Living & Working On Purpose

From Confusion to Clarity about Your True Life Purpose

The first how-to manual to take individuals from confusion to clarity about life’s greatest question, Life On Purpose: Six Passages to an Inspired Life(EliteBooks, 2007), an award winning finalist in the Self-Help: Motivational division of the Best Books 2007 Awards sponsored by USA News.

"A gentle and heartfelt guide to the fundamentals of living a life rich in joy and contribution.Brad’s style is accessible and user-friendly, and his book a compendium of thought-provoking questions and deep convictions.” —Gregg Levoy, Author of Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life

Enjoy an excerpt from this life transforming book that is enhancing people's lives around the world, and receive a subscription to Purposeful Pondering Ezine for a regular serving of inspiration and insights into how to bring more purpose, passion, and play to your life.

Be sure to place 'admin@lifeonpurpose.com' into your spam protection acceptable list, and don't worry, we won't share your information with anyone. That's bad internet etiquette as well as bad karma.

Name
Email
How did you hear about Life On Purpose?

The Universe is Calling - Will You Heed the Call?

"The soul is like a wild animal -- tough, resilient, savvy, self-sufficient, and yet exceedingly shy."  Parker J. Palmer from Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation

In our last issue I made a distinction between one's life purpose and a calling or vocation.  As you may recall the Life On Purpose Perspective offers that your life purpose is more about who you are as a spiritual being and what you came here to this life to be and to experience, while a calling or a vocation often has more to do with what you choose or are lead to do as an expression of your purpose.

Of course, on one hand anything that you do in life can be enhanced when it's 'poured' into the context of your life purpose.  For example, several years ago with Life On Purpose Institute was just getting off the ground, Ann and I shared a job as the 'kitchen supervisor.'  What the job mostly entailed was a lot of cooking and cleaning and very little supervising.

When I viewed the work as an expression of my life purpose to be of service, live simply and stay spiritually serene, it was a wonderfully enriching experience.  But on those days I went with the fear, lack and struggle of my Inherited Purpose shaping my life...well, the work was tedious and boring.

Since working in the kitchen wasn't really 'in the beam' of my life purpose it took more work and a higher level of intentionality to keep creating the work as an expression of my life purpose.

============
So Choose Callings that are "In the Beam"
============
The other side of this paradox is that there does appear to be those activities that are more in the beam of your life purpose, often in part because they optimize the use of your God given talents and abilities, or tap into those things you just love to do and are good at.

These are often where you will find your calling or vocation.  It may be a particular way you love to express yourself -- writing, teaching, mentoring, gardening, sailing, mountain climbing.  It may also involve a particular area of life or subject like anything to do with nature and helping to sustain it, and of course, it may be some combination of ways to express yourself around a particular topic or area.

For example, I love the threesome of coaching, writing, and speaking particularly when they revolve around the subject of life purpose. There may be times that I find myself in a bit of a writing slump, or times when I want to cut back a bit on my coaching, or occasions when I'd rather not deal with the travel that often comes with speaking, but fortunately in over 13 years I've never had all three things happen at the same time.  I think a big part of that is because the underlying passion about purpose remains true.

===============
Determining Your Calling
===============
One of my favorite quotes about vocation comes from Frederick Buechner:

"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” 

Of course, knowing your life purpose clearly and succinctly can be a valuable aid in guiding you to your soul's calling -- how your soul optimally would like to express itself.

In lieu of that or to assist in that, it's important to create a safe place for your soul to show up.  The continuation of Parker's Palmer quote that I started this article with goes like this:

"If we want to see a wild animal, the last thing we should do is go crashing through the woods, shouting for the creature to come out. But if we are willing to walk quietly into the woods and sit silently for an hour or two at the base of a tree, the creature we are waiting for may well emerge, and out of the corner of an eye we will catch a glimpse of the precious wildness we seek."

So, here is a simple process of honing in on your calling...or at least to get you started in the right direction:

1- If you know your purpose, state it up front either in writing, verbally or both.  Be present to not just the statement but the experience that's captured by the statement. 

Not sure about your purpose? Then start by examining your core values -- what matters most to you.  (More about identifying these in a future issue.) Let these core values serve as your guiding light.

