According to a popular legend, during a tour of NASA headquarters in 1961, John F. Kennedy encountered a janitor mopping the floors.
“Why are you working so late?” Kennedy asked.
“Mr. President,” the janitor responded, “I’m helping put a man on the moon.”
This man saw his work as something larger than simply cleaning a building. He gave his work purpose by acknowledging that in keeping a clean, orderly environment for the scientists working on the project, he was doing his part. He was part of the team that was doing something great. Every action and activity, no matter how seemingly small, counts.
Purpose is about serving something larger than yourself
This can be done in a vast variety of ways. The common thread for people who are living their purpose is that they have a desire that goes beyond their own self-importance. The feeling of self-importance is what separates us. Instead, they feel the connectedness of all life and desire to contribute to that oneness. Purpose doesn’t feed the ego, but instead arises from the heart.
Psychotherapist Douglas LaBier says: “Knowing who you are inside — your true values, secret desires, imagination; your capacity for love, empathy, generosity — all relate to and inform your life purpose. When you do feel a pull towards some purpose, activity or goal that you feel reflects your inner self, then pursue it fully and vigorously, and with great intent.”
Purpose involves being invested in something that goes beyond the ego. This isn’t to say you make yourself do something you don’t enjoy. Your purpose will always express your talents, skills and your highest joy.
At first you may not understand how you may be contributing to the greater good. Trust that if it is something you truly love to do and you feel that desire for it to help others in some way, it will. A song can be just the thing someone needs to feel better. A painting can bring the feeling of appreciation of beauty to people.
Have you heard someone talk about a person who is always happy and friendly? Every time they are around that person they come away feeling better. That happy person is the dominant vibration which causes others to be uplifted simply by being around their energy.
You can certainly find purpose a cause you care about, whether as a volunteer or as your meaningful work. One purpose is not better than another. You can find purpose in your family and within your community. Think of the Bantu word Ubuntu. Ubuntu means, “I am because we are.” We are all connected.
A Short Meditation
One way to explore your purpose and connect with the web of life, is to meditate. Allow yourself to completely relax, and focus gently on your breath. Ask your soul to blend with you. Feel it come gently around and within you. Some people see it as a beautiful light, others feel it as increased love. Even if you have no experience of it, your soul always answers your call. Focus on your heart center and ask your soul to help energize it. Notice the loving feelings in your heart amplify. Imagine radiating love out to all life and feel yourself connected to that web of life. You are one with all life. As you come gently back, notice how you feel and any insights you may have.
In connecting to the Oneness of life, you not only find purpose, you find harmony, peace and joy.
If you’re ready to explore your purpose, I invite you to schedule your complimentary Life Purpose Strategy Session with me now.
