This week I've been thinking about Purpose. With a capital P. For many of us, we ponder the big question: 'What is my Purpose in Life?' - For some, they know what that Purpose is - and are fulfilling it by living their passions - be it via employment/career, hobbies and/or choices they make everyday.
However, for many of us - the elusive idea of 'Life Purpose' seems greater than Life itself sometimes! Its almost as if there is this tacit pressure for all of us to 'figure it out' before our time is up... really, its sort of grim when you think about it.
So today I wanted to blog about Purpose - in a more broad and general way. Not in an inspirational 'Find your destiny, Follow you dreams' kind of way - and while that is great and meaningful, I'm talking about good ol' fashioned Purpose.
What do I mean by that? Well, I've learned a lot about Purpose in my sabbatical year in NYC with really 'No Purpose'. Because I cannot work due to Visa restrictions, I've had the luxury (and am forever grateful) to have had a year to do 'whatever I want'. Now that may seem like a dream come true to most of us (and it was in many ways, don't get me wrong), but there is something to be said about Purpose. Sure its great in the beginning - the freedom, the time, the exploration, the adventure - absolutely 100% amazing. However, after a while, what I think all of us crave is that sense of meaning/doing something that matters/Purpose.
But what I learned is quite amazing - for me, I almost always linked Purpose to Career - what you 'Do' for a living. So no job = no Purpose. Needless to say, not so good!
However, what I learned over this year is Purpose has very little to do with vocation. Since I couldn't work - I had to 'unlearn' the idea of Purpose = Career and I had to learn what having a Purpose truly is all about (because otherwise I was just roaming aimlessly!)
What I learned is that Purpose is putting intention and meaning into ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that you do. It creates depth and joy - even in the mundane tasks. Being Present and conscious in all that you do is what I believe Purpose is all about (and I do believe Eckart Tolle agrees!) So if you're one of those people who feel like you're running on the treadmill with no end and living a life with 'No Purpose', I have to say - because you exist, you have Purpose. It has nothing to do with your job, house, family. It has to do with you - your Presence in this moment. And in every moment of your life.
Creating depth is what Purpose is all about. Everyone some assortment of errands, jobs, kids, stress... Life. But finding meaning in it - that is the key to pure joy. If you're washing dishes - be present. Do it with purpose. Focus on the task at hand - not your never-ending To Do List. It is mindfulness in the everyday moments. And its truly fulfilling.
Take it from someone who literally had no Purpose whatsoever - Presence Provides Purpose.
With Purpose,
Dr. Shamira
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