Purpose: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. Also purpose: motive, motivation, intent, plan, design.
With so much rolled up into this tiny little word, it's no wonder why it can be difficult to clarify your life's purpose. Since the time I was old enough to talk, older relatives were asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Like really? At 8 years old, should I have a plan? My reply was I wanted to be a ballerina by day and a firefighter at night. Sounded cool then, sounds pretty cool now, 30 something odd years later.
When I went off to college, it was all, "what are you going to major in?" then as soon as I graduated, "what you are going to do as a career?" I get it. It makes us feel like we are in control when we have a plan. Our purpose gives us some outward, forward projecting goal into our future of what we are supposed to become.
What no one would have expected for an answer is "My purpose is to love" or "My purpose is to be content in my life." Yet, isn't that just as important, if not more important than all of those other things?
In yoga, your life's purpose is called your Dharma. Dharma is what you were created for. I think in this fast paced, social media driven world, we think our purpose has to be grand and spectacular. What if it is simple and more straight forward than we have been taught to believe?
I have been sitting down and reflecting on what I think my dharma is. The first thing I am struck with, is the clear vision of what I know my dharma is not. As I face reality and look at myself honestly, I can get clarity on what it is, not what I thought it was supposed to be.
I can't say I know what my true path is, but I know I'm getting closer and closer to it.
Here is what I have so far:
My dharma is to inspire others, to be of service and at the same time, be inspired, to remain curious about the world around me.
What is your purpose? Does it come to your clearly? Have you known since you were a child?
Steps to Finding Your Dharma:
1) List what it is not.
2) Ask yourself, if money/lifestyle were no issue, what would you do?
3) How do you like to enjoy your free time? What hobbies do you have that you feel passion about.
4) What would friends & family say is your greatest strength?
5) When you die, what would you want people to say about you?
The intent of this blog post is to make you think, reflect, and ultimately help you to get to know yourself better. My purpose is to help you live your life to the fullest and be ALIVE & WELL
