Now I’m wondering about purpose and calling. What about being of service? Is that our purpose as humans? Do we have an individual purpose or is it collective? Have we been conditioned into thinking we have a purpose that’s individual?
I think about collective purposes quite a bit, especially in the realm of climate and ‘saving the earth.’
I started exploring forest collectives and visited some of them to understand the motivations behind people’s choices. I found that there was a shared purpose they had aligned to, which was to protect the local flora fauna and also co exist with nature.
Shared community purposes are quite strong imo! Though difficult to get people together to agree to a certain cause, so the cause in itself needs to be strong enough. And as we’re humans, we’ll always try to see what’s in it for us, so there’s that!
You make a good point about the conditioning bit- I will give it a think. Though off the top of my head, growing up, in my household we never had conversations around purpose. We focused on surviving and working hard to make a good living for ourselves. So the idea of a ‘purpose’ was incubated in my head by my own self around 20 something, when I started to become existential lol 😅 so I’m not sure of the conditioning bit for my own example but you do make a good point! The interesting thing to note is that I never viewed purpose as a collective effort but as a very individual thing to pursue. Only now, when my own sensibilities have developed do I feel deeply about shared purposes and its place in making the world a better place. So yeah, there’s a dearth of information and teachings on this, for sure.
Purpose as being of service is also interesting. I think a lot of caregivers, and people in the medical field would resonate with this. In India, where I’m from, medical professionals are often treated badly but still contribute significantly to the health of the nation. I think their essence of ‘service’ is a big one driving them forward (because pay is poor).
Thank you so much for your reply! I love these kinds of conversations and it’s so interesting to hear about different cultural perspectives on big things like ‘purpose’.
I grew up at a school camp, owned by a private boy’s school in Adelaide, South Australia, based 200km north. It was a strange upbringing as my home was overrun by boys of mostly high school age for about 25 weeks of the year. But the amazing thing was the environmental focus, established by my parents, and the very strong belief that the environment is a collective responsibility of us as humans, and that there are very real things we can so to help individually.
These are things that have stayed with my my whole life (I’m now 50). I never did any of the programs myself as I went to the local schools and am not a boy! But it was a constant and wonderful message.
Thank you again. These are conversations worth having!
Thank you for sharing about your experience with me, Lisa. These are truly conversations I’m here for on Substack. Thank you for reading, sharing your opinions and listening to mine. It means a lot ♥️
Purpose has two aspects, motivation and method (the why and the how).
Being of Service is a value, a principle we act to uphold, so it is one aspect of an individual's purpose in a given moment if in that moment they act to uphold it. That would be their 'Why' at that time. Their 'How' or the method they use to actually uphold this principle is likely to be unique, as we each do things differently, even simple things, like turning on a tap.
We could Be of Service by publicising poor conditions in a council accommodation facility, or by outlining ways that the building could be redesigned to fulfil its function more efficiently, or by kickstarting the building alterations if we have influence over which works are given priority.
Using one of these as an example, the combo of 'Being of Service' + 'Initiating alterations to improve accommodation' is the current purpose of the individual acting. Whether 'Initiating Building Work' is their calling depends on the depth of their desire to do this type of work. If they like to do this type of work constantly, it may well be their calling. They will be able to determine this by looking at the patterns in their past activities. One's calling pattern recurs more often than any other.
I think about this a lot too. What if our purpose is to learn to be fully present? To take all the pressure to find our purpose away? At the same time I’m infinitely curious about future visions that bring me joy and practicing moving toward them with peaceful presence. Thanks for this I loved it ❤️
Beautiful post. The questions on purpose have kept me occupied for a long time as well, and probably to an extent still do. I'm learning to let it go a little, maybe life is about just being present in the moment and just living life. I notice when I get too caught up in purpose then I miss the beautiful moments right in front of me. Very inspiring read, thanks!
