Blinkered Bliss
It was a lovely summer day, perfect for heading out and enjoying a picnic in nature.
As the group of picnickers enjoyed the day and nature, they decided to start a campfire.
Their decision to follow their bliss in spite of the No Fires signs was one of two factors that led to wildfires nearby us recently.
The other alleged factor was the coastguard firing a flare during an exercise on an estate and a fire took off in the hot dry conditions.
These two actions led to severe wildfires that threatened houses, damaged the moorland, forests and peatland along with estate and farming infrastructure. To date, it is estimated that 21,529 acres of moorland and peatland plus 2,600 acres of forestry have been burned. The loss to wildlife is unmeasurable.
While the official reports are yet to be out, reading the accounts from people on the ground working tirelessly to stop the wildfires was heartbreaking.
“They didn’t see the young mountain hare panicking with all the smoke and running straight int the fire squealing his little heart out when he caught fire.”
“They didn’t see the small parcel of sheep confused when surrounded by smoke then being consumed with the flames.”
What confounded me was that in spite of widespread news reports and the ongoing efforts to contain the wildfires, there were picnickers who still insist on having campfires.
When people approached these picnickers to put out their fires, they were told to “mind their own business”.
Some took to sneakily putting out their fires when the police or rangers were there only to light them up again once they were gone.
Blinkered bliss.
Where we have a narrow or limited outlook focusing only on our bliss, enjoyment or pursuit of our dreams/ goals at the expense of others. Where consideration for others is neglected, forgotten or ignored.
While the wildfires is an extreme case, our daily living are peppered with examples of blinkered bliss.
For example, in the past I have an eagerness to fix issues for others. When friends and family share their challenges with me, I love to help them problem solve. It gave me great joy to do so but now I know, it was blinkered bliss. At times, they just wanted a listening ear and for me to hold space for them
Another example, is the joy that pawrents have in bringing their dogs to cafes and restaurants. The challenge is when they forget to be considerate of other patrons. I have seen pawrents letting their dogs sit on the chairs and eating from the restaurant plates on the table. Or letting their dogs run freely in the cafe thinking everyone loves dogs. I know everyone will have a different take on it. I do appreciate those pawrents who are considerate of other patrons by ensuring their dogs are kept below the tables with their water bowls. Bliss with awareness.
Other examples include using humour that offends or belittles someone “I am only joking”, insisting on being blunt in providing feedback with no regards for the emotional impact on the receiver “I am honest so I will tell you as it is” or imposing your model of the world/ preferences on others without respecting their preferences “did you know that by being/ eating/ doing/ choosing…, you are…”
We are all guilty of blinkered bliss at some moments of our lives. With greater awareness, it enables us to adjust accordingly and flow goodness.
To hold our joy alongside accountability, responsibility, and care for both people and world.
What other examples of blinkered bliss have you observed?
Following Bliss With Open Eyes
Reflection
Action
Read each prompt and choose the option that resonates most in your everyday life. As you respond, let your noticing unfold gently. At the end, you’ll add up your points to receive a reflective note.
#1. When I’m joyful, I usually…
#2. In shared spaces, I tend to…
#3. When someone asks me to shift what I’m doing…
#4. When a friend shares a challenge, I…
#5. I think about the ripple of my joy…
Tally your points and read the reflection that matches your total:
5–7 points: Your joy is radiant and bold.
Perhaps this is a quiet invitation to notice who might be just outside the spotlight, what grace might come from gently softening the edges.
8–11 points: You hold both joy and care.
You’re walking the middle path, listening, adjusting, wondering. Keep noticing the quiet spaces where your light can include not overshadow.
12–15 points: You are joyfully aware.
Your presence invites spaciousness. You pause, adapt, and welcome others in. There’s room here for celebration and consideration to sit side by side.
Practice for the Week
Before an action whether sending a message, planning a gathering, lighting a fire or sharing your joy, pause for just 10 seconds and ask: “Who might feel the ripple of this choice?” Simply hold the awareness and adapt if needed.
