Inner Depths, Steadfastness, Transformation

Presence, Change, Work, Service, Anew

This week’s 5 Big Ideas are adapted from my book, The Search for Purpose.

The Search for Purpose reviews quotes, attributions, etymological explanations, proverbial sayings, and teachings from over 350 individuals and sources. The ideas within span various angles and perspectives – from ancient stoic philosophy to New Age ideologies, futuristic sci-fi to timeless American poetry. You can purchase a copy or read the online version for free here.

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I.

Presence

Presence involves a full awareness of the essence of our existence. As the French philosopher and priest Pierre Teilhard de Chardin profoundly put it,

We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

This notion underscores the idea that there is more to us than the mere sum of our physical parts.

What we refer to as the spirit or soul is the wellspring of our deepest desires. It yearns for happiness, peace, understanding, and purpose. Meditating on higher emotions, like love and gratitude, allows us to connect with our inner sanctuary, nurturing it with the care it deserves.

The conditions of our inner world profoundly impact our external reality. Just as we tend to our physical surroundings, we must ensure that our inner landscape is conducive to well-being. Our insides should be replete with joy, virtue, intention, and truth. We should strive to clear away the clutter of negativity and false beliefs that can obscure the radiant light of our being.

Spirit is a reservoir of pure consciousness and pure energy, and when we connect with it, we tap into a boundless source of wisdom and love. Within this internal repository, we find the strength to overcome adversity, the will to pursue our dreams, and the compassion to connect with others on a meaningful level.

Life’s journey is a delicate dance between the external and internal worlds. To truly thrive, we must endeavor to remain conscious of both. Through presence, we not only improve our own lives, but we radiate our light outward, enriching the world around us.

II.

Change

Integrity, wisdom, skill, intelligence – such things are forged in adversity.

Attributed to Mencius

Change is the only constant in life, an ever-present force that shapes our journey. From the moment we enter this world, we come face-to-face with new challenges, uncharted territories, and unexpected turns. Life’s evolution can be exhilarating, but it can also be unsettling. As creatures of habit, we often find comfort in the illusion of control, clinging to the familiar, even when we know that most aspects of life exist beyond our power.

Both individually and collectively, humans necessitate ongoing change for their evolution. Progress and growth unfold when we shift and adapt to new circumstances. Life’s unpredictability may sometimes feel like an opponent, but it is, in fact, a potent ally. Change does not happen to us. Instead, change happens for us. It is the vehicle through which we transcend our limits, discover new potential, and embrace a more prosperous, fulfilling existence.

We must harbor a willingness to let go of the illusion of complete control, to release the safety of the past, and to greet the unknown with an open heart and bold spirit. When we shift our focus this way, we unlock the doors to transformation and growth. Change becomes an opportunity, a gift, and a testament to our resilience.

Despite life’s ephemeral nature, we must not abandon our deepest aspirations. Instead, we shall summon the courage to refine and progress in our endeavors to pursue them. Life will inevitably continue to test us to see if we have the will and desire to move forward. And it will reward us if we do.

III.   

Work

Your profession is not what brings home your weekly paycheck; your profession is what you’re put here on earth to do, with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling.

Attributed to Vincent van Gogh

When you figure out what you’re here to do, do it!

The work of your life is not just a job or a career. It involves pursuing your passion, leveraging your skills, earning a living, and contributing to both personal and collective well-being. Essentially, it is your reason for being.

Wholehearted dedication to your calling is the path to fulfillment. The adage “Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well” resonates deeply here. When you pour your time and energy into your pursuits with unyielding determination, you will unlock the full potential of your gifts and talents. Believing in your capabilities is the catalyst for transformation. You will summon the strength to overcome any obstacle as long as you think you can.

Work, whether in the form of strenuous toil or dedicated practice, serves as a crucible for character. It toughens our resolve and refines our abilities where they may be lacking. Just as hard work gives leisure greater purpose, having undergone past failures makes future successes more worthwhile.

Pursue your calling as if it were your full-time job because it is! Take the audacious leap into the unknown, guided by faith in your unique talents and a relentless commitment to your dreams. You possess the ability to bring your purpose to life, but will you summon the courage?

Your life’s work is a lifelong endeavor, a labor of love that defines your existence. It is the manifestation of your true self, the embodiment of your passions, and the realization of your potential.

IV.   

Service

A bit of fragrance clings to the hand that gives flowers.

Chinese proverb

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to undertake a task when it’s for the benefit of someone else, as opposed to doing it for your own sake? Our innate inclination towards service and altruism is a testament to our intrinsic purpose in life, which extends far beyond individual gain. We are all threads intricately woven into the tapestry of humanity, and our purpose beckons us to enrich the collective well-being of the many, not merely the self.

When we look back on our life’s legacy, it will become evident that purpose is not measured in accumulated accomplishments, but in the lasting impact left behind on the lives of others. Whose lives did we enhance? Whose destinies did we permanently alter for the better? The answer to these future questions will determine the quality and significance of our life’s purpose.

Service is not solely a selfless act; paradoxically, it is one of our most self-serving endeavors. In the act of serving others and contributing to the greater good, we, in turn, serve our own spirit. As Mohandas Gandhi wisely asserted,

The best way to find oneself is by losing oneself in the service of others.

For his lifelong dedication to seeking truth and serving others, the public bestowed upon him the honorific title Mahatma, which means Great Soul in Sanskrit.

Gandhi’s profound insight underscores the interconnectedness of all beings. We share a common metaphysical essence, and when we brighten someone’s day, their radiance reflects back upon us.

Through serving others, we illuminate the soul of the world, revealing the unity that binds us all. Recognizing our core as spiritual beings, we experience a reciprocal outpouring of light and goodwill when we act selflessly. In service, we discover the profound truth that by enriching the lives of others, we, too, are enriched.

V.   

Anew

In his essay on self-reliance, Ralph Waldo Emerson offers insights into doing what one must do, independent of others’ opinions. He emphasizes that following one’s true path can be challenging, as those around us believe they know our duty better than we do. The discouragement and interference of outside opinions can make it difficult to remain resolute in our pursuit of purpose and authenticity. Emerson suggests that while solitude can offer temporary relief from the world’s judgments, isolation is not a sustainable solution. Authentic transformation comes from perfecting our inner independence while living amidst the world.

Creating the best version of oneself is not an individual journey; it is a process that unfolds within the collective tapestry of humanity. While solitude provides an environment where it is easier to follow one’s intuition, humans have an innate need for service and friendship. Our purpose goes beyond personal fulfillment; it involves contributing to the well-being of many. To respond to the call, we must show the world who we genuinely are, living in alignment with our inner knowledge and intuition.

Finding purpose in life is multifaceted. It commences with understanding the physical path that lies ahead, delving into the depths of our inner wisdom, and requires dedicated training through service and effort. The journey ultimately culminates in an inner and outer transformation – being made anew.