Life Lessons:
Bliss Wood
*Are you happy at the moment?
At this moment I think I am content and quietly happy. I am in a period in my life where I spend quite a bit of time alone so I can write. It feels good to enjoy my days in a comfortable home, surrounded by beautiful landscape, creating magical stories. Yes, I’m quietly happy!
*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
“Take that vacation to Yellowstone with your family instead of staying home so you could hang out with your boring boyfriend. You would have acquired so many more awesome memories of your life. There will come a day when you will actually miss your family and wish you could make more memories with them.”
*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
Look people in the eyes when you speak to them, be completely present, and never miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Time on earth is finite, so make your journey the best it can possibly be!
*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
This time next year, I intend to have launched my new book and album. It would be so exhilarating to tour with them across the country and share the concepts of my playful, healing technique, ChantDance™.
Personally, I’m looking forward to spending more time with people I love.
*What’s your secret to happiness?
Gratitude. With the prompting of a friend, I started a “gratitude journal” about four years ago. I began by writing down 5 things each day for which I was thankful. From that first journal (I am currently filling #8), my attitude shifted from poverty consciousness to one of trust and abundance. Not only do I trust the experiences of my outer world, more importantly, I trust my own ability to create happiness and abundance. I still keep a gratitude journal, and find even more opportunity to be thankful. As a matter of fact, I’m feel more and more grateful for my whole life.
*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Daily meditation keeps me sane! As soon as I wake up and brush my teeth, I start the morning off with 30 minutes of Primordial Sound meditation. This is a mantra technique taught by Deepak Chopra and is specifically tailored to each individual. I was given a personal mantra that resonates with me and I use this each time I meditate. That first initial “sit” sets the tone for my entire day and allows me to calmly glide into my tasks at hand. I even try to slip in another 30 minutes in the afternoon. After meditation, anything is possible!
*What’s your biggest regret?
One of my all time favorite things to do is sing and I’m pretty good at it from the accounts of former teachers, band members and fans.
While gigging in Phoenix, Arizona one year, a regular patron approached me after a set and gave me an airline ticket to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue my music career. He told me I was washing my time in Phoenix and needed to go where the professionals play. I did move to Nashville, but was too intimidated and afraid of rejection to take the risk. I skirted around the business and had some successes, but I never felt like I gave myself a chance. Ultimately, my biggest regret is not having the confidence in myself when I was younger.
*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
I don’t have any of my own children, but I’ve substituted and worked in grade schools, not to mention, I’ve taught yoga to many children across the country.
I’d like to think that I’ve been a good example of kindness to the many kids I’ve encountered, especially my nieces and nephews.
I make a special effort to look children in the eyes and be completely present with them, acknowledging what they have to say. Many times, it is they who teach me!
*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
I stay up too late at night. Since I work at home most of the time, I tend to bulldoze through the day, writing late into the evening without scheduling time for “play.” This makes my days seem to run together and many times I find myself scrambling to accomplish my daily to-do list.
I really do like getting up early before the sun. Ideally, I would have enough discipline to go to bed at 10pm so I could be up at 5am and give myself 6-8 good hours of work and then play, play, play!
*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
I would have to say I’m most proud of my book Empowering Your Life with Yoga (Alpha) and my two CDs – ChantDance-Sonic Bliss and Yoga for Deep Relaxation. They are a culmination of most of my passions and each of these accomplishments offer a unique approach to personal awareness and inner happiness.
There is real satisfaction in knowing that the expression of my talents is a source of wisdom and peace to people across the world. I am truly humbled when someone tells me how my work has helped them in some way.
*When were you happiest?
Hmm, I’m always happy when I’m singing in the studio or experiencing new places or spending time with family and friends or hiking tall mountains or lounging on sun-kissed beaches or kissing babies or writing music or swimming in crystal clear rivers or…
It’s difficult to pick just one moment in time when I felt the happiest, however, I remember years ago, sitting on top of a mountain in Colorado in late June, watching the glowing sun set over the wildflower littered valley below me. As I breathed in that moment, the most exhilarating and reassuring presence wrapped itself around me. In that instance, everything was perfect.
I have never forgotten that feeling nor the incredible sights of that day. In fact, every time I recall that memory, I feel happy all over again.
*What ten words best describe you?
Tenacious, Healer, Songbird, Yogini, Intuitive, Artist, Compassionate, Animated, Loving, Teacher
Bliss Wood is the author of the acclaimed book, Empowering Your Life With Yoga©, and such yoga focused CDs as ChantDance™ and Yoga For Deep Relaxation©. She is an internationally recognized yoga instructor and Reiki Master, practicing for nearly 25 years. She specializes in helping people achieve deeper states of consciousness through her coaching, music and writing, yoga, and reiki. She offers dynamic and insightful classes that you can apply to daily living. Her holistic approach to life, coupled with her diverse artistic background, brings a uniquely colorful, fun and sacred experience to her workshops, sessions and classes.
Bliss offers a monthly motivational newsletter full of positive quotes, mindful meditations, and educational trivia highlighting an artistic view of life and spirituality. She is in the process of writing her latest book and would like to hear your story. Visit her website for more information on how you could be a part of her next book.
