Unpacking and Reconceptualizing Purpose

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I’ve been reflecting a lot upon the concept purpose the past few weeks, and, whereas I’ve not come up with any real new conclusions about purpose, I do have a few reflections to share with you. Ready? Okay, here we go.

Let’s first define the concept.

purpose noun

the intention, aim or function of something; the thing that something is supposed to achieve

Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries

There we go. 

While I understand this definition, it leaves me feeling a little wanting. Meaning, while I understand the definition perfectly well, I think it can set us up for heartbreak if we’re not careful.

For instance, what happens if the “something that is supposed to [be] achieved,” is not achieved. Then what? Hm.

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I have a different way to think about purpose; and it consists of three basic concepts.

  1. Being present.
  2. Accepting what is.
  3. Creating anew.
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When we are fully present, each moment lives and breathes with a purpose all it’s own. Thinking about purpose this way is not about “achievement.” It’s not about striving or seeking anything. It’s about being present to what is, accepting it with an open heart and mind, and then taking the actions necessary to create anew in each moment.

Thinking about purpose this way, eliminates the need for something specific to happen. Instead, each moment something unexpected can occur, and we can accept it, and create our life anew from that space. 

That is powerful, empowering, and purposeful.

#acceptance, #creation, #humandevelopment, #introspection, #minfulness, #presence, #purpose, #selfdevelopment