Meaning In the Mundane
At some point in all of our lives we come to recognize our unique gifts and genius. Sometimes we are able to discover it for ourselves, but oftentimes it is others who point it out to us, showing us a spark within that we didn’t see before and encouraging us to feed it. Eventually, one day, we see that this spark really is unique to us and we recognize that carrying that spark is like carrying a sacred responsibility to something larger than ourselves…
When we can visualize what cultivating that unique genius could look like for not only ourselves, but for the world at large if we choose to follow it to it’s end, we cannot help but experience a level of inspiration that penetrates us to our core. But that level of inspiration ebbs and flows between the soul and the ego…
One may feel their insides declaring “This is it!” one moment, followed by the reality check that it’s not going to be easy to realize “it” into being. This is the deciding moment where the ego can either step aside and allow the soul to do the necessary work to make it come to pass, or that moment can lead us down a rabbit hole of self doubt, fear, and fraudy feels… Either way, from this moment on, we are given every opportunity to realize our spark into being— to realize our potential.
When the moment arises that we actually believe in ourselves and our abilities enough to follow the wisdom of that spark, it is like taking a vow with the soul of the world, the Anima Mundi, to make our little corner of it a better place— to heal it, to revive it, and to re-enchant it. For those of us that have felt a responsibility to heal the world, who have felt the unbearable weight of the world on their shoulders, or who have assumed the pain of the world as their own, it is vital to understand that following your unique genius is the greatest work that you can do. None of us as individuals can heal the world at large, but each of us can heal our little corner of it, and the possibilities around what that looks like are truly endless.
Now, not every great idea or feeling of inspiration is in fact part of our greater purpose. Sometimes we become inspired by that which doesn’t have anything to do with what we need to contribute to the greater whole or where we need to go on a soul level. But that doesn’t matter. Inspiration, no matter what it looks like, feeds the spark and helps it grow.
And, sometimes it is wise to distinguish the difference, especially if we are feeling lost or aimless when it comes to contributing to something greater than individual ourselves. So, how does one tell the difference between purpose and inspiration?
Here are a few distinguishing factors to think about…
-Inspiration is often fleeting, where as feelings of purpose persist— you feel called to return to it again and again over time.
-Inspiration primarily nourishes you as an individual, where as purpose extends past yourself— contributing to the world around you.
-Inspiration gives you energy in a moment, where as purpose feels essential to your well being, like fulfilling a sacred responsibility.
Something else to consider is that purpose isn’t some monumental thing that we accomplish, let’s say being a fabulous success at our chosen vocation. Purpose reaches into every part of our being— how we communicate with others, how we raise our children, how we treat our bodies and the earth, how we help ourselves become more aware beings… The mundane elements of life are, afterall, the foundation of the soul’s well being, and how we engage with those elements has tangible effects on the greater world around us. Mundane work is sacred work. Remember that anytime you feel aimless.
What is one way you followed your greater purpose today?
