Image by CLUC via Flickr

I have often contemplated the question of why I am here – sometimes in curiosity and at other times in despair! It has been one of my goals this past year to gain clarity on this. As usual the universe was generous in its support. Circumstances led me to many teachers this year that have helped me gain some clarity, for now at least

One significant encounter was with Nithya Shanti during a retreat in Tiruvannamalai. His perspective on accessing life purpose is simple. He asked me to find those things that I am uniquely gifted at and use my gifts in service of the world

This teaching appealed to me very much. It meant that each human being is unique and possesses natural qualities that, when expressed, create joy for the self and contribution to the world. It meant that following my heart was enough to fulfill my life’s purpose. In whatever role I am playing in life, if I can bring in my unique gifts, then I am living my life’s purpose! I felt freedom and lightness in this realisation.

Exercise – 3 questions to access your life’s purpose

1. List some things that you are naturally good at
2. List some things that you enjoy doing
3. In what ways can these things come together to make a difference in the world?

When I did this exercise some answers are

1. Some things I am naturally good at – grasping things, learning, teaching, listening, ideation, thinking holistically, building rapport with people, being comfortable with many view-points
2. Some things I enjoy doing - Reading, writing, sharing my learnings, working in close-knit groups, discussions on change and transformation, watching movies, photography,
3. All these things can come together uniquely in the areas of teaching/mentoring/coaching/counselling, team-work/leadership, writing, etc.

So in my life, whatever role I am playing, to stay in tune with my purpose I need to stay connected with being a learner and a teacher, create close-knit groups around me, etc. If you do the exercise, do let me and other readers know some of your insights.

I will be sharing other ways to access life purpose in this series.

Wishing you lightness