Around 1975 I took the est training in NYC. Many of the upheavals I experienced and insights I gained guide me still. Among them this question stands out.
What is your purpose in life?
When I heard that, astounded, I wondered how I had reached my thirties without ever even considering such a important question! What on earth were we here for? Not only that, I did not know one single person who had pondered it either. How could we all dance or trudge our way through the days of our lives with no concept of what for?
My answer came quickly and clearly, in a blend of discovery and choice.
My purpose is to help people to be happier and ease suffering.
I tried it on. It fit. It still does, growing and changing shape as I have done over many years.
Knowing my purpose serves as a north star whenever I get lost. When I cannot for the life of me figure out what to do next, all I have to do while I wait for direction is remain true to my purpose:
- Be kind
- Offer a service.
- Encourage someone
- Contribute to a worthy cause
- Thank someone for something
- Write a blog post that may help someone to breakout out from a painful emotion and feel better
So here we go, what is your purpose? If you could have your precious life be for something, what would you like that to be? For many of us, our purpose will change from time to time. It does not have to be grand or altruistic. It could be anything from simply making it through a tough time to contributing to world peace. Enjoying the gift of life sounds like a good one to me. The important thing is to choose -- to be consciously aware of what on earth your are here for.
I would love to hear about your choices and experiences and share them with others here. Your comments are always an appreciated gift.
Wishing you a happy purposeful life.
Mandy