2- Set the intention for your inner guidance to direct you to what's next for you in a primary or significant way you plan to express your purpose or devote energy to your core values.  This step further opens the channels to Divine Spirit.

3- Be ready to be surprised.  Guidance may come in many different forms -- an inner voice, a feeling in the gut to take a particular action, a serendipitous connection with someone, so stay alert. And last but far from least:

4- Follow the Joy -- follow the 'deep gladness' that let's you know you're on the right path.

Okay, it's your turn to offer your thoughts, feedback, point of view.  Post your comments right here.

Is there a Place for Destiny in Your Life?

I recently read an article online that asked the question, "Where will you be in 25 years?" then invited me to first consider where I was 25 years ago as an way of introducing the role of destiny in our lives. I found the exercise interesting and worthwhile so I thought I'd share it with you.

Where were you 25 years ago in 1983?

Me, I was 35 years old.  I'd graduated from veterinary college 9 years previously, and I had purchased my own veterinary clinic (a former out patient clinic of a larger hospital) for the rip roaring price of one dollar, which was about all the savings I had at the time. The rest of the purchase price, if memory serves some $26,000 was financed at the local bank. Not long after, the loan that started at 12% shot up to 19%.

Lucky for me at the time I didn't know a business could go bankrupt, so I kept working at building my practice and trimming my personal needs, which wasn't too difficult because I was single.

And I didn't have a clue what my true purpose in life was.  In fact, I wasn't even asking the question.  If someone had stopped and asked, I'd probably would have answered, "Sure, I know my purpose.  It's to be a vet."

I know some of you reading this probably weren't even born in 1983, or you were so young that you don't have any memories of that year, but for those who do, it's not a bad idea to spend just a few minutes to reflect upon the ground you've taken over the last 25 years before reflecting on the next 25 years.

What ground have you taken in that two-and-a-half decades? Are you where you thought you'd be at this point in your life?  Better?  Worse?  In what ways?

-----------
Where Do You See Yourself, 25 years from Now?
-----------
The year will be 2034.  I will be 85 years old. My daughter, Amber, will be about to turn 42, and my 'second child,' Life On Purpose Institute will be 38...that is if we all make it another 25 years, which none of us know for sure.  Still, it's worth reflecting upon the question, "Where do you see yourself in 25 years?"

Here's what I see as I ponder upon this question:

*  That 25 years is just about twice as long as I've so far devoted to Life On Purpose Institute.  Of course, I may not be quite as vigorous in the next two and a half decades, but still, that's a pretty significant chunk of time to devote to 'creating a world on purpose,' as well as being dedicated to living true to my own life purpose.

Which brings me to another point, the main point of this pondering -- destiny.  Do I believe in it?  Do I believe in "a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency" as the dictionary defines the term? Is destiny and living true to one's life purpose the same?  I think not. I do believe in the power of living inside of a particular context for an extended period of time.  I've already seen how powerful of an experience that can be in shaping my experience of life as well as my character.

But to say that I'm on a predetermined course of events...I think not, least not exactly.  As I continue to carve away the parts that aren't the true me or the larger Self, and thus refine my sense of my true self or being, I see how that sense of my true self or purpose further shapes my actions in the world, which then goes on to shape my results and outcomes.

But are those actions or outcomes pre-determined by some higher force we call destiny?  Humm, I sorry, I just don't get that.  It feels too confining -- to much like how life occurs when we're being shaped by our past -- by fear, lack and struggle.

I find more and more as I endeavor to live an authentic life on purpose, that freedom is one of the greatest pluses or benefits.  Freedom to be who I truly am and to express myself in ways that call most loudly to me -- what I call 'in the beam' activities. Others often refer to these "in the beam" expressions of life purpose as a calling or vocation. Writing, especially about life purpose (including these weekly ponderings), as well as coaching and speaking in public on the subject are all in the beam for me and part of my calling or vocation.

But how do you go about determining what your calling is?  It was actually one of the questions one of my favorite clients asked me during a coaching session even as I was in the process of writing this article.  And so we'll explore that question from a Life On Purpose Perspective next time.