I admire your outlook, it takes a lot to dwell on such questions - it can keep us in a limbo. And you’re right, living in the moment is all there is. I hope you’re finding joy in the small moments, Sophie. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment, it means a lot. 🌻
Wondered why my purpose always keeps changing. From satisfying my parents to now following what calls me, I’ve evolved a lot. I used to doubt if I’m unstable. But with course of time, I realized I’m creating a journey for myself by learning to redirect from the paths I strayed off to. May be this is my purpose, constant learning and feeding my curiosity. It was a good read,Ishita.
I'm smiling broadly when I read your take on procrastination, Ishita, as it so closely echoes mine. I think I do things when the doing advances a value that is important in the moment, rather
than because the thing 'should' be done.
My take: After much wandering, I have come to believe that we all have a purpose, which we reflect in the things we prioritise. I think that while it is more or less constant, as some elements never seem to alter, it does evolve as our lives change. And I think it is visible in the patterns of our actions, perhaps every day.
You have an inspiring, refreshing philosophy. I will read your thoughts avidly.
I find your writing very purposeful and fascinating and so well written… Such enjoyable and meaningful reads. One of your purposes in life is definitely doing what you’re doing!🤩
In 2020, I contracted the initial 🇬🇧 outbreak of Covid, when working as a full time community carer, and had three months off work with long Covid. During that time, I returned to creating art again, and, on reflection, it was a massive turning point, seeking my life purpose and identity. Currently, I’m not fulfilling it entirely in the way I want to be, due to my current circumstances, but it’s on the horizon. I’m working in positive baby steps leading to the bigger picture, and hopefully the outcome will be peace, satisfaction and fulfillment, and to support myself, whilst I can.
The last four years have been very difficult in many ways, but they have initiated a more purposeful outlook on my own life journey and seeking growth of my mindset.
Thank you for your mindful articles. I really enjoy reading them!
Stumbled upon this article and found it nice . Sometimes, you need writers who remind you of the fundamental aspects that get lost in the humdrum of life and work. Whether the purpose is admirable in the eyes of others or not , exuberance is the only choice!
I recently came across the idea of "multiple life purposes" and i quite like that notion. Especially as a fellow multifaceted person! It takes some of the pressure off while helping us connect with that inner sense of direction. 💗
Yes, the paradox of purpose. Love your title - it can certainly become a circus as we twist ourselves this way and that to try and figure it all out. I agree with you that purpose is fluid and that it can hold our multiplicities. I suspect purpose is more about being than doing, yet still I want to know what I'm here to do. Thanks for your insights. 💛
Great read Ishita! I can completely relate to everything you wrote.
One thing that’s helped me (and to which you allude to) is that it’s ok to be on unstable ground, to feel all the emotions that the ups and downs bring, without trying desperately to move past them as fast as possible.
A beautifully written piece! It took me about 30 years to find my purpose - to write - and I often wonder if COVID hadn't happened and I didn't have endless time and space to journal, reflect and dig deep, whether I would have ever found it. I really believe that all you need to uncover your purpose is to quieten the noise from outside so you can hear what's happening within (at least, that was my experience).
Thanks Ben, so glad you could relate. 🫶 I agree, as I’m aging, I’m bring more comfortable with the feeling that not everything needs to be set in stone and it’s okay to figure out as I go ahead.
Now I’m wondering about purpose and calling. What about being of service? Is that our purpose as humans? Do we have an individual purpose or is it collective? Have we been conditioned into thinking we have a purpose that’s individual?
Your piece has got me thinking!
Great questions to reflect on, Lisa.
I think about collective purposes quite a bit, especially in the realm of climate and ‘saving the earth.’
I started exploring forest collectives and visited some of them to understand the motivations behind people’s choices. I found that there was a shared purpose they had aligned to, which was to protect the local flora fauna and also co exist with nature.
