HEALTH, WELLBEING

Purpose.

What is my purpose how does it feel? Does everyone have one? These are the pervading questions that can arise in times of significant life transitions when are are awakened to the startling realisation that we have presumed our purpose rather than considered it.

They maybe questions that arise more in bodily feeling rather than proposed directly by the mind. Translating as feeling of shakyness, a tightening of the gut.

In our western cultures, frequently we locate purpose in ideals of grandeur- of saving the world, in pursuits of nobility. We search for it in the work that we do, in our talents, skills or expertise. Sometimes these may intertwine and sometimes not.

When approached solely through the medium of external accomplishment or achievement, finding a sense of purpose can feel illusive. Purpose lingers in things that are infinitesimally small. In the things that bring us joy, the things, places, people we love, where our passions lie.

Purpose may not be about saving the world, but noticing the things that save us.

“I’m not telling you to make the world better, because I don’t think that progress is necessarily part of the package. I’m just telling you to live in it. Not just to endure it, not just to suffer it, not just to pass through it, but to live in it. To look at it. To try to get the picture. To live recklessly. To take chances. To make your own work and take pride in it. To seize the moment. And if you ask me why you should bother to do that, I could tell you that the grave’s a fine and private place, but none I think do there embrace. Nor do they sing there, or write, or argue, or see the tidal bore on the Amazon, or touch their children. And that’s what there is to do and get it while you can and good luck at it.” - Joan Didion.

Helen Coutts.

References and Further Reading.

01. Robinson Ken, 2013, Finding your Element, How to discover your talents and passions and transform your life, Viking, London.

Image Kim Verdebo.