John’s Sunday Blog

Purpose

The reason something that was done or created or for which it exists: Purpose. Simply viewed, the purpose of a vehicle is to get goods or people to a destination. But, what’s the purpose of that, and further things down the line?

Moving on to the deeper question. Is there a purpose for this life, this apparent existence, that seems to cave in on itself like a giant recycling machine?

To better understand, we must look at ourselves and see what our programming was as we grew. This involves looking at culture, beliefs, and tendencies. The body and mind are geared for survival. Therefore, if you take young people and train them to solve problems (arbitrary), under the pressure of being graded (judged), combined with the stress of trying to win (outside approval), what will result? And, imagine this happening for 12 years or more? This may breed professionals, but look at the resulting mindset. Regardless of what demographic you fall into, bum or billionaire, life is just one damn thing after another. And worse, this mindset works overtime in the mind itself. We think about “problems” when they are not present.

Seems almost insurmountable. How does one find contentment, healing or peace? Well, look around you right now. See the light and color of the world. Feel your feet on the earth, feel the air on your skin and through your nose while you breathe. Hear the sounds coming and going.

And then, ask yourself:

Have I ever come or gone? Or am I always just here?

Yes, thought and imagination occur, but their value might be wanting. Look at what they are rooted in.

A good way to settle oneself enough to enjoy the moment is to maintain a yoga practice. The result will move one out of the mind and into one’s body. One will physically find where resistance exists. Further, with consistent practice, the resistance will soften, transforming the mind as well. Finding resistance is the key to the success of finding peace. Yes, paradoxically your triggers are your guide. Letting go and warmly welcoming life as it appears. Yes it may be difficult - someone dangerously cuts you off in traffic and the first thing is to react with fear. Yes, fear then anger. Anger is only a resistance to what is. And what is: You were cut off, and you survived, didn’t you? …gratitude! Because on some road, somewhere else, someone didn’t. It just wasn’t your time.

Could it be that our purpose, rather than acting as the premier predator, is to find something higher in consciousness that is more open, more heartfelt? Really ask yourself, “What is worthwhile to me?” It seems like the mad rush to succeed in the marketplace, win at any cost, or get what’s mine, in the end, offers no real fulfillment. Just more of the same: more wanting.

See the wonder by dropping all, once a day,

And feel life.