In the meantime, I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts on where you see yourself in 25-years as well as your views on destiny.  Post them here by clicking on comments.

Have You Grown Complacent in Your Life? (Podcast)

Today I'm sharing a Purposeful Pondering Podcast -- " short, punchy and thought evoking "Ponderings" on the subject of what it takes to clarify your life purpose and live true to it."

The podcast is available through iTunes as well as on this blog - the place to go on the internet for a wealth of information about living a passionately purposeful and meaningful life.

Today’s topic --   Have You Grown Complacent in Your Life?

Often times in past podcasts I’ve shared previously written articles -- today I have some thoughts I want to share about the subject of complacency.  I have a few notes and a quote or two to share but for the most part I’m kind of making this up as I go and as Spirit guides me.

Is Your Career On Purpose or Way Off Purpose?

Moving from a Boring, Life-Draining Job to Work You Love and that Feeds Your Spirit

"I think most of us are looking for a calling, not a job. Most of us, like the assembly line worker, have jobs that are too small for our spirit. Jobs are not big enough for people."
Nora Watson       

In a survey conducted by Life On Purpose Institute, Inc. one of the highest ranking life issue or challenges was job dissatisfaction. It appears that people are working more and enjoying it far less. Few things in life can be more frustrating or stressful than being in a job you hate yet can't seem to leave without creating even more stress and frustration by not being able to pay the bills.

Talk about a Catch-22 situation. Do you presently find yourself in a boring, life-draining job (or recently downsized from it)? But every time you explore getting another job, everyone expects you to do essentially the same kind of work. And the jobs that look most exciting, you don't have any previous experience or training in? Do you feel trapped in such a vicious career circle?

=================
It's Time to Put the Horse Before the Cart Where It Belongs
=================
I'm going to suggest a shift in perspective. I'm suggesting there's nothing wrong with your life and not even anything wrong with the way the system is set up. Instead, perhaps you simply have the cart before the horse. 

I honestly believe that the reason so many people are unhappy with their jobs is because they started working without first knowing who they truly are and why they are here on Earth.

In other words, they don't know their life purpose.

After all, most of us had to start work pretty young in life, many times decades before wondering about the purpose or meaning to our lives. You may have first gone to work as a teenager for a little extra spending money without thinking much about what kind of work you'd be doing.  You just wanted some way to make enough money to do the other fun things in your life.  But, before you knew it you had to go work to make a living -- to pay the bills, and put food on the table. It's likely the notion of finding work that nurtures your soul and spirit didn't even flash across your radar screen.

And before you knew it you were trapped in the vicious circle of a deadening job.

==============
A Case of Mistaken Identity
==============
Or you might have thought your work was your life purpose, which is another common trap many people fall into. Take my dentist's father for example:

When my dentist learned that I was a life purpose coach, his first remark
was, "Boy, my father could sure use you." He went on to explain that his
father had been a prominent and successful physician in the community for
close to 40 years, but recently had to stop working due to his health. "He's
miserable. He feels like he has no purpose in living."

This can also happen with the roles you play in life. What happens when you mistakenly think your role as parent is your life purpose and then all your kids grow up and leave home? Your purpose moves out with them.  The empty-nest syndrome often results in a very empty feeling as well-- the emptiness of not having any real meaning and purpose in your life.

So, I’m suggesting that your life purpose isn’t what you do, nor the roles you play in life.  But, if you've been thinking this way, you have simply had the cart before the horse, and you're likely to stay stuck in that boring job that doesn't nurture your spirit.

================
But What if You Don't Have a Clue What You True Purpose in Life Is?
================
You may be asking yourself, "Well, if my life purpose isn't what I do then what is it? If it's not my job or career, and it's not even the roles I play in life, like being a good parent, employee, or spouse -- than what is it?

Those really are key questions -- questions which start you traveling down a new Purposeful Path. And once you're on the path it's inevitable that you will eventually gain clarity of purpose as long as you remain on the path and engage in the process.

Of course, this process often takes years, even decades, especially if, in the meantime, you remain stuck in work that numbs the heart and mind.  All of which is complicated further if you're surrounded by a bunch of other people caught in the very same trap, who may be so resigned about it, that they aren't even fully aware how trapped they are. 

