The Purpose of Your Life
Posted: Monday, March 10, 2008
by Camille Strate
JoyZAChoice
Eckhart Tolle's latest book, "A New Earth ~ Awakening To Your Life's Purpose" is creating quite a stir. Thanks to Oprah Winfrey, there are millions of people reading this book; many of whom are also participating in her online 'class' on Monday nights. It's a pretty big deal, considering the number of people who're joining in each week (at last report, it was nearing one million). All in the name of ... finding our life's purpose? I'd say that's pretty impressive, even for Ms. Winfrey. But that's not the point here.
In the last 10 years, the scientific community has come up with a 'new' science: 'positive psychology' or 'the science of happiness'. All sorts of studies have been (are continue to be) done on the effects of our mindset on our biology (our bodies) and our happiness quotient. It seems that when we approach our daily lives with a positive attitude, the overall effect on our bodies, our relationships, even our successes, are hugely impacted. There is even proof that we can heal any malady (including 'terminal illness' with our minds. But (and this is a very huge 'but'), we must first set our brains to 'happy'. In other words, think first, act second. Not the other way around.
Recently, Deepak Chopra aired a show about happiness. During this 90 minute 'chat', he stated over and over that first we must understand that happiness is not something we 'find', but rather something we acknowledge from within. We're all born happy, and lose that seed as we 'grow up', based on outside influences and social demands. The trick is to take time to quiet one's mind and connect with 'Source' (some call it 'God', or 'Universal Intelligence' or any number of things...all one in the same). Once we practice this quieting, we can strengthen our connection and thereby resume living our 'happy' lives. Sounds simple enough. But I wonder, how many people have ever tried this? How many people do you suppose take that 15 minutes, twice a day, to just be still and quiet their mind? Do they trust the feelings they experience or the thoughts that come after that meditation well enough to actually act on those impulses? Do they believe that by letting go of what is considered 'security' in lieu of following their path they will then live the lives they intended before coming 'forth' in this physical form? Do they believe that one person can actually effect the whole? Most importantly, do they believe that we are all connected, and therefore all effecting each other in every thing we do, every thought we think, every interaction we have?
I'm one of those who believe that we, as humans, are on the edge of something very big. Back in the 60s, it was called 'the age of aquarius'. We're in that age right now. According to astrologers, astronomers and other 'new age' gurus, we are coming into one of the biggest transformations in human history. 'The next evolution' of mankind is upon us. Mr. Tolle talks about this as well. We're facing something extraordinary, and it's up to us to take the steps to continue our evolution. Some say that this is IT. If we ignore it, we're doomed. Others say that this is only a first step and there is much more to come before we, as a species, will evolve beyond our enormously flawed state of Being (now) and become the enlightened Beings we intended. Hard to say.
I prefer the more optimistic approach. Let's say that we are on the edge of that quantum leap, so to speak. Let's say that right now, in this moment, we are converging and growing that 'light' rather than deepening the darkness that seems to shadow the world. Let's say that NOW is the time when we, as humans, finally accept our 'lightness of Being' and a new earth really IS awakening. How splendid would that be?
If we are to truly find our purpose on earth, it would seem we'd first have to ask the question. After that, it's really a matter of believing we CAN and then acting on that belief. I don't think it's such a massive undertaking. It's really quite simple. If we will acknowledge the good in all people and stop fighting that which we do not like (resisting is just another form of attention), we could actually BE the change we would like to see in the world, as Ghandi said. It all starts in your own 'back yard'. That back yard is YOU. Are you ready?
Camille Olivia Strate is an author, coach and travel consultant who takes great pleasure in helping folks 'remember' who they are. She spends much of her time with her beloved animals, maintaining that they are her greatest connection to Source. When she's not 'coaching' or writing, she can be found in the garden or on a trail, soaking in the marvels of Nature's offerings. Her latest book, "Whispers" is now available in eBook format. Hardcopy to follow soon! Visit her personal site at http://www.joyzachoice.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)hi camille, great article, very well written, interesting, and i can relate to every word. "first we must understand that happiness is not something we 'find', but rather something we acknowledge from within" this is what i base my life on. i saw deepok at a college, and he signed my book, the seven spiritual laws of success, quite exciing, and although there were hundreds or more people, he sat there until every last book as signed. "That back yard is YOU. Are you ready?" i'm trying, best regards, sue thom
hey sue! thanks for your commentary and especially for your support. i love getting these little missives from people who enjoy my 'meanderings'. and i think it's really terrific that you're 'growing your garden' too! wishing you a splendid sunday! Camille
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