Reflection #11 Purpose and Intention
The Gap Year
Reflection #11 Purpose and Intention
“We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An Interpreted world is not a home. –Hildegard of Bingen
Now that I’m done with my paid employment, what they call retirement, I have a couple of decades ahead of me to redefine my goals and find a purpose for the years to come. I am looking at how I can use my enduring passions– in this case, my love of writing, of organizing, of creating sacred space— as a guide to help me uncover a new sense of purpose. To stay connected to the work I love, but no longer wish to do every day, I am determined that age will not limit my energy and creativity nor my wanting-ness to participate in what interests and fulfills me. I ask myself at this stage of life, “Why I am here?” As I slow down, check-in, and listen in the empty spaces, I am finding out what gives my life meaning.
My younger years were often colored with an urgency and sense of striving. I had a steely determination to make a difference and a love of order and discipline. Now, even as this urgency lessens, my desire for purpose and meaning grows. As I look for deeper meaning I feel a greater amount of peace, equanimity, and comfort. I am seeking what will give me greater understanding, goodness, and gladness. At the same time, I believe life will feel valuable when I am involved with something that matters. Unsure of my purpose, I think about a work that will offer comfort create beauty, and right some wrong. It may involve family, education, creativity, work, social/community involvement, or political activism.
Perhaps you, like me, are struggling to find what fits. What feels meaningful to you. Whatever it is, I challenge myself and you to write it down on paper. Give it language, not so you or I will necessarily achieve it. But as a way to hold ourselves accountable. To commit to trying.
Now it‘s your turn
Take time to reflect and if in a group, share as you feel able.
In this gap-week I challenge myself to:
a) redefine my goals.
b) find a purpose for the years to come that will give my life meaning.
c) investigate how I can use my enduring passions.
d) stay connected to the work I love, but no longer wish to do every day.
For additional reflections or information: www.Spiritworks.org