Yoga & Samadhi: Discovering the state of ‘bliss’ on and off the mat
For MoreMind, MoreYoga
Samadhi. Bliss. Liberation. Enlightenment.
All such words are loaded with beautiful and divine descriptions and conjure up ideals of a ‘higher consciousness’, awakening oneself to the ‘true self’. Patanjali describes bliss (Samadhi) as a meditative state, being fully absorbed through the practice of focused attention (Dharana) and effortless meditation (Dhyana), supporting a journey of union between the individual true self (Atman) and the universal absolute (Brahman).
Ok, so what does this mean in the modern world? Let’s think less about unrealistic ‘golden gates’ and supreme beings with beards… what does ‘bliss’ mean to you? For me, the idea of bliss represents those moments in between the spaces. In between the thoughts. The moments that feel suspended. Light. Relieved. Content. Free. Accepting. Aware. Well and truly totally present.
In modern society, I often wonder if ideas of ‘bliss’ are misguided associations of achievement and wealth to define happiness externally. Sometimes it can seem that when people inquire about ‘happiness’, it can feel as top-game capitalist as inquiring about your identity through the status of your salary, employment or living arrangement. I struggle to understand this because my mind does not work in assets, but rather in experiences. Yet when I really question concepts of happiness and bliss, I know my answer runs deep in connection. Connection with others, and how they made me feel in a moment. Connection with myself when I am really looking inward, reflecting, understanding and intuitively knowing. Connection with nature, in all its awe and beauty. Yoga has encouraged me to connect to these experiences, allowing me to shine more brightly.
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