There are times when the road ahead seems hard to follow and our purpose becomes unclear. There are moments in life that just don’t make sense and we ask ourselves Why? It isn’t always easy to have clarity on these issues, but it is essential for us to try. I have always found this exercise from Debbie Shapiro’s book, Your Body Speaks Your Mind, (1996) to be very helpful. It helps me remember what is real for me. Try it for yourself and see what happens. Find a place where you can be quiet and undisturbed for 30 minutes or so. Make sure to have a paper and pen handy. Insights are guaranteed!
Start by sitting comfortably and closing your eyes. Focus on your breathing. Then when you are ready, say three times, “I am here to connect with my purpose”.
Allow the following questions to permeate your heart. Breathe each question into the core of your being and let it sit there before you write down any answers or comments. You are not looking for rational and logical answers, but the deeper ones that emerge from your heart. Try not to let your head do the talking!
- When do I feel life is most meaningful?
- What makes me happiest?
- What fills me with passion.
- When do I feel life is most meaningful?
- What makes me happiest?
- What fills me with passion?
Take your time answering these. There may be other questions that arise out of them. Let your heart speak. When you are ready, continue:
- What are my three main priorities in life?
- Am I doing any of these now, and if not, why not?
- What practical things can I do now, and in the next two months, to honour my priorities further?
Respect whatever answers you have written down and commit yourself to putting these into practice. Remember: the commitment is to your own healing. (Shapiro pg. 47)
There are no right or wrong answers, for everyone is different and everyone must walk their own path on Earth. I am thankful to have found this exercise many years ago as it has been a useful tool in helping me understand what my life’s purpose is about. May you find it to be similarly helpful.