Sound familiar?

The good news is that waking up to what's been missing is a key first step. But where do you go from there?

The next step really depends how ready, willing and able you are to proceed.  It's likely that if you've read this far, there's something about what you've been reading that resonates with you.  It may even have upset you a bit as you've realized how long you've allowed yourself to be remain trapped.  If so, the questions really are:

"Are you going to do anything about it?  If so, what?"

I'd like you to try on one other thought.  I'd like you to consider that it's no accident that you and I have been connected in this way.  I'd like for you to consider that perhaps, just perhaps you were guided to read this article so you could begin to answer those last questions. And here is why I'm saying this.

About 13 years ago, I started down my own purposeful path, after having spent the first 40+ years caught in my own purposeless trap that led me to the brink of suicide. 

My new path eventually led me to clarifying my own life purpose.  You see, an integral part of my life purpose is the possibility of all people living purposeful, passionate and playful lives of service.  What I mean by that is that I truly feel it's possible and paramount for each of us to know our life purpose. When we do, that purpose becomes fueled by our passion for living it fully and playfully in the service of others. 

Does that make sense to you?  Does that resonate with you at a deep, soulful level?  If so, I'd like to offer several ways you can move forward along your own purposeful path to clarifying your live purpose so you can live true to it.  By the way, it is also the path out of the vicious career trap.  How do I know?  Because, not only have I followed that path, but I've been privileged to work with thousands of others, serving as their guide along the Purposeful Path as a life purpose coach.

It is to this that I have dedicated my life. It's why I founded Life On Purpose Institute.  It's one of the major ways I express and fulfill on my own life purpose. So, here are 3 ways you can move yourself forward along the path.  We'll start with some 'dip you toe in the water' steps and move on up to a 'taking the plunge' steps.

Dip Your Toe Option #1:  The Life On Purpose Process that is the foundation upon which all the LOPI work is based is thoroughly outlined in the book, Life On Purpose: Six Passages to an Inspired Life. 

Dip Your Toe Option #2:  If you want further support in clarifying your life purpose, consider one of the versions of the Life On Purpose Home Study Course (which includes a copy of the book and much more). Pick the version that would best serve you.

Take the Plunge Option:  If you know that it's really going to take more support than either of the two choices above ('cause you have books and home courses on your shelf that you've never completed), then consider putting a Life On Purpose Coach in your corner.  For further info and to schedule an initial coaching consultation to go one of this pages:

Learn more about my coaching services here

Learn more about Ann's coaching services here

Oh, and there is one other option:  Do Nothing.  Of course, this is always an option, though as you have probably already figured out, taking no action won't have you proceeding down the Purposeful Path.  It will simply keep you stuck where you are. (And how's that working out for you?)

So my question to you is this: will taking no action really serve you? Remember, the common definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. That includes  not taking action over and over. So, I encourage you to take some action -- some small or large step for yourself. If you aren't sure what the next step should be, give me a call at (828) 697-9239 or drop me an email at admin@lifeonpurpose.com. I'm here to be of service, and to assist you as you travel down your Purposeful Path. So, give me a call.

Liked the article?  Hated it?  Let me hear from you with your comments and/or questions right here.

All is In Divine Order Even When it Doesn't Look Like It

"All is in Divine Order and working perfectly even when it doesn't at first glance look like it.

"Take this economic crisis -- while it may not match our preferences for how we'd like it to be, it's the perfect outcome to expect when you have a small number of ego-centric people hungry for power and run by greed making the decisions and policies while everyone else casts a blind eye of ignorance and complacency."  Brad Swift from meditation

While participating in John Randolph Price's 40 Day Prosperity Plan that includes meditating each day and then journaling, the above statement flowed from my pen.  Upon reflecting on it later, it felt true and worthy of expanding upon.

For years I've used the affirmation, "All is in Divine Order so I flow with what's flowing,"  especially during those times that it didn't look or feel like Divine Order was present.  Now, I see that those times may have gone against the grain of my preferences, but were consistent with the thought and emotional patterns that preceded the times.

