It's Bullsh*t
People are so caught up in the idea that we have to work a particular job or live out our purpose in some specific way that involves being paid for what we do.
I think this is bullshit.
For some people this idea may work well and for others not so much. It seems we are hyper-focused as a society on working and then creating our passions into work.
Of course this doesn’t mean to not do what you love.
But rather there is something else here that wants our focus.
I took part in a personal retreat at the lovely Providence Center a couple months back. During my time there I came across a quote by the Catholic turned Buddhist monk and writer, Thomas Merton. His eloquent way of wording what I was feeling is quoted here:
“Whether you teach or live in the cloister or nurse the sick, whether you are in religion or out of it, married or single, no matter who you are or what you are, you are called to the summit of perfection: you are called to a deep interior life perhaps even to mystical prayer, and to pass the fruits of your contemplation on to others. And if you cannot do so by word, then by example."
The Problem Is:
When I read this quote I felt him speaking to my heart.
I had been a nurse and was used to supporting others who were struggling with their mental health.
I had been married and divorced.
And I had been feeling the longing to teach more about magick and spiritual practices.
All of this quote was a huge wake up call for me.
The Chase
You see, for most of my life I was chasing what my purpose was. I identified my life purpose as an external experience that I had to fulfill - this destiny that God had chosen for me and I best live it out in the best way. This led to chasing because none of the things I could find / do were fulfilling that internal need for something more (the inevitable summit of perfection).
So I did it all:
I signed up for all the classes.
I took this training and that training and everything under the sun.
Now I do enjoy learning and engaging with new ideas that expand my mind - there’s nothing wrong with that - the issue for me was the hope of gaining knowledge and validation from another source so I could then step into sharing my truth or making an impact on the world.
What I learned, and what this quote summarizes, is that this life is about the constant evolution of humanity, not an end goal of living life right.
Why is this important?
By letting go of the expectation that you must fulfill your purpose, and instead focusing on the constant evolution of experience on this earth, you begin to awaken to your personal truth and naturally influence the world in a meaningful way.
It feels lighter in that you are not expected to be anyone in particular except You.
You are a part of the whole human experience. We are all playing a role here and it is collectively that it matters.
Stop Chasing & Start Living
I see it all the time, people chasing certificates; chasing the idea that if they can find that ‘right’ role & understanding, then they will be ready.
People think that by being content with the status quo, they are in balance, when in actuality it is natural for us to be drawn to evolution. They become complacent and then decide to chase external validators like certificates in hopes of it solving an issue.
People brush these ideas under the carpet because they are scared of change and do not want to have to put in the work/time/energy/effort to live a life they feel naturally pulled towards.
People think that their contemplations do not matter.
My Experience
My stepping onto the path of life meant to be in contemplation and share these learnings/insights with others. By being in flow of these contemplations, I have taken the pressure off myself to perform in a particular way. I have eased the need to get it right or perfect.
Now I approach life with this knowing that I am doing the best I can and that every opportunity in life is a learning moment.
It does not matter how many letters I have in my email signature or what certifications I hold, I know that I am living life to the fullest by simply being myself and sharing what I have learned thus far along the path.
Even though I may not know if it’s fully true just yet, I am speaking it because it is where I am at any given moment. This is life!
When I read Merton's words, I began to realize that life can be so much easier. And I see it with my clients every day - they are finding ease within their experience by simply being them!
What can you do?
First, Let go of the need to get it right
Can you admit that sometimes you know and sometimes you do not know? Be willing to embrace that you have made mistakes and that these mistakes have coexisted with your best choices, leading you to this moment.
They are all choices after all.
Second, Stop chasing the perfect moment
You may have in mind that you can do XYZ when you have the certificate or training that someone else created.
No one is the approver of your life and no one can give you permission. Only you can give yourself the permission to act and do and be now.
So stop waiting for the best moment to start that project or share out that email or present on that topic…instead, in the words of Nike:
JUST DO IT!
Third, Share share share
What is one learning you have experienced in the past week? There must be some insight you have uncovered about your life.
If so, I invite you to create a post on social media, tell a friend or someone (with a preamble of “Hey I would love to share something with you if I may?”). It is with a story that we heal ourselves and the world.
So be willing to use your voice and share the insights with others. This is not about getting them to listen and understand it or to act in a way that you think is best, but rather to inspire others and trust that by sharing your story you are creating the waves as we move along the summit of perfection.
And if you do not have any insights, perhaps it's time to start your personal development work. I invite you to reach out for a session and let's discuss ways to start sparking these contemplations in your life. You can schedule here.
-
Love is the Law. Love under Will.
Fola Veritas
Comments