Bliss. Just the mention of this word warms my heart and fills me with a deep sense of satisfaction. It's more than a fleeting moment of joy; it's a magical feeling of being enveloped in peace and fulfillment.
But what exactly is bliss? I've pondered this since childhood, and this blog is a reflection of my journey towards understanding and experiencing it, especially from the perspective of seafarers.
Discovering Bliss
Bliss transcends mere happiness. It is a pervasive sense of contentment that endures through life's inevitable ups and downs. As a seafarer, the vast ocean can often feel both isolating and liberating.
Understanding bliss in this context means finding peace and fulfilment amid the waves and the routine of life at sea.
Inner Peace and Mindfulness
My first encounter with true happiness came through mindfulness meditation. During a challenging period, I began meditating for a few minutes each day. Sitting quietly, focusing on my breath, and letting go of worries felt like shedding a heavy burden. These peaceful moments became a sanctuary where I accessed a deeper sense of calm and contentment. For seafarers, finding moments of mindfulness can be especially beneficial, offering a break from the demanding environment of the ship.
For example, after a long shift, find a quiet corner on the ship, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing for 10 minutes. Let go of all thoughts about work and responsibilities, simply enjoying the present moment.
Connection with Nature
Nature has always been a source of solace for me. For seafarers, the ocean itself offers a profound connection to nature. Whether it's watching the sunrise over the horizon, feeling the salt breeze on your face, or marveling at the night sky filled with stars, the awe-inspiring beauty of the sea can fill you with profound tranquility and delight. During a break, step outside and watch the ocean waves.
Observe the sunset or the stars at night. Let the beauty of the natural surroundings fill you with a sense of peace and awe.
Relationships and Community
The love and support of family and friends are eternal sources of happiness. Maintaining these connections while at sea can be challenging but immensely rewarding. Regular communication with loved ones, sharing experiences with fellow crew members, and building a sense of camaraderie on the ship strengthen our bonds and enrich our lives.
Acts of kindness and community involvement onboard remind us of the significance of human relationships and the joy of belonging. Organize a weekly game night or movie night with your fellow crew members. Sharing laughter and stories helps build strong bonds and creates a sense of community on board.
Creativity
Engaging in creative activities brings me immense joy. Whether writing, painting, or playing an instrument, the act of creating something beautiful or meaningful brings a unique kind of bliss. For seafarers, finding creative outlets during downtime can provide a much-needed escape and a way to express emotions and thoughts.
Bring a sketchbook or a journal with you and use your free time to draw, write, or compose music. These creative outlets can help you process your emotions and bring joy into your routine.
Spiritual Practices
My spiritual journey has been both personal and transformative. Practices like meditation and prayer connect me to something greater than myself, bringing peace and joy into my life. For seafarers, maintaining spiritual practices can provide comfort and a sense of grounding amidst the vast and often unpredictable ocean.
Set aside a few minutes each day for prayer or meditation. Create a small, personal space in your cabin where you can focus on your spiritual practices without interruption.
Learning and Growth
Continuous learning and self-improvement are major sources of bliss for me. Trying new things, reading enlightening books, and engaging in meaningful conversations expand my mind and bring deep happiness. Seafarers can pursue courses, read, or engage in professional development during their voyages to foster personal growth.
Enroll in online courses or bring books related to your interests and professional development. Use your downtime to study and improve your skills, preparing yourself for future opportunities.
Giving Back
Volunteering and helping others bring immense happiness and a sense of purpose. The connectedness and satisfaction from giving without expecting rewards are among the most fulfilling experiences in life. Seafarers can find ways to support their shipmates or engage in community service projects when in port.
When you’re in port, volunteer for local community projects or maritime conservation efforts. You could also mentor junior crew members, sharing your knowledge and experience with them.
Physical Activity
Exercise, yoga, or simply walking on deck have always been integral to my happiness. Physical activities improve health, elevate mental state, and boost energy levels, contributing to overall well-being.
For seafarers, incorporating physical activity into daily routines can be a great way to stay fit and enhance mood. Establish a daily exercise routine, such as a 30-minute workout in the ship’s gym or a yoga session on deck. Physical activity will keep you fit and improve your mental state.
Embracing Simplicity
Simplifying my life has reduced stress and increased contentment. By decluttering my physical space and focusing on what truly matters, I've found joy in simple living. Prioritizing experiences and relationships over material possessions has significantly boosted my happiness. Seafarers, living in confined spaces, can benefit greatly from embracing simplicity and focusing on meaningful interactions and experiences.