And if we are not awake and aware, it is easy to perpetuate the undesired conditions through worry, doubt, fear, and lack-based thinking. The realization that "all is in Divine Order" is a perfect point from which to pivot to a new reality, perhaps even to a reality that is both in Divine Order and more consistent with our preferences, especially when those preferences are aligned with the greater good of all concerned.

=============
Applying it to Daily Life
=============
While this may be an interesting observation and thought process, how do we apply it to our everyday lives?

May I suggest the following:

1. Notice a time or situation that may not appear to be in Divine Order or that doesn't match with your preferences. (If you can't find a good one to work with, let me know.  I have plenty to share. <G>)  Maybe it's something as simple as rushing around to get yourself to work, then walking out to the car only to find one of your tires is flat.

2. Now, you might ask, could a flat tire that's going to make you late for work be in Divine Order?  And that's exactly what I invite you to do -- ask this question of your Inner Guidance.  See if you can ask it, not from a place of upset and frustration but with an authentic sense of curiosity.

"Wow, this sure doesn't look or feel to be in Divine Order. So, I'm curious, how might this be in Divine Order?" In other see if you can move to a stance where you're authentically engaged that it IS in Divine Order and your connection to the Divine will help you discern in what way that's true.

3. Then be open to receiving input. As possible answers come, check in to see which feel most empowering, and don't be surprised if there's more than one, since often Divine Order is ready to serve us in multiple ways.

Here are some possible responses to the above scenario:

"This is God's not so subtle way to suggest I slow down and pay more attention. The car was pulling to that side yesterday on the drive home. If I hadn't been in such a rush, I would have known to check the tires."

Or

"This is God suggesting to me to learn to be more comfortable in reaching out for support from others.  I know I could still make it to work on time by simply calling Joe to swing by and pick me up. Now, the question is, "will I allow another to support me like that?"

Or

"This is Divine intervention suggesting to me that today is not a day to work. That I've been putting in a lot of overtime and it's time for a bit of rest and rejuvenation time.  I'll go inside and call AAA to have the tire fixed and take a personal day for me. This way, I'll be much more effective in my work upon returning."

Remember, to look for that feels most aligned with your values most life enhancing, 'cause in this grace-filled world of Divine Order, life is rigged in our favor.  Another focal point to include is what points you to the 'greater good of all concerned.'  Follow that guidance and see where it leads.

===========
Your Turn to Engage in this Query
===========

You agree, disagree, think this article was filled with powerful insights or 'plooey?' (whatever that is.)  Let's talk about it right here. Post your comments and/or questions.

6,783,907,459 in the World - How Many Know Their Purpose in Life?

6,783,907,459-- That's a large number and it represents the estimate of the world's population as of yesterday - June 2nd 2009.

Here's my purposeful pondering question:

Of those almost 7 billion people, what percentage would you say really know with crystal clarity their life purpose AND are living a life that is a true and authentic reflection of that purpose?

In asking that question of many other people most agree that the percentage is quite low -- .5%, 1%, 5% are common answers.

Now, imagine if we could nudge that number up just a bit each year.  What difference would it have if we could move it up even 1-2 percentage points each year?

That's what my Divine Mission as the Chief Visionary Officer of Life On Purpose Institute is all about, since the "LOPI Vision" is: Creating a World On Purpose.

A significant way we're doing this is through the SEASONED COACHES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM where we train experienced coaches, ministers, therapists, career and school counselors and other helping professionals to guide their clients through the Life On Purpose Process.

What is the Life On Purpose Process?  So glad you asked.   It's the proven, systematic, spiritually-based and practical process that has already assisted thousands of people to clarify their life purpose and then to design their life to be a true and authentic reflection of that purpose.

And one of the ways we're connecting with these helping professionals is with the help of our Purpose Partner Affiliates.  Yes, Life On Purpose Institute has an affiliate program where you can make a difference while making money as well. Pretty neat if I do say so.

So besides enjoying the warm, cozy feeling of knowing you're helping to create a World On Purpose, Life On Purpose Institute rewards our Purpose Partners for helping us make this connection with an affiliate check for $250.

