Mar
23
2010
What are some pointers for finding my purpose?
Q: “Garret, thanks for Wayseers.org. What are some pointers for finding my purpose? I feel like an underachiever. The thing is, I love being a Wayseer and I want more. I know the Wayseers.org will play a big part. Thanks!”
Garret John’s Answer: Your outer purpose is most likely where your passion meets the world’s needs. It is the place where you can do the most good. It is the pursuit which makes you come alive. The U.S. Declaration of Independence says “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Notice it says “the pursuit of happiness”, because it is the pursuit that is your purpose and passion. Happiness is ineffable and not something you can directly achieve through your outward actions. So here are some tips on how to find your outer purpose …
- Which activities when you do them seem filled with grace?
- In which moments in your life have you felt most fulfilled?
- Where have you experienced yourself as full of life, brilliance and vitality? What were you doing? What were you engaged in?
Now for the world side of the equation …
- What needs do you see in your world that those above abilities might fill? How?
- Which need do you feel most called to fill?
- What’s your next step in filling that purpose? (Must be an action that doesn’t take longer than a day.)
Finally – hold on to your hat, because all of that stuff above – is your outer purpose, not your inner purpose. Your inner purpose is universal – and that’s to love with all your heart, and to forgive those that distract you from that loving. You can love people. You can love nature. You can love what you do. Your purpose is to love as whole-heartedly with as much power as you can. When someone or something comes along to pull you out of that love, don’t take them or it seriously (just find the kind humor in the situation) or they will pull you out of your love. But if someone or something does manage to pull you out of your focus on love, then your purpose is to seek the good in that person or situation until you find a way of looking at them that lets you feel love again.
No matter how good you are at pursuing your outer purpose, if you neglect to honor your inner purpose you will never find true happiness.
An article by Garret John
I am a Buddhist and I believe that all of us have in us an intrinsic nature called Buddha nature. I believe our inner purpose is ultimately a return to this intrinsic nature, which is our true self.