Finding the Path to Your Purpose

A Mid-life Spiritual Re-direct

So there you are, just moving through the day-to-day of your normal, well-known life and then BAM! ... as if out of nowhere, you find yourself smack-dab in the middle of a spiritual awakening! (...Ok, maybe not quite that dramatic, but once your perspective begins shift it does tend to change things fast!) Then, on top of everything else happening right now, its like the normal daily job, the 9-5 grind, and just paying the bills, doesn’t seem so fulfilling or inspiring or even “right” anymore. With all of the expanse you are feeling in your mind/body, heart and soul shouldn’t there be more than this? Shouldn’t I be doing something more important and purposeful with my life?

Now, in the case of those people who have found total contentment in their career and path they have taken, this will be answered pretty simply. If you feel that you should or could be doing something more purposeful, then you are probably right! There are so many ways that you can make a difference in peoples lives and probably even using some of your natural strengths, talents and passions. So, make some time to give back on a regular basis and you will feel you heart and soul fill up, and then you will know that you are living a purposeful life.

However, for so many of the rest of us who are stuck, stagnant, in a job that pays the bills but fulfills nothing more than your financial needs (if that) ... the answer is still YES, but the new question is how? 

You are now acutely aware that there is so much more to this life, but where do you fit in? What’s your role to play, your meaning for being here? What is your “purpose” in this life? This is a huge part of your shift, and it can leave you feeling pretty lost and unsure of what comes next. For those of us that have not already by chance, fate or karma, just fallen into our purpose, we have to somehow find a way to safely change our path. Especially for so many of us who are well into our lives, with families and responsibilities, it’s hard to even fathom how anything could change. Well, I’m here to say that it definitely can, it’s just not going to happen over night.

To possibly help with a better understanding of what I mean when I say “your purpose”, I’m going to throw in a bit of philosophy here...

Dharma, is part of ancient teachings called the Purusharthas, and is often described as the path of righteousness and duty. It goes beyond mere fulfillment of personal desires and is about a deeper sense of purpose and responsibility towards yourself and others. It is the guiding principle that aligns our actions with our true purpose and leads us towards living a righteous life. It’s about finding and understanding our unique path and how we can contribute positively to the world around us. Just as every individual has a distinct fingerprint, each person's Dharma is also unique and tailored to their specific talents, passions, and values.

In more modern terms, Dharma can be described as aligning your skills and interests with the greater good of society while also ensuring your own financial well-being. It’s your right livelihood and contribution to the world ...or just your community.(Really, if you can truly help even just one person along your path then you have served the greater good.) By finding this balance between what you excel at, what the world needs, and what sustains you financially, you can discover a fulfilling and meaningful way of life that benefits not only yourself but others as well. So, in essence, Dharma’s definition is your true path or purpose in life. 

So ya, ..that should be pretty easy to find right?! Well, maybe, depending on where you are in your life. If you are a 20-something who’s just starting out, then sure, you are in a perfect position to just go out, find and live your Dharma! But, for us middle-aged folk who are in our careers, have houses and debt, plus have both our kids and our parents to take care of ...not so much. 

The path to finding your purpose is often not an easy one and it can require a lot of patients, self reflection and self compassion. It's important to remember to take your time with this and to go easy on yourself. Don’t forget to be grateful for where you are, grateful for this awakening and grateful for everything you are going to learn on this journey of self discovery. There is no rush. The journey is just as important as the destination.

Okay, so, now what? ..what are the next steps? 

Well, first of all, you need to find and dedicate some time everyday to yourself and those practices that are going to fulfill you and your spirit. Then, a good place to start this process is by taking the time to really get to know your self! Some ideas to start you off would be;

Attempting some or all of these things should start to awaken some insight into who you are and what may be your next steps. 

As you navigate this new terrain of self-discovery, it's okay to feel a little lost but you should also realize that this is such an exciting time!! This is when and where your (conscious) journey truly begins! ..where you have the opportunity to explore new paths, uncover hidden talents, and embrace the calling of your soul. Allow yourself to be curious, to ask questions, and to seek out new experiences that resonate with your heart. 

Let this experience empower you to live a more meaningful and intentional life, and guide your decisions and actions towards what truly matters to you. It will bring you a sense of clarity and motivation, helping you navigate challenges and setbacks with resilience and determination. Aligning your life to a greater purpose is a beautiful way to connect with your inner self and contribute positively to the world around you. It is truly a journey worth embracing, filled with growth, meaning, and endless possibilities.

Remember, this life is yours, YOU create it. Be kind, be mindful, be grateful for everything and choose to Embrace Your Journey.