisters attest to our investments, self-identity assets if you will. Things only matter to us in as far as they tie to our selfhood. A tree falling in the forest may not alter our experience. A tree falling on our house most likely will.

Experience is always an identity assessment.

Is this good for me or the things and people I care about? If so, then the experience is a positive one. Otherwise, it’s not.

Blisters become our practicum. Demonstrating the path toward peace. From A Course in Miracles:

Be not disturbed that shadows surround [your experiences]. That is why you came. (T-18.IV.2)

Shadows represent each blister, aspects of life that seem to distress. If only this issue were resolved, then I’d be in less pain - so suggests the inner voice of self preservation.

But seen from another perspective, the blister becomes the way out of suffering. It can return awareness back to the mind where a different choice may be made. The choice against separation, which instantly translates into an experience of perfect peace. That is why you came.

Join me in Thursday’s class where we’ll explore how following our blisters can lead to life-altering experiences. I look forward to seeing you then.