Shared community purposes are quite strong imo! Though difficult to get people together to agree to a certain cause, so the cause in itself needs to be strong enough. And as we’re humans, we’ll always try to see what’s in it for us, so there’s that!
You make a good point about the conditioning bit- I will give it a think. Though off the top of my head, growing up, in my household we never had conversations around purpose. We focused on surviving and working hard to make a good living for ourselves. So the idea of a ‘purpose’ was incubated in my head by my own self around 20 something, when I started to become existential lol 😅 so I’m not sure of the conditioning bit for my own example but you do make a good point! The interesting thing to note is that I never viewed purpose as a collective effort but as a very individual thing to pursue. Only now, when my own sensibilities have developed do I feel deeply about shared purposes and its place in making the world a better place. So yeah, there’s a dearth of information and teachings on this, for sure.
Purpose as being of service is also interesting. I think a lot of caregivers, and people in the medical field would resonate with this. In India, where I’m from, medical professionals are often treated badly but still contribute significantly to the health of the nation. I think their essence of ‘service’ is a big one driving them forward (because pay is poor).
Thank you so much for your reply! I love these kinds of conversations and it’s so interesting to hear about different cultural perspectives on big things like ‘purpose’.
I grew up at a school camp, owned by a private boy’s school in Adelaide, South Australia, based 200km north. It was a strange upbringing as my home was overrun by boys of mostly high school age for about 25 weeks of the year. But the amazing thing was the environmental focus, established by my parents, and the very strong belief that the environment is a collective responsibility of us as humans, and that there are very real things we can so to help individually.
These are things that have stayed with my my whole life (I’m now 50). I never did any of the programs myself as I went to the local schools and am not a boy! But it was a constant and wonderful message.
Thank you again. These are conversations worth having!
Thank you for sharing about your experience with me, Lisa. These are truly conversations I’m here for on Substack. Thank you for reading, sharing your opinions and listening to mine. It means a lot ♥️
Purpose has two aspects, motivation and method (the why and the how).
Being of Service is a value, a principle we act to uphold, so it is one aspect of an individual's purpose in a given moment if in that moment they act to uphold it. That would be their 'Why' at that time. Their 'How' or the method they use to actually uphold this principle is likely to be unique, as we each do things differently, even simple things, like turning on a tap.
We could Be of Service by publicising poor conditions in a council accommodation facility, or by outlining ways that the building could be redesigned to fulfil its function more efficiently, or by kickstarting the building alterations if we have influence over which works are given priority.
Using one of these as an example, the combo of 'Being of Service' + 'Initiating alterations to improve accommodation' is the current purpose of the individual acting. Whether 'Initiating Building Work' is their calling depends on the depth of their desire to do this type of work. If they like to do this type of work constantly, it may well be their calling. They will be able to determine this by looking at the patterns in their past activities. One's calling pattern recurs more often than any other.
I think about this a lot too. What if our purpose is to learn to be fully present? To take all the pressure to find our purpose away? At the same time I’m infinitely curious about future visions that bring me joy and practicing moving toward them with peaceful presence. Thanks for this I loved it ❤️
I feel you, Danielle. I completely agree. Glad you liked it 🫶
Beautiful post. The questions on purpose have kept me occupied for a long time as well, and probably to an extent still do. I'm learning to let it go a little, maybe life is about just being present in the moment and just living life. I notice when I get too caught up in purpose then I miss the beautiful moments right in front of me. Very inspiring read, thanks!
I admire your outlook, it takes a lot to dwell on such questions - it can keep us in a limbo. And you’re right, living in the moment is all there is. I hope you’re finding joy in the small moments, Sophie. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment, it means a lot. 🌻
Wondered why my purpose always keeps changing. From satisfying my parents to now following what calls me, I’ve evolved a lot. I used to doubt if I’m unstable. But with course of time, I realized I’m creating a journey for myself by learning to redirect from the paths I strayed off to. May be this is my purpose, constant learning and feeding my curiosity. It was a good read,Ishita.