Declutter your cabin, keeping only essential items and things that bring you joy. Practice minimalist living by focusing on experiences rather than accumulating possessions.
The Pursuit of Bliss
Bliss is not a destination but an ongoing journey. Here are some steps I took to cultivate more blissful moments in my life, which can be particularly relevant for seafarers:
Practice Gratitude
Keeping a gratitude journal has been transformative. Every day, I jot down everything from major achievements to minor pleasures. This practice shifted my focus from what I lack to what I have, enhancing my overall happiness.
Seafarers can maintain a journal to reflect on positive experiences and moments of joy during their voyages. Each evening, write down three things you are thankful for that day, whether it's a successful shift, a beautiful sunset, or a kind word from a colleague.
Simplify Your Life
By simplifying my life, I reduced stress and created room for joy. A clutter-free environment, good time management, and focusing on what truly matters have increased my happiness.
Onboard, seafarers can benefit from organised living spaces and efficient routines. Simplify your daily routine by planning your tasks efficiently. Avoid unnecessary stress by organising your workspace and keeping it tidy, making your environment more pleasant and productive.
Take Care of Your Body
The relationship between physical health and emotional well-being is symbiotic. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep have equipped me to enjoy deeper senses of joy. For seafarers, maintaining physical health is crucial for overall well-being and happiness.
Prioritize a balanced diet by choosing healthy options from the ship’s menu. Ensure you get enough sleep by setting a consistent bedtime and creating a restful sleeping environment in your cabin.
Connect with Others
Investing time in relationships has been incredibly rewarding. Whether catching up with a friend or spending time with family, these bonds bring immense joy and fulfillment. Seafarers can build strong relationships with their crew and stay connected with loved ones back home. Make an effort to regularly call or video chat with your family and friends back home. Build strong relationships with your crew by participating in group activities and being supportive.
Engage in Joyful Activities
Engaging in activities like hiking, painting, or playing music makes me feel alive and increases my overall bliss. Seafarers can find similar joy in onboard hobbies and recreational activities. Identify hobbies that you enjoy and can do on the ship, such as reading, fishing, or playing board games. Dedicate time each week to engage in these activities, bringing more joy into your routine.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Embracing opportunities for learning and growth is fulfilling. Discovering new hobbies, joining courses, and reading widely contribute to a blissful life. Seafarers can utilize their time at sea to pursue educational and personal development goals.
Take advantage of online learning platforms to pursue new skills or hobbies. Join discussions and forums related to your field to expand your knowledge and network with other professionals.
Volunteer and Give Back
Giving back to the community or supporting causes I care about enriches my life with a sense of purpose and connection. Seafarers can participate in volunteer activities or support maritime charities to make a positive impact.
Organise a crew initiative to support a charitable cause, such as fundraising for disaster relief or organizing a beach cleanup. Volunteering together can strengthen bonds and provide a sense of purpose.
Stay Physically Active
Incorporating physical activities into my routine boosts my mood and well-being, enhancing my capacity to experience bliss. Seafarers can integrate fitness routines into their daily schedules to stay healthy and happy.
Encourage fellow crew members to join you in a daily exercise routine or sports activities. Physical activity boosts morale and fosters teamwork and camaraderie.
Embrace Minimalism
Simplifying my life by reducing clutter and focusing on meaningful experiences over material possessions promotes peace and joy. For seafarers, minimalist living can lead to a more fulfilling and stress-free life. Evaluate your possessions regularly and donate items you no longer need.
Focus on collecting experiences, such as learning a new skill or exploring a new port, rather than material goods.
Bliss is a profound joy and peace that transcends momentary pleasures. It can be found in inner stillness, connection with nature and loved ones, creative expression, and spiritual practices. Though seeking bliss may seem challenging, it is a pursuit worth undertaking. By practicing gratitude, simplifying life, maintaining physical fitness, nurturing relationships, and engaging in joyful activities, we can move closer to experiencing bliss.
My journey has taught me that anyone can find their own path to bliss. The key is to find pleasure in each present moment, connect deeply with yourself and others, and appreciate the simple yet beautiful aspects of life. Those moments of bliss remind us that true happiness is not something we need to search for—it's something we create every day. For seafarers, navigating the seas to ultimate happiness means embracing these principles and finding joy in the journey. -Prerna