Aspiring to live a life of purpose

Ever since human beings started to think rationally, we have been curious about things. This is true at both the relative level, such as wanting to know how organisms have evolved, and the absolute level, like wondering about God and the nature of the universe.

There must be more to life than just growing up, getting a job, taking a few vacations, retiring and dying. Without a clearly defined purpose, we just meander through space and time. A purpose is a master plan for our life. Knowing our purpose helps define our goals. It makes life more enjoyable and effortless. Purpose is not something that others choose for us. We must choose it for ourselves.

Most people just pursue wealth. Their sole mission in life is to earn money. Some go beyond and have a powerful emotional motivator. A few are driven by intellectual goals. Others are in search of happiness. The rare one sets aside worldly concerns and is consumed with matters of the Spirit.

Ultimately you want to live a meaningful life. You want more zest, more fullness, greater happiness. You want to wake up in the morning excited and enthusiastic, jumping out of bed with a thirst for life that you haven’t felt since you were a child. Your purpose is your connection to something larger, something that will allow you to make your mark in the world, to truly make a difference.

To begin with, you need to expand your mind. Read inspiring stories of others who achieved greatness. Read the scriptures. In 2016 a study in England found that among teenagers, those who had a spiritual background had a stronger sense of purpose. Invest your time in helping others. Another’s pain can lead you to awareness of all that you are blessed with. Cultivate a sense of awe and gratitude. When you connect with the divine Power, you are driven to make a positive impact on the world. Fix a higher ideal and work with like- minded people.

Identify your svadharma, your talent, inner calling. The Mozarts of the world have pursued their passion from a young age. Uncover your passion like a sculptor, chipping away the stone to reveal the masterpiece underneath. Your life’s purpose is this masterpiece, lurking beneath the surface, waiting to be released.

Understand your inner personality. Strengthen your intellect. You may be inspired with a larger purpose but a well-fortified intellect is necessary to organise your activities and pursue the goal with consistency. Are your actions selfish and self-centred or are you truly dedicated to a higher ideal? The higher the goal the greater is your energy, creativity and power.

Feel one with a larger circle of people. Then you will feel less insecure and competitive. You will no longer fight imaginary enemies! Finally, understand that the world and all it has to offer is impermanent, passing, and ephemeral. Its inherent value is zero. The Spirit, the only permanent factor in life, adds value to the world. Seek Spirit. The world will come to you unsought. You will achieve effortless success and happiness in the world while you gain Enlightenment.

Don’t waste any more time stumbling through life. Identify your purpose and strive to express it in your work, your play, and your relationships. Living life on purpose will translate to better well-being for you, your family, and your world.

Thank you so much for reading me.