How to find fulfillment for your deeper self
From Eastern philosophy, Dharma is Sanskrit for the expression of our true purpose in life. In Buddhism they call this finding one’s “right livelihood.” It’s our heart’s path, the awakening of our divine potential, which becomes a source of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual power in our lives.
A USA Today poll discovered that if people could ask just one question of God or a higher power, a majority would want to know their purpose in life. What one of us would not want to connect with our most authentic selves, our gifts, our unique talents, and then go on to express them fully and blissfully in our life, and most definitely in our work—whether the service we give to a company or to the greater good of humanity?
Know this: Our spiritual path and our “work” in the world are deeply interconnected. When we learn how to put our soul into what we do, we transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Our lives become infused with the values of the soul—harmony, cooperation, sharing and love. Our work becomes an outgrowth of our wholeness, rather than a sacrifice on the altar of duty. The potential to earn a living and enjoy our work without sacrificing our peace of mind, health or spiritual values does exist. You can mindfully contribute your unique talents and gifts to the progress of humanity and the planet without harming others or the environment. You first make this intention for yourself, then seek your tribe, company, organization that echoes this same intention. And you can be in this world, but not of it, avoiding participation in the endless cycle of speed and greed that has become a part of our culture.
This is Dharma. And it is defined as much by our intention and attitude as it is by the actual experiences that we engage in. How do we begin to experience our Dharma? Spend time in some form of contemplative practice every day, so that you can deeply experience your truest self, your essence, who we are at our core. This sets the stage for the recognition and development of one’s discipline, focus, flexibility, creativity, and most certainly one’s emotional intelligence.
What you think, feel and do can become these incredible expressions of beauty. The beauty in our blossoming relationships, in sharing our radiant, loving energy, in service to others and the greater good of the planet and the whole of creation, ignite our passion, light our hearts and keep our juices flowing day after day. When “in the flow” of our Dharma, we become one with “the work.” We are creating and exchanging some very powerful energy. We are transformers in a sense, transmitting our heart-centered and loving energy to our fellow human beings and all sentient beings. The beauty in this is so awe-inspiring, as to take one’s breath away.
“Let the beauty we love, be what we do.” ~Rumi
This is Dharma. And it is defined as much by our intention and attitude as it is by the actual experiences that we engage in. How do we begin to experience our Dharma? Spend time in some form of contemplative practice every day, so that you can deeply experience your truest self, your essence, who we are at our core. This sets the stage for the recognition and development of one’s discipline, focus, flexibility, creativity, and most certainly one’s emotional intelligence.
What you think, feel and do can become these incredible expressions of beauty. The beauty in our blossoming relationships, in sharing our radiant, loving energy, in service to others and the greater good of the planet and the whole of creation, ignite our passion, light our hearts and keep our juices flowing day after day. When “in the flow” of our Dharma, we become one with “the work.” We are creating and exchanging some very powerful energy. We are transformers in a sense, transmitting our heart-centered and loving energy to our fellow human beings and all sentient beings. The beauty in this is so awe-inspiring, as to take one’s breath away.
Affirmation Time
Fill in the blank with a phrase or word that applies. Don’t censor yourself. And yes, there can be more than one answer. ____________ is a beautiful, heart-filled calling. Affirm this, feel it deep within every one of the 60+ trillion cells in your body—feel it in your bones. See this as your destiny, your fate, your calling. The deeper that your belief and affirmation of this is, the more transformational.
Cultivating the Soul at Work
Going to work doesn’t mean you have to check your spirit at the door. As a matter of fact, when you begin to listen to the call of your soul, your life and your work can change in profound ways. It’s about getting our heads and heart in the right place to realize our divine calling and our right livelihood—our Dharma. When we come from a place of heightened consciousness, we enjoy an expansiveness, exhilaration and enhanced creativity in our chosen work. We begin to fulfill our Dharma by taking exquisite care of ourselves. We open and begin working from the heart, which is an integral part of moving toward achieving our full human potential. We can then be totally “present” to cherish and serve others. Primary in cultivating our soul at work is asking ourselves, “How may I serve others, with love?” instead of, “What’s in it for me?”