By Shawn Wells, biochemist, formulator, author of The ENERGY Formula, and creator of the world’s first state-based supplement line with Mindvalley.
The Joy Deficit: Why I Created BLISS (And Why You Need It Too)
Let me tell you something most people don’t know about me.
For all the biohacks I’ve pioneered… for the 1,000+ supplements I’ve formulated… for the ingredients I’ve patented…
There was a time I struggled to simply feel joy.
My life was a whirlwind of accomplishments, but the inherent peace and excitement of childhood bliss felt distant. I pushed through countless demands, feeling the constant pressure to "perform" happiness, often reaching for external fixes just to navigate social interactions or find a fleeting sense of ease - all while pretending I was “fine” because I was the guy with all the answers.
But my emotional state? It felt incomplete.
I couldn’t truly connect. I couldn’t find that deep, resonant joy. I couldn’t just be in a state of unadulterated excitement without a constant internal effort.
And yet, every day I reached for the same things most of us reach for when we’re desperate to feel connected and uplifted:
- More numbing agents like alcohol and drugs.
- More superficial distractions.
- More pushing through social discomfort.
And that’s when I realized something that changed everything: True bliss isn't about forced happiness or artificial escape. It’s about cultivating an internal state of sustained joy and genuine connection.
🧠 Why Bliss Isn’t Just Mental
You can’t experience true bliss when your mind is overwhelmed and your biochemistry is out of balance. You can’t genuinely connect when an underlying current of stress or an inability to process information efficiently keeps you from being fully present. You can’t spontaneously feel excitement when your body is constantly battling the impacts of modern life.
But we try to anyway - don’t we? We rely on quick fixes to "socialize" or "relax." We feel disconnected, overwhelmed, and still can't find that deep sense of inner peace and joy. What we call "happiness" is often just a temporary mask over biochemical and mental chaos.
And the more I studied it - in the research, in my own biochemistry, in the labs - the clearer it became: We need a new way to achieve bliss. One that supports cognitive function, enhances mood, and fosters a true sense of well-being and connection - not just temporary relief.
And that’s why I created BLISS - not for the market, but for myself.
🧬 How BLISS Was Born
When Vishen and I sat down to dream up what Mindvalley States could be, I made a promise: If I’m putting my name on something - it’s going to be the best thing I’ve ever made. Not the cheapest. Not the trendiest. The real deal.
I didn’t want to make just another "mood booster" that gives a temporary high or leaves you feeling depleted. I wanted to create the first state-based supplement for true bliss — something that wouldn’t just "mask" feelings, but that would gently and intelligently guide the mind and body into its natural, high-vibration state of joy and connection.
So I asked myself: What would I give my system every day to foster cognitive excellence, emotional upliftment, and genuine well-being?
And I formulated BLISS. A multi-ingredient, synergy-based, mood-enhancing, cognitive-optimizing capsule. Backed by studies. Felt from day one. Built for sustained emotional and mental performance.
🧠 What’s Inside the BLISS Formula
Let me walk you through the key ingredients I chose - and why.
Bacopa Extract (Synapsa®) - 320 mg
The Cognitive Powerhouse
This patented extract of Bacopa monnieri is renowned for enhancing memory, learning, and information processing. It's designed to improve cognitive speed and accuracy, helping you navigate complex daily demands with greater ease.
- Improves speed of visual information processing and learning
- Decreases the rate of forgetting and enhances memory consolidation
- Increases multitasking accuracy
- Supports mood and reduces stress/anxiety
- Offers neuroprotective and antioxidant benefits for brain health
Tetrahydrocurcumin (as CurcuPrime®) - 250 mg
The Anti-Inflammatory Mood Enhancer
This patented version of curcumin (tetrahydrocurcumin) is celebrated for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting overall brain health and positively impacting mood and cognition.
