Most of us like a project of some kind so long as it is not overwhelming. Somehow it is more satisfying than a routine chore like hoovering or washing the dishes. Ideally, a project needs a plan with a timeline, the right tools and materials.
With the vision for it taking shape, there is a sense of purpose and pending fulfilment. There are bound to be distractions and probably some difficulties to overcome.
There are many who will tell you how to live your life but who’s right? The ‘global wellness market’ is said to be valued at over $4.75 trillion and growing at more than 6% a year. It is a big business with therapists and ‘experts’ galore waiting to take people’s money and time to deal with their insecurities, hopes and dreams. Entertainment channels massage our desires and advertisers prey on our egos as we fall victim to the exploitation of others. Often the young want to be older whilst the old want to be younger; the employed want to retire, the retired wish they still had purpose in work; those in the shade want sun, those in the sun want shade. What about you now? Do you long to be beside the sea for a long relaxing holiday that drifts into retirement or are you already living the life you dream of?
‘If I knew yesterday what I know today, where would I be tomorrow?
I won't let my soul slide away, I'd do whatever it takes
'Cause this time's only borrowed
I got one life, one life, one life and I'm gonna live it
I got one life, one life, one life and I'm gonna live it right’ – James Morrison
It is widely accepted that each of us sees the world through a particular lens, either one that may distort or correct vision. Types of lens might be economic, social, technological, political or cultural but they are forged from our experience of life. Your lens may help you see clearly or it may add in bias and prejudice. Much is said these days about diversity, discrimination and equality – how does that sit with you? Are you filtering what you see through the same lenses you’ve always had or has your world view been challenged and undergone change? The default human condition is to mix with those who reinforce one’s own world view, be that secular or spiritual, but there is another way to see things that is truly better.
If you were able to ask this Praying Mantis what its life’s purpose is, it’s unlikely you would get an answer! And yet it would go about its business of survival and reproduction without a further comment! Many human beings act in the same way on the treadmill of life in their established daily routines, giving little thought as to any ‘grand purpose’. When a baby takes its first breath, it has no concept of there being a purpose to life and certainly has no idea that there is one. Growing through the life cycle, most people will think about the big question of ‘why am I here’, for it is the most important thing a person wants to discover. Sadly, the majority will draw their last breath without discovering life’s big purpose.
