Inner Bliss: A Psychology of the Self-Discovery

A gentle spring kiss
The ocean breeze gently guides
Small steps, inner bliss
~Dr. Thomas Maples

To Kiss Inner Bliss

He loves me, he loves me not? She loves me, she loves me not? Ever wonder what finding inner bliss feels like? I believe this exercise in patience may hold a clue for those who yearn to create that inner most sense of wellbeing.

Inner bliss. Smell the sweet fragrance of the violet, as the crushing heel finds its mark. I cannot help but think, is this the excitement the game of love brings to the forefront. Yes, I paraphrased Twain’s saying here,

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.
Mark Twain

However, I cannot help but think, with spring to come, what newness will arise in the face of awaiting tides?

Prayer and the Present Moment

To find bliss within, we must learn to be present. Yet, with all that is distracting, how can we tap into those moments of mindfulness and create that ability to be present, in the here and now?

One such method comes from prayer. This form of meditation creates the means by which we commune with that higher power. Spiritually, prayer forms the basis for soul work. If practiced, I also cannot help but think it has the capacity to ground the soul while lifting the spirit. It is a purifying spiritual practice, that as a psychotherapist, I cannot help but see congruent benefits for a person’s psychological wellbeing as well, contributing to that inner sense of bliss.

Psychology and the Present Moment

Psychologically, I know of no higher construct to elicit the inner will to dream life forward. When we commune with that power higher than ourselves, we naturally elicit those inner longings that may plant as a seed for dream yet to come. While this may sound future oriented, and not grounded in the present moment, it is from this place of possibility that we can learn ways to dictate those present moments towards a state of inner bliss.

Inner Bliss and a Pure Heart

I know of no other way to find a blissful state within than to engage in the work of purifying the heart. The Gospel of Matthew states:

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

Matthew 5:8

When I read this, I see a work to be done. Today, while attending mass, I heard about the beauty that comes from forgiveness. Yet, this was spoken about from the perspective of action that create consequences. This taps inherently into the nature of consciousness, with its polarized constructs that would have one label good from bad or right from wrong. Yet, I cannot help but wonder, is it this work to find the middle place between these two perspectives that creates the inner chamber needed to create a blissful heart filled with peace?

Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.

Joseph Campbell

Overcoming Emotional Walls

At times, we all face emotional barriers. Here are five exercises you can do on your own to overcome emotional distress and find inner bliss.

Present Moment Awareness through Prayer/Meditation

Find a quiet space and dedicate a few minutes each day to prayer or meditation. Focus on your breath, and when your mind wanders (which it will), gently guide it back to the present moment to maintain that inner sense of bliss. This practice helps cultivate mindfulness by reducing the power of past hurts or future anxieties that contribute to emotional walls. Consider what you are grateful for in this moment. This form of prayer helps to center the soul.

Practice Forgiveness

Reflect your past hurts and identify the emotions associated with them. Choose one specific instance and try to view it from the other person’s perspective, even if you don’t condone their actions. This isn’t about condoning harmful behavior, but about understanding it, which can lessen its emotional hold on your ability to touch that place of inner peace. Write a letter of forgiveness (you don’t have to send it) expressing your intention to let go of the resentment. Forgiveness is a process, it takes patience, so be patient with yourself.

Heart Purification Exercise

Examine your own actions and motivations. Are there areas where you can act with more compassion, understanding, or kindness? Identify one small change you can make today to purify your heart – perhaps offering a compliment, performing a random act of kindness, or simply listening more attentively to someone. Consistent small acts can lead to significant shifts towards inner bliss.

Dream Exploration

Spend some time reflecting on your dreams and aspirations. What truly brings you joy and fulfillment? Write down your goals, both big and small. This process of identifying your “bliss,” as Joseph Campbell suggests, creates a starting point from which you can move forward. Visualizing these dreams can help you find motivation to overcome obstacles, which includes opening doors where there were once emotional walls.

Gratitude Journal

Each day, write down three things you are grateful for. These can be simple things – a beautiful sunset, a kind word from a friend, or even just a good cup of coffee. Focusing on gratitude shifts your attention away from negativity and helps you appreciate those blissful moments that are good in your life. This represents a mindset, fostering a more positive emotional state and helping to break down those emotional walls that thwart the bliss your soul craves.

Blissful Blessings

Thank you for joining me here today my friends. To find inner bliss, we must first be willing to let go of those emotional barriers, those chains that bind us. When those figments of the ego release us from their grasp, we can then pursue those paths that lead us to greater Self understanding, without the nuances of self (ego identity) that weighs us down.

Our psyche, the soul that guides us, is an ethereal element that opens doors to the universe where there were once only walls. I have no doubt that the supra-ordinate exists in that place, and cleanses the soul to create a sense of sweetness in the heart, maybe, that place of inner bliss that calls upon each and everyone of us.

May God be with you on that journey, as you envision a path that calls upon you. Let that path also illuminate your life and create the beauty of the story you will have told. For spring is upon us, and what newness can come with a change of seasons. And as always my friends, May blessings be with you, as you advance confidently in your dream’s direction.

Fill Your Glass: The Disciplined Practice of Loving-Kindness – A Sacred Journey: Where Myths Unfold and Potential Awakens

"You cannot pour from an empty cup." Dr. Thomas Maples joins us to discuss why loving-kindness is more than just a feeling—it's a powerful tool for spiritual development.Learn how to shift your perspective away from despair using mindfulness and faith. We dive deep into the psychology of self-compassion, the necessity of facing our internal darkness, and how to cultivate a lasting sense of hope. If you're looking to bridge the gap between psychology and spirituality, this episode is your roadmap to authentic joy.

Dr. Thomas Maples

Dr. Thomas Maples