You see 6,783,907,459 is a lot of people and I and my relatively small team of trained Life On Purpose Coaches could sure use some help -- your help.  So, take a look at the web page about the SEASONED COACHES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

As you look it over think about who you know that would be a good fit for this program.  Remember, they're likely to already be an experienced:

*  Coach,
*  Minister,
*  Therapist,
*  Career Counselor,
*  School Counselor, or
*  Other Helping Professional

And if you'd like to be one of our Purpose Partner Affiliates, go here to register.  I'd do it quickly because we'll be sharing more specifics on this upcoming program with our partners soon.  And if you realize the SEASONED COACHES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM may be for you, I look forward to hearing from you.

The Power of "C" (It's not what you think)

the audio recording is from a recent class where we worked with this distinction and while it follows along with the articles, I believe listening to the class will add further value.  Of course, that's up for you to decide which works best.  The optimum would be to listen to the recording AND read the article.

(Excerpted from the Purposeful Prosperity ONLINE Program.)

This  distinction may challenge your beliefs and stretch your ability to try things on, but I believe if you make the effort you will find this to be one of the most powerful tools for living on purpose.

Remember, these coaching distinctions are intended to stretch your mind and consciousness into new ways of thinking and relating to reality that will ultimately enhance your life and give you a deeper sense of purpose and prosperity.  So, try this basic premise on:

You’ve never created anything in your life!

You never have, you aren’t now creating, and you never will.  On top of that, neither has anyone else!  No human being has ever created anything, not in the past thousands of years, not now in the present, nor will anyone create anything in the future. 

Stop reading for a few minutes and really allow these ideas to sink in.  Remember, I’m not asking you to agree or disagree with these concepts, but simply to try them on for a while.

Please take a purposeful pondering pause, and write down whatever comes from reflecting upon this.

Here’s the next piece to ponder.  Consider that everything, and I do mean everything that makes up the physical Universe in which we live, everything that has ever existed, everything that currently exists, and everything that will ever exist was created within a few nanoseconds of the Big Bang by ______ . You fill in the blank for yourself what name fits best for you.

Before that momentous moment eons ago there was nothing – no width, breadth, depth or time – that makes up what we now call our physical Universe.  (The universe that exists as a function of the 3 spatial dimensions plus the 4th dimension of time.)  Then there was this huge explosion of creative energy and in the next few nanoseconds there was everything, including every imaginable and unimaginable future that you might ‘think up.’

Consider this for a moment.  Really allow yourself to play with this and to consider it as though it were true.  In that case, what are we human beings doing that we’ve misidentified as creating?  Write down your response here:

Let’s explore this a bit further.  In the moment that the Universe was created, not only was the Universe that you and I live in created, those 4 dimensions we spoke about before, but at least 7 other dimensions were either already in existence at the moment of the creative Big Bang or were created nanoseconds later.  This is exactly what quantum physics is suggesting.  Now, this may be a bit hard to hold in your mind. The whole notion that there could be more than the 3 spatial dimensions and the 1 dimension of time could be hard to grasp.

Let’s go in the opposite direction for a moment.  Imagine for a moment that we lived in a Universe with only 2 spatial dimensions and 1 time dimension.  The quantum physicists refer to this as Flat Land, and indeed it would be flat because there would only be length and breadth but no depths – no 3rd spatial dimension.  Everything that exists in Flat Land would be flatter than a piece of paper because even paper has some depth.

Now, can you imagine what it would be like for someone living in Flat Land to consider our Universe with 4 dimensions?  Well, that’s a little what it’s like for us to imagine that our Universe is really a part of something so much larger.  So large that it can only exist, not in 4 dimensions, but in at least 11!  Now, that’s a real mind blower!

But what does it have do with living a life of mindful abundance balanced with simplicity?  I’m glad you asked.

What if we do live in an infinitely abundant Universe of at least 11 dimensions that is so far beyond our comprehension as to truly be incomprehensible?  In this multi-dimensional Universe, everything imaginable and everything that so far has been imagined ALREADY EXISTS in some plane – in some dimension!

What we humans are actually doing that we’ve misidentified as creating our life is really CHOOSING.  We’re choosing the realities we experience.  How?  By the thoughts and emotions we are each having in each moment in time, as well as the thoughts and emotions that make up the collective consciousness of our human being culture.  The real Power of C is the power of choice.

