The Direction of Life – The High of Bliss!

At some point in life, all of us have experienced this:

Everything seems to be going fine…

Our work is on track,

The household is in order,

Notifications keep popping on our phone…

…yet, deep within, something feels incomplete.

As if something is missing, even though everything appears to be in place.

A quiet restlessness keeps gently stirring in a corner of the heart.

We smile outwardly.

But inside, there’s a simmering irritation —

Sometimes directed at others,

Sometimes at ourselves,

And sometimes… at life itself.

*Why does this happen?*

For one simple reason,

We’ve lost touch with bliss.

We live our daily routines —

But often mechanically.

We keep doing things, but our mind isn’t engaged.

And so —

The mind isn’t joyful.

Satisfaction stays out of reach.

And gradually, we lose our connection with bliss.

To fill that void, we turn toward external highs.

In scrolling through reels, songs, shopping,

Sipping endless tea and coffee, binge-watching shows…

These fleeting highs make us laugh for a moment,

Even help us forget — for a bit.

But then?

The same emptiness returns.

The same cloud of gloom settles back in.

The same heaviness reappears.

*But is forgetting the same as freedom?*

We crave forgetfulness — “Let me just escape for a while.”

But when the pain resurfaces, it stings even more.

A brief laugh, a momentary distraction…

But the core issue remains — untouched.

*That’s the illusion of artificial highs.*

So what we truly long for is not distraction,

But a different kind of high —

One that doesn’t make us forget,

But helps us remember who we truly are.

*This is the High of Bliss.*

Yes — bliss, too, is a kind of high.

But a high that gently wraps you within.

That draws you into your own being.

*This high makes your mind light,*

But not restless.

*It relieves your burden,*

But doesn’t leave you hollow.

*It goes deep,*

*And from there,*

*Takes you to your true spiritual height.*

*And this high isn’t from outside — it’s made within.*

Our body has a fascinating internal system —

called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

This system naturally produces

certain biochemicals called endocannabinoids

— which regulate peace, satisfaction, and happiness.

*These are released when:*

🔹 We love selflessly

🔹 We work with wholehearted concentration

🔹 We meditate or chant sacred names

🔹 We offer genuine praise

🔹 We do something for someone, without expecting anything in return

🔹 And when we feel grateful — not just to people, but to all of existence

*These are not mere actions —*

*They are neurochemical rituals that awaken joy within.*

*And then this high flows into your mind like a spring…*

The mind fills with bliss,

But without agitation.

Stress melts away,

But not into emptiness.

This high lightens your inner burden —

But leaves behind no dryness.

It’s a stillness that’s not silent because it’s empty —

But a silence that overflows with essence, love, and fullness.

*It feels like a spring has awakened… within you.*

This high takes you deep — and lifts you high.

It doesn’t put you to sleep —

It awakens you.

It doesn’t help you forget —

It helps you see yourself clearly.

And in that awareness,

the words of Sant Tukaram come alive:

*आनंदाचे डोही, आनंद तरंग, आनंदाची अंग आनंदाचे*

*Where does this bliss reside?*

In music? In travel? In binge-watching?

Maybe — for a while.

But the deep, inner bliss?

It arises only when we are truly connected with ourselves.

*So what can we do?*

Sometimes — just sit with yourself.

Turn within.

Sit quietly at the threshold of divinity.

Pause the outer noise.

Set aside your inner chatter for a moment.

And simply… take a look at yourself.

See yourself — without the masks.

You’ll realize —

*The bliss wasn’t lost.*

*You just forgot to turn inward.*

*A high is welcome but let it be one that connects you to your true Self.*

A high that doesn’t make you forget,

but helps you remember.

Remember:

Your Self.

Your Bliss.

Your Existence.

The article ends —

but your high of bliss… begins now.

“You are the spring of your own joy.”

Yes — worldly joys matter.

But don’t remain dependent on them.

Instead, open a spring within —

one that brings peace even when you have nothing,

and humility even when you have everything.

*You weren’t born just for success-*

*You were born to share joy.*

And once you discover this bliss —

It won’t make you pause…

It will walk you gently toward your true life’s direction.

*Scientific Clarification:*

How is this bliss created in your body?*

The high of bliss we mentioned above is not just a feeling —

It’s also a result of a natural, internal biochemical system.

That system is known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

What are endocannabinoids?

• Though the term “cannabinoid” may sound related to cannabis,

endocannabinoids are actually naturally produced chemicals in your body.

• “Endo” means within, and “cannabinoid” refers to a class of compounds that interact with specific brain receptors.

• These compounds affect functions in the brain, nervous system, immune system, digestive system, and even the cardiovascular system.

What does the Endocannabinoid System do?

It helps regulate:

1. Mood

2. Sleep

3. Appetite and Digestion

4. Pain and Inflammation

5. Memory and Focus

6. Immune Response

The Two Main Endocannabinoids:

1. Anandamide (AEA)

— Named after the Sanskrit word Ananda (bliss).

— Creates a feeling of deep contentment, peace, and bliss.

2. Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)

— Helps maintain overall balance within the ECS.

When are these bliss-chemicals produced?

They are released when you:

▪ Love unconditionally

▪ Work with deep concentration

▪ Chant, meditate, or pray with awareness

▪ Offer heartfelt appreciation

▪ Act without expectations

▪ Stay deeply grateful

And that’s how the high of bliss

— begins not from outside,

but within you.

A Reflective Insight by *Jayant Joshi*