Ignorance is bliss..but is it really?!
April 5, 2024
Here recently I have found myself at a bit of a crossroads of reflection and realization. It's about the duality we navigate between the simplicity of "ignorance is bliss" and the profound depth that comes from living with a heightened level of awareness.
You know.. there is something comfortably easy about not exploring too deep into the realities of life...not concerned over the future, the inevitability of change, or the transition of our roles.. especially as parents watching our children grow into adulthood. (No surprise this comes up as our eldest turns 22 today. Happy Birthday baby girl!!)
"Ignorance is bliss" we've all heard it and although there is a lot of truth to this phrase, it has often baffled me. What is so “blissful” about being ignorant? That along with the “knowledge is power” often caused me to question the greater meaning to these phrases. It wasn’t until I found myself living life more fully and with greater awareness I was able to find more clarity and understanding of these phrases.
Without the weight of awareness, decisions come easier and unburdened by the “what ifs” of tomorrow.
It’s in the transition from less to more awareness that we uncover true beauty of moments, those that could easily pass unnoticed but.. when recognized.. it enriches our lives immeasurably.
It’s about shifting gears from a life lived on autopilot to one where every moment, decision, and interaction is infused with consciousness. No doubt awareness comes with its own challenges. The sheer realization of time passing, roles changing, and the world moving on with or without our consent or even our presence. That level of awareness at times can be almost a bit overwhelming.
But, it also opens the door to a life lived in vivid color, deeply felt and fully experienced.
This heightened sense of living brings a completely new perspective to our very own existence. Transforming what often may have felt like mundane moments only appreciated when they become memories to being cherished in real time... not just in retrospect.
It turns the act of parenting from a series of tasks to a shared journey, from seeing our children as dependents to recognizing them as individuals forging their own path in this world.
So, how do we find balance between the bliss of ignorance and the richness of awareness?
It starts with a choice..to be present, to observe, to listen, and to feel. It’s about finding joy in the awareness of our present experiences and cultivating gratitude for the beautiful moments of connection and embracing the constant change called life.
While we navigate our very own and very personal journey, try to embrace the complexity of life with an open heart and a mindful spirit. Appreciate the beauty of right now, the bittersweet transitions, and the joy that comes from truly living in a state of awareness.
I am so interested to hear your own take on this. Have you found that being more aware has changed how you experience life? Drop me a line and let’s chat about it. Because, honestly.. the journey from “ignorance is bliss” to “awareness is joy” can be a hell of a ride.. and although scenic.. it can come with some challenges.