The creative energy of this Universe, the creator of the entire Universe is non-judgmental.  What this means for us is that part of a grace filled life is that Divine Source gives us the freedom to choose everything about our life.

Accidentally On Purpose: Jenna Elfman Returns to TV

I'm looking forward to checking out this new show slated for CBS this fall. After all, it's got a catchy 'on purpose' title and one of my favorite comedic actors, Jenna Elfman of Dharma and Greg fame.

Take a look 'behind the scene':

One of my Favorite Songs for Starting a Morning On Purpose

Most people realize the importance of starting the day off in an empowering way (even if a lot of people fail to do so).  Here's one of my favorite songs for starting the day off with purpose, passion and play.

May it serve to help you live a life on purpose as well:

10 Steps to Inner Happiness

(Enjoy listening to the audio podcast or reading the article...or both.)

I find it interesting that although the United States is considered by many to be the most prosperous country in the world and the most prosperous society in history, so many of us are unhappy. It has also been my observation that an increasing number of us are awakening to this fact, and are searching for ways to be happier.

Of course, there are volumes written about this subject, so this top ten list isn't intended to be the final word on the subject. But, taking some of these suggestions to heart and putting them into action will move you well down the road to inner happiness.

Stop
In an interview I once conducted with small business guru Michael Gerber, author of The E-Myth Revisited, I asked him what one key step or strategy would he give to listeners to put into place in their businesses that would make the biggest difference. He summarized it in one word -- stop! Stop and take the time to really think through what you're doing.

The advice is just as sound in our personal lives. Most of our lives are simply running out of control. It's like we have our 'pedal to the metal' and we don't know how to take our foot off, or perhaps we're afraid of what will happen if we do. I'm more concerned about what will happen if we don't. Life isn’t a straight path of a drag race.  It has plenty of twists and turns, some of them sharp hairpins. Imagine trying to drive a car along a twisty mountain road without every taking your foot of the gas.  A sure set up for disaster. The same is true in life. So, start getting access to a greater degree of inner happiness by stopping first. Sounds paradoxical? Maybe, but it's a vital first step.

What if you set your alarm to awaken just 15 minutes earlier but instead of jumping out of bed, you simply propped yourself up in bed and laid there quietly contemplating your day and how it’s the opportunity to live and express your purpose in each moment and with each actions. What if you set your intention to be more awake and aware for the rest of the day to check in with our inner guidance and to allow Universal Love to shape your day?  Try it and see if it doesn’t add a depth of happiness and contentment to your life.

What is Inner Happiness?
One of the most important reasons to stop the frenetic pace of your life for a while is so you can begin to answer the question, "What is inner happiness?" Once you've spent a bit of time on that one, go on to these questions.

•    What will bring me inner happiness?
•    How will I know when I've experienced a new level of inner happiness?
•    How will it look and feel -- what will be happening or not happening in my life?
•    Where would I want to experience more inner happiness? At work? At home? With my family and friends?

These are all useful “purposeful pondering” questions that you can start your day with as you spend just 15 minutes exploring these, and then continue to ask for answers as you go about your day.  If you want a little more structure and support, you can create a reminder for yourself. For example, every time you see the color purple, ask yourself the pondering question for the day. Or whenever you hear the phone ring, or set your wrist watch timer to go off every hour.  Such questions can become a powerful shaper of your day, so ask away.

Shift Your Attitude to One of “Deservability”
This is a new word that a participant in one of my workshops recently coined. I like what happens from combining 'deserve' with 'ability.' We are all able to shift our attitude to one of deserving happiness. And if you aren't then there may be some deep-seated emotional blocks that need to be addressed through counseling or some other channels. This step is summarized in one of my favorite sayings, "Suffering is optional." You deserve to be happy.

You might move this forward by asking yourself, “If I did deserve to be happy, what would it be like?  Who would I need to be to be someone that is happy? What would I be doing that was a natural expression of being happy? What could I eliminate from my life that would be a deeper sense of happiness to my life?

Be willing to be surprised by the answers that come to you, and decide to act upon the ones that call most strongly to you.

