The last few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about Purpose, as in what is the Purpose of my life? What am I here to contribute? George Bernard Shaw writes, “This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by myself as a mighty one.” That Purpose! Ok. I agree that is the true joy in life, but what is it for me? Do you ever feel that, ask yourself that? I do. Too often, I am sure. A primary reason for taking my sabbatical was to find that or to sit in that discomfort of not knowing, and letting that simmer, smolder, and to be ok with not having the answer. To be ok staying in the question. I would rather have the answer! Sitting in the question is uncomfortable! The last month I have “found myself” getting really busy again as a way of avoiding this discomfort. This last week, I have intentionally sat in the question and some wisdom has bubbled to the surface. The Calm App meditation this morning was about sitting in the question, and not grasping for the answer. Reading in Bob Buford’s, Halftime, he challenges us to think deeply of where we want to be in 10 years, and to not take any action until that is clear. Reading in The Message this morning in Matthew, Jesus says “Blessed are you when you are content just as you are. Blessed are you when you show people how to cooperate instead of compete and fight. That’s when you will discover who you really are and your place in God’s family.” Finally, this this morning, I was enjoying The Daily Stoic Podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/2eIo8jr4WS6y377g46uIyV?si=nrAE4FZpQ-e4TCEPJGYg0w&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A7fY99FB3bNyn7nEdXCoBeB, where they are talking about doing what is uniquely yours to do, not what anyone else can do.
I don’t have the clear answer to my bigger purpose yet, and I am going to keep my life less busy, more open, slower, and be willing to sit in the questions until it is clear. I will keep my meditation, prayer, and journaling practice and add some relaxed solitude in the mornings as well. I will be content in my life as it is and help those right around me, especially my family. This makes me smile and maybe that is enough.
What are your thoughts about purpose? Do you agree with George Bernard Shaw? Or what you hear on this podcast? Or are you running to fast to reflect on it?
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!
Art
Daily Stoic Podcast with Ryan Holiday and Kamal Rivikant at 46:00 they shed some good liv
