‘What our deepest self craves is not mere enjoyment, but some supreme purpose that will enlist all our powers and give unity and direction to our life. We can never know the profoundest joy without a conviction that our life is significant – not a meaningless episode.’ Henry J Golding
There’s so much talk about purpose these days is it in danger of becoming wallpaper, devoid of meaning beyond fine words on the organisational website?
In some ways it feels like purpose has been corralled by marketers given the growing number adding purpose to their portfolio of services. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it brings this essential quality of consciousness, of individual and organisation, into greater consciousness.
What may be missing is deep connection to what it means, which is where Golding’s words are a helpful reminder. And beneath them is a whole subtext that brings depth to purpose.
Our unique reason for being, that aligns our talents and qualities – our powers – in service of a better world brings the energy that fuels our lives.
We enable it to flow and support its expression through courage – through the heart-infused principles we apply to our choices, however inconvenient to us, and actions. Through the things we are prepared to forgo or let go. Through the commitment and dedication we bring to our cause. And, in the regular checking of our course by connecting to a higher wisdom through deep reflection.
Living on purpose isn’t necessarily easy yet it brings greater meaning to life and powerful service to the world.