Handle Life’s Details Once and for All
The details I'm referring to are those basic needs that we all have -- food, clothing, shelter, love, etc. Is it possible to have inner peace while your outer life is in turmoil? Yes, actually I believe that it is possible, but I also believe it's a lot more challenging and so unnecessary. It's difficult to take the time to contemplate what will bring you true inner happiness when your stomach keeps growling from lack of food. Go take care of your stomach, and other needs, but watch out for the ‘one-day, someday syndrome,’ that says you have to do x,y, or z first before you can be happy.

Remember, taking care of your basic needs is a good place to bring the inner happiness to your life as you’re taking care of the needs. It’s hard for us to truly make a significant difference in the world if we’re constantly being tripped up by the breakdowns that occur when our basic needs aren’t being met.

At the same time, many of us have allowed a lot of wants and whims to slip onto the ‘basic needs’ list, and consequently we’re attempting to live much higher on the hog under the false supposition that we have so many basic needs.  Cable TV with Show Time and the Disney Channel is not a basic need.  Neither is having the newest model luxury automobile, or taking exotic vacations twice a year.  Simplify your life by identifying what your basic needs truly are. 

Eliminate What Detracts from Happiness
These next two steps are so simple in nature that their power can easily be missed. If you want inner happiness (or pretty much anything else), eliminate from your life that which detracts from it. This includes those emotional blocks I spoke about earlier. It may also include the elimination of 'toxic relationships,' clutter around your home, dissatisfying work, excess weight, etc.

This is one of the places where the “How Do You Eat an Elephant?” principle comes in handy.  Just like you eat an elephant one bite at a time, you can eliminate that which detracts from your happiness one step, or one item, or one relationship at a time.  And with each step, take the time to acknowledge your progress, thus adding to your experience of happiness along the way.

Add in More of What Makes You Happy
As you eliminate 'stuff' that makes you unhappy or detracts from your happiness, you make room for adding what will contribute to your happiness. This can work on many different levels. For example, when I cleaned and organized my office and eliminated many of the file folders that surrounded my desk, there was room to add some beauty to my office decor. I now have a small fountain on top of my oak filing cabinet, a decorative aquarium on the library table and several plants (including a Christmas Cactus which is blooming beautifully as of this writing.) But when I was surrounded by clutter, there was no room for these beautiful additions. My surroundings now contribute to my happiness.

What can you eliminate and then add to your environment, both inner and outer, that will enhance the quality of your life?

Find Your Balance Between Inner Work  and Outer Expression
I'm currently reading a wonderful book by Wayne Muller entitled, Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest. (Bantam Books, April 1999) The following passage points to this important step to happiness:

"The noise of our lives made us deaf, unable to hear when we are called, or from which direction. Henri (a friend of Muller's and a priest) said our lives have become absurd -- because in the word absurd we find the Latin word absurdus, which means deaf. In our spiritual life we need to listen to God who constantly speaks but whom we seldom hear in our hurried defense.

"On the other hand, Henri was fond of reminding me that the word obedient comes from the Latin word audire, which means "to listen." Henri believed that a spiritual life was a pilgrimage from absurdity to obedience -- from deafness to listening."

If you're living a loud life of absurdity, it's important to add in moments of peaceful rest and solitude so you can listen and hear life's call to you.

Keep Watering the Roots of Your Happiness
As you identify what provides you with inner happiness it's important to keep identifying them. While this may sound obvious, it's surprising how often people stop doing what they know works. If watering the roots produces luscious fruit, then keep watering the roots. If devoting the first hour of each day in quiet meditation and reflection helps you stay centered and present throughout your day and that makes you happy, then don't drop that special time out of your routine.

Spread It Around
Happiness doesn't have to be a one-person show. While it may begin with you and end with you, in between are plenty of opportunities to spread it around to others. You will probably find that spreading it around simply adds to your own experience of joy and satisfaction so don't be stingy with it.

Acknowledge the “Shadow” and Move On
From time to time even the happiest among us will have occasion for sadness. If we didn't, we wouldn't be able to fully appreciate our happiness. So, when those days come along, embrace them. Allow yourself to be present to whatever is there. Just know that you don't need to stay stuck in the shadows. Acknowledge them and when you're ready, move on.