Good on you for taking the leap. Sometimes we can’t see how deeply we’re conditioned to believe certain aspects of how to live life.
Finding your purpose is a journey of its own and I’m so glad you’re on one. All the very best, and thanks for your precious time on this article. 🫶
I'm smiling broadly when I read your take on procrastination, Ishita, as it so closely echoes mine. I think I do things when the doing advances a value that is important in the moment, rather
than because the thing 'should' be done.
My take: After much wandering, I have come to believe that we all have a purpose, which we reflect in the things we prioritise. I think that while it is more or less constant, as some elements never seem to alter, it does evolve as our lives change. And I think it is visible in the patterns of our actions, perhaps every day.
You have an inspiring, refreshing philosophy. I will read your thoughts avidly.
Hi Ishita, again… 😃
I find your writing very purposeful and fascinating and so well written… Such enjoyable and meaningful reads. One of your purposes in life is definitely doing what you’re doing!🤩
In 2020, I contracted the initial 🇬🇧 outbreak of Covid, when working as a full time community carer, and had three months off work with long Covid. During that time, I returned to creating art again, and, on reflection, it was a massive turning point, seeking my life purpose and identity. Currently, I’m not fulfilling it entirely in the way I want to be, due to my current circumstances, but it’s on the horizon. I’m working in positive baby steps leading to the bigger picture, and hopefully the outcome will be peace, satisfaction and fulfillment, and to support myself, whilst I can.
The last four years have been very difficult in many ways, but they have initiated a more purposeful outlook on my own life journey and seeking growth of my mindset.
Thank you for your mindful articles. I really enjoy reading them!
Stumbled upon this article and found it nice . Sometimes, you need writers who remind you of the fundamental aspects that get lost in the humdrum of life and work. Whether the purpose is admirable in the eyes of others or not , exuberance is the only choice!
I recently came across the idea of "multiple life purposes" and i quite like that notion. Especially as a fellow multifaceted person! It takes some of the pressure off while helping us connect with that inner sense of direction. 💗
How lovely, multiple life purposes is my jam, truly. And hello, fellow multifaceted friend. <3
👋☺️
I'm really glad I found this post!
Aw Silver, thank you. Very sweet of you to say that. Made me smile!
Yes, the paradox of purpose. Love your title - it can certainly become a circus as we twist ourselves this way and that to try and figure it all out. I agree with you that purpose is fluid and that it can hold our multiplicities. I suspect purpose is more about being than doing, yet still I want to know what I'm here to do. Thanks for your insights. 💛
Phoebe, I agree, we twist ourselves so much. I’m trying to be more patient with myself as I figure out my ‘purpose’ 🤞
Great read Ishita! I can completely relate to everything you wrote.
One thing that’s helped me (and to which you allude to) is that it’s ok to be on unstable ground, to feel all the emotions that the ups and downs bring, without trying desperately to move past them as fast as possible.
Wow, I am touched and inspired. Great post Ishita, it helped me a lot in many ways <3
How lovely! Thanks Ayushi for dropping by. Love that you loved it. ❣️
Bravo. So beautifully said! Gave me much to consider 🙏🙌
Ana, thank you for your kind words. Means so much. ❣️
A beautifully written piece! It took me about 30 years to find my purpose - to write - and I often wonder if COVID hadn't happened and I didn't have endless time and space to journal, reflect and dig deep, whether I would have ever found it. I really believe that all you need to uncover your purpose is to quieten the noise from outside so you can hear what's happening within (at least, that was my experience).
Yes, agreed Anna. It takes deliberate practice to make space for those internal conversations (or even conflict) to start making sense.
Quiet times and spaces are uber important, sacred.
Thanks Ben, so glad you could relate. 🫶 I agree, as I’m aging, I’m bring more comfortable with the feeling that not everything needs to be set in stone and it’s okay to figure out as I go ahead.