Nothing is more important for spiritual growth than a strong sense of purpose. When we’re on mission, our vitality awakens and unseen forces flow forth to support our cause.
The yogis call this “living your dharma” (living in accord with your nature; performing your rightful duty). Each of us brings a unique offering to the world. And when we’re engaged in that offering, we feel more alive and sense something greater than us pouring through into our work.
What Is Your Dharma?
Deep down, we all crave meaning. We all desire to make a difference. But what if we haven’t found our calling?
Some people, after hearing the concept of dharma, go on a mad search to discover their true path. And that search often causes a lot of stress and confusion. Many feel there’s nothing they’re particularly good at, that they have no special talents or gifts.
I believe hunting down your dharma is the wrong approach. It’s like searching for love instead of becoming a person capable of loving and being loved. The thing you seek will continue to elude you.
Rather than setting out to discover your purpose, you can cultivate the ability to live with purpose. You do this by bringing meaning and intention to everything you do. Whether washing the dishes, taking out the trash, or performing open heart surgery, you can view every task as part of your mission to serve Higher Creative Energy.
This flips the whole issue upside down. Your entire perspective shifts. Before, your search for dharma was self-centered. How do I discover my talents? What gifts do I have? What was I sent here to do?
Now, the focus is on serving the energy of the moment in whatever way you’re capable. When you encounter a sink full of dirty dishes, you wash the dishes. When you notice that a friend is going through a rough time, you do what you can to lift them up. No matter what actions you’re engaged in, you bring intent and purpose to that work.
The Reward For Intentional Living Is More Work
Wait… What?
Yes, your compensation for serving is more work. And then more. But at the same time you’re rewarded with the passion, energy, and wisdom needed to complete each task as it arises.
You live in flow. And your capacity to serve that flow expands and expands.
The irony is that when you stop searching for purpose, and begin living purposefully, the talents and abilities you were looking for begin to flow forth. In other words, your dharma finds you.
