“A feeling of peace and well-being spread through her veins.”—Ann Patchett
While brunching on Saturday, my friend Judy asked if I was up for an experiment. She has been using psychologist Arthur Aron’s 36 questions. It’s a device, according to an essay in the New York Times’ Modern Love column, for accelerating intimacy.
I think I surprised us both with my answer to question 4: What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
Typical answers include things like being at the beach, sipping drinks with umbrellas, getting massaged.
I said (and I was as surprised as Judy) that my perfect day had nothing to do with activities or events. It has to do with my head space, with feeling the Divine Buzz that, at times, almost overwhelms me. I’m not even sure how to describe it. A sense of joy, a sense of life’s fierce beauty. It’s almost like I could spontaneously combust with sheer rapture.
When those days (well, more like minutes of some days) happen, it matters not what I’m doing.
Believe me, I’ve had many of the “perfect days” promoted by the marketing machine—exotic vacations, five-star hotels, mountaintop lodges. But nothing compares to being on the frequency of joy and gratitude.
The perks we think we want are cool. I’m often astonished by the things I’m invited to do as a travel writer. But those things don’t guarantee happiness or “perfect days.” I was once miserable on a safari in the jungles of Brazil. My head was wanting to be back home. My thoughts were judgy, insecure, lost.
The only requirement for a perfect day is having a happy mind. ACIM Lesson 30 says: God is in everything I see because God is in my mind. It talks about joining with what you see rather than keeping it apart. It promises that the world will open up before you and you’ll see what you’ve never seen before.
I call it the Divine Buzz and I’m grateful for every moment I allow myself to feel it.
Here’s to having a “perfect day,” my friends.
Pam Grout is the author of 19 books including E-Squared, E-Cubed, Thank & Grow Rich and her new book, Art & Soul,Reloaded: A Year-Long Apprenticeship to Summon the Muses and Ignite Your Daring, “Audacious, Creative Side.
25 Responses
Oh I have felt that rapture you speak of. It is like a veil that is pulled back, and I can feel rather than see an amazing beauty. It brings tears to my eyes and is all too fleeting. So I wait for next time.
It’s the greatest. And it’s the actual TRUTH!
I love this! The “divine buzz” is going to be something I will be striving for in my days.
I, too, search for that perfect day of joy, of being in the flow from Source. Love this, Pam!
It makes such a difference. Thanks!!
Pam, you rock! I read every single post, I smile every time and feel uplifted and grateful. You are an inspiration and role model, and after reading this post I couldn’t hold myself back, I had to give the highest high-five!!
High fives right back, my friend!!
I couldn’t agree more! It is wonderful to read what you have to say everyday!!
Yes, yes, yes!!!! Namaste, Danielle
Sent from my iPhone
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Namaste!!!
Here’s to having a ‘perfect’ day (s) !! 💖
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
Another great blog post!
Thanks for your inspiration and guidance, Pam!
xox
I’ve been keeping the lesson page open so I can go to it easily each day. Most people get upset when a day doesn’t go according to plan. I figure the big buzz has something else in mind so go with it. Those can often be the best days. You are right, We just have to stay tuned and appreciate the unexpected and sometimes the unwelcome. Thanks. This is a good one…too. 😉
Thanks Pam
Perfect comment for me right now
Such a great message! Thanks, Pam.
I totally understand your perfect days! I feel them too, when I see the beauty in everything and everyone, when I feel my body vibrate with energy, when I feel connected to everything, when I feel love and loved and everything around me seems to be radiating with a glorious light… Ahh… those magical perfect days! I love them! I had one yesterday, even though I didn’t do anything special, I just enjoyed every moments of the day and I went to bed smiling last night, thinking how truly beautiful this life is. Thanks for all your writings, you’re always a brilliant inspiration!
I so agree with you. Thanks for this great post!
I describe it as being wildly content.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post!!!! Thank you!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE you!!
😍❤️😘 Love YOU!!!
I love this post!
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And I love you!!! Thanks!!
Well written…
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OMW I live for cultural traveling experiences!!! If ever you’d rather be home or can’t make it call me. 😁 I can take your place. And give you a full report! Totally gets me in the Divine Buzz just thinking about it. Bonus: experienced cruiser heeeeere!