« Semi-supine | Main | Beating stress »
Suppose we are actually here to perform a particular role in the Universal scheme of things. Are we actually fulfilling our Purpose and bringing to the world what we most have to offer? By fulfilling our Purpose we can discover more fulfillment and happiness, satisfying our deepest needs, aside of food, sleep and health.
I changed my career to satisfy my Purpose although I didn't know this was what I was doing at the time. But I made the change to satisfy my deepest desires. I wanted out of commercial marketing and to become a teacher of the Alexander Technique and help others. I'm not being altruistic. Just plain selfish in some ways, as that's what I wanted to do. I don't recommend everyone goes out and changes career, but maybe a small change in our activities can allow us to bring more of ourselves to activities, to enjoy ourselves more, be happy and share this with others.
Knowing and fulfilling your Purpose can bring many things:
It gives your life Direction.
It brings fulfilment.
It brings reassurance. Knowing we're progressing along the right path for us. It satisfies our needs and what we can offer others.
It helps us focus on what's important for us.
It may help bring new opportunities
Discovering our Purpose enhances our self knowledge
it helps us feel good and enjoy life.
One could say that our Purpose is to propagate our race and bring children into our world, and undoubtedly this would be true. We may also say that we have to run a home, clean, decorate, feed the baby, go to work, build a business, make money, run for government, perform floristry, banking, perfumery, fashion design, sell bread, and look after an invalid sister. But are these daily activities what we actually like to do, or are we just pounding a tread mill? Whilst our sense of duty may compel us to perform certain roles and complete tasks important as they may be, are we really doing what we were ‘brought here’ to do?
The idea that we may be here for a Purpose has been entertained for centuries. For instance people are said to have a ‘Calling’; a strong urge towards a particular way of life or career . I’m not referring necessarily to a religious calling, but our inner need to do something. We borrow the phrase ‘raison d’être’ from the French; a reason for being, or the most important reason for someone or something’s existence . We could also say that we have a Purpose . Whichever way we describe it, the meaning is similar. Is the life I’m experiencing what I’m really here for?
My approach to this subject is secular and I do not attach the idea of a Purpose to any religion. You may believe that your Purpose is to love and promote the word of God, and you follow this course with devotion, happiness and fulfilment. However, irrespective of any religious beliefs we hold, whether we believe in God or not, we may all have a Purpose or unique role to play in the Universal scheme of things and in society. Our Purpose defines what we bring to this world, from the vast resources that lie inside of us, the unique combination of talents, skills and personal attributes as well as our individual energy.
Our Purpose is the broadest description possible of our interests and activities. It is so wide in meaning that it allows us to perform the fullest and most varied range of roles or tasks that can be envisaged and that are consistent with its definition. It is all encompassing and inclusive. It is the umbrella under which we can function and fulfil a role in society or the natural world, where we contribute our own unique offering. Our Purpose lets us play a role in this world that resonates with our deepest interests, needs, loves and desires yet offering us scope to apply ourselves in many differing ways.
I believe that my own Purpose is to communicate health, well-being and happiness. This is the broadest umbrella description I can find for now, to describe what I seek to do...and what I actually do. Teaching the Alexander Technique, photography of a spiritual nature, writing and playing music all help me express myself in ways that allow me to fulfil my Purpose, in a small or major way. Of course there will be jobs and chores that need doing that don't fit, but I try to do activities that fit my Purpose for the greatest proportion of my time.
Have you considered what your own Purpose may be?