Finding My Deepest Purpose

There have been times in my life when I chose a path I later found unfulfilling. For instance, I chose the lifestyle of a software consultant several years ago, enticed by high salaries and the adventure of travel. Eventually, I found the work to be unfulfilling, at times tedious. I felt no real sense of contribution, and felt that I had hit a plateau in my personal growth.

Many thoughts went through my head about feeling this way. I felt I’d made a poor choice, drawn into the field for the wrong reasons. I felt that I hadn’t been true to myself, choosing a relatively “safe” route instead of challenging myself to follow my interests. I felt I’d let limiting beliefs corral me into denying my own purpose, from taking charge of life. I felt fear for changing directions, after I’d already followed one path for so long.

I no longer feel this way. Today, I understand that through our lives, we may experience many different callings. Each calling, each purpose, moves us closer to discovering our deeper purpose, our authentic nature. I felt compelled and excited by a consulting job at one time. That job took me across the U.S., and to four different countries. I  learned a lot, grew through each experience, and formed new models in my thinking that guide me into new endevours. I met many great people, and discovered many truths about who I am. None-the-less, that calling had run its course. It was time for me to discard that part of my life, without regret or hesitation.

David Deida writes that, “It is as if your deepest purpose is at the center of your being, and it is surrounded by layers of concentric circles, each circle being a lesser purpose. YOur life consists of penetrating each circle, from the outside toward the center.”

Our individual journeys through life are a process of uncovering our true nature. Some may find a direct path to the destination, whereas others may following a more meandering path. Ultimately, there may be many paths up a mountain, but there is one peak. That peak in our lives is our core truth. Each calling we pursue with integrity leads us closer to that peak, removing yet another layer of ego and false self. Eventually, we are able to live fully congruent with our deepest nature, and give ourselves fully in love to the world.

Understanding the context of my journey helps to still the mind, to calm the fears, to have faith that the path will be opened before me. It helps me to remember that, at any moment in the past, I did the best I could based on who I was at the time. I cannot look back upon the past and judge that past version of me, as I am not the same person today. I am able to forgive myself for my mistakes, as well as forgive others. I can relax more fully into the Now, enjoying the journey, knowing each day I’m closer to my authentic truth.

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