Sense of Purpose - A reflection practice
© Jenn Shallvey
Shared from the recent newsletter - a reflection practice.
For many having a sense of purpose is a way to provide direction and guidance. Books and writing abound by authors of all genres citing the power of purpose. What is interesting about the pursuit is it can become a task requiring effort for the sake of the outcome. The goal of being purposeful is superceded by the pursuit of a purpose. Subtle difference that affects us in contradictory ways.
The why is an the illusion, the why is a distraction. The pursuit of why is a hook, a trick, a means to take you out of your purpose as if under the premise that you don't know why you should be doing something, therefore you don't do it until, you know. It is an illogical reversal of purpose and intention. It is taking you out of doing and away from the very thing that you are seeking to do.
What types of questions might one ask to know their purpose? The number one question cited is “What is my why?” Theoretically if you know the answer to this question all is sweet. Life is on track. You aim, focus and off you go.
Only life is not so perfect like that is it?
What I would like to suggest in this practice is to move away from purpose as a statement of intent. Just for this time out consider purpose as a way of being and less of a direction. Let go of this expectation, let go of having to have it all figured out. Let go of having to know why in a definitive sense.
Your real purpose is a bigger purpose that we all share as fellow humans. Many words come up in this including ones like love, kindness, compassion, care, acceptance etc. It is simpler to say ‘I am here to help’ or ‘I am here in service to others’ or ‘I am using my skills and talents in the best way possible to serve others and myself’.
In this context then I invite you to contemplate, reflect and ponder not your purpose as an intangible statement. Instead consider from a practical and real sense how you are able to help.
This practice is in two parts – head and heart.
Head
The first step is to think what your purpose might be in terms of how you best serve others. Pretend someone is interviewing you and they keep asking you the same question over and over again. What is your purpose and how does it serve others?
To do this step you simply answer the question until you exhaust your mind of all answers. Write down the thoughts you have. Keep asking the question. Do not evaluate nor critique. Do not worry about the grammar or expression. Simply jot down what comes up. Do this for a few minutes or until you exhaust your ideas.
Heart
The second step is to feel into your heart until you connect to a place of love and then know how you best serve others.
This time put your list aside. Instead take a moment to be still and go within. Read these suggestions and then see how you go.
Close your eyes, sit comfortably in your chair and breathe. Breathe in an out consciously paying attention to your breathing. Do this until you feel relaxed and at ease. Let distractions go.
Then feel into your heart. To do this you simply imagine and see the space of you where your heart is. Then you just imagine the breath going in and out of this space. See it however it visually comes to you. Feel it however you sense it. Let the experience be yours without expectation.
Then as you sit in that space, as you feel the full sense of love expand your love outside of you and connect to that which you genuinely find joy and love in life. Whether it be a place in nature, a favourite pet or anything else. The important thing is to feel the joy, happiness and love filling your heart and then your whole self.
Now ask your heart, yes ask your heart, what is my purpose and how does it serve others? Whatever answer you get is your answer. Feel it. Know it. Allow it.
Sit with the feeling and knowing for as long as you need.
When done return to your notes and jot down anything significant for you.
Contemplate the whole
Bring the head and the heart together. Notice and observe your experience. What stands out for you? How does it feel? What is similar and different in the two steps?
Consider doing this practice for a period of a few days to see what comes up. Consider coming back and checking in.
Ultimately the key question will be no longer what is your purpose but how in this moment am I serving with purpose and what does this feel and look like for me? By doing this practice you can hone in on your own sense of service as expressed through your individual self.