- Functions as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent
- Acts as a robust antioxidant protecting cells from damage
- Supports brain health and may increase BDNF levels
- Contributes to mood and cognitive enhancement
- Offers superior bioavailability and a longer half-life than traditional curcumin
Paraxanthine (as enfinity™) – 100mg
The Clean Energy Elevator
As the primary metabolite of caffeine, enfinity™ provides a targeted and sustained energy boost without the common side effects of jitters or crashes. It functions as a central nervous stimulant to enhance alertness and focus.
- Enhances alertness and focus without typical caffeine side effects
- Supports athletic performance and increases energy levels
- May increase lipolysis (fat breakdown) and thermogenesis
- Exhibits a longer half-life for sustained benefits
- Contributes to enhanced mood and a greater sense of well-being
Saffron Extract (as Affron®)– 28mg
The Mood Harmonizer
This standardized extract of saffron is clinically proven to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and support emotional health by influencing key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
- Improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Supports a healthy inflammatory response
- Promotes neurotransmitter balance
- Acts as a powerful antioxidant
- Increases neuronal plasticity (BDNF expression) and may improve sleep quality
Zembrin® (aerial parts) Extract – 25mg
The Stress Reducer & Cognitive Enhancer
A patented extract of Sceletium tortuosum, Zembrin® is clinically validated to reduce stress and anxiety, elevate mood, and enhance cognitive function. Its effects can be felt in as little as two hours.
- Reduces stress and anxiety, elevating mood
- Enhances cognitive flexibility and executive function
- Promotes calmness and improved judgment
- May support improved mood and reduce soreness after exercise
- Attenuates the brain's threat circuitry and impacts serotonin reuptake
Citrus aurantium Extract (20% Nobiletin) - 50 mg
The Brain Protector & Mood Balancer
A flavonoid found in citrus peels, Nobiletin offers neuroprotective, cognitive-enhancing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits, acting as a "forcefield" for the brain and body.
- Provides strong antioxidant capabilities
- Offers anti-inflammatory effects
- Supports cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol
- Enhances cognitive function, learning, and memory
- Offers neuroprotective benefits against neurological conditions
💡 So What Happens When You Take It?
You don’t feel “overstimulated.” You don’t feel “artificially high.” You feel… genuinely uplifted and connected.
Present. Clear. Joyful. Able to engage and appreciate. Like your mind is sharp and your emotions are harmonized. That’s the true state of Bliss.
And BLISS helps you access it - reliably, powerfully, and sustainably. This isn’t a magic pill. It’s a physiological ally. It doesn’t bypass your feelings - it amplifies your best ones.
✅ When I Take BLISS
Here’s how I personally use it:
✅ Before social gatherings or events to enhance connection and elevate mood.
✅ When seeking greater mental clarity and processing speed for complex tasks.
✅ To cultivate an enhanced sense of well-being and joy throughout the day.
✅ For a positive outlook during times of increased demands.
You can take 1–2 capsules per day. It’s fast-acting, but the long-term benefits are what I’m most excited about: improved cognitive resilience, sustained positive mood, and a deeper appreciation for life.
🧪 Why This Formula Is Different
No proprietary blends. No filler. No “close enough” dosages.
Every ingredient in BLISS is:
- Clinically dosed
- Third-party tested
- Branded and studied
- Stacked intentionally for synergy
This isn’t a formula designed by a marketing team. It was designed by me — to find my own joy and connection. And now it’s for yours too.
🌱 Why This Isn’t About Selling a Pill
This is about taking your sovereignty back. We live in a world where our joy can feel elusive, our connections superficial, and our well-being overshadowed by stress. We’re often told to settle for less or rely on unsustainable coping mechanisms.
But there’s a different path. One where your mind operates with clarity and ease. One where your emotions are uplifted and your connections are genuine. One where profound joy and mental excellence can coexist.
That’s what BLISS represents to me. I made it because I needed it. And now, if it resonates, it’s here for you too.
You’ll feel it from the first dose. And love it more with every use.
It’s not just a pill. It’s a daily practice. A way of anchoring into your most joyful, connected, and mentally vibrant self.
You can try BLISS here: 👉 mindvalleystates.com/bliss
With heart, Shawn Wells
By Shawn Wells, biochemist, formulator, author of The ENERGY Formula