To serve, or not to serve?
Finding purpose and fulfillment.
Lifes big question. What is my purpose?
Most of us go through life searching for that moment in which we uncover our higher purpose. Living in a constant state of existential crisis, questioning our every move, relationship, job, and how we simply live out our days. We have decided that we need to have meaning for it to amount to anything, or every action and decision has to be tied to a more extraordinary state of enlightenment for it to mean something.
In our pursuit of purpose, we have created distractions with attachment and lost what having purpose is all about. Serving.
Serving is about selflessness.
When we think of living a life of service, we tend to gravitate towards this idea of a “calling,” like joining the clergy, monkhood, or even teaching or nursing. A career or path full of sacrifice and wholly dedicated to giving back and serving others. With this association, we have created certain attachments to purpose and are all sitting around now waiting for the “call.”
But serving isn’t a job. Serving is about selflessness. And selflessness is the path to purpose.
The Srimad-Bhagavatam says, “Look at these fortunate trees. They live solely for the benefit of others. They tolerate wind, rain, heat, and snow but still provide shelter for our benefit.”
Plan trees under whose shade you do not plan to sit.
Reconnecting with our instincts.
There is a resistance to serving. Sure, we all know we need to help those in need, and most of us are decent people who want to, particularly when the holidays come around or when you hear the sweet, sweet sound of Sarah McLachlan’s voice on the T.V. But we do succumb to the pressure of our own lives, and egos. We want to solve our own problems first.
But we are born wired to care for others. No one was born to hate; we learn to hate, we learn to be selfish, and we learn to put our ego and our desires above everyone else’s. Being of service, cooperating, giving, and acts of selflessness are who we were meant to be.
Reconnecting with that instinct is where you will find fulfillment. Removing resistance to living selflessly is how you will find fulfillment.
The net is that you don’t have to wait for an enlightened state or some major life event to serve. If you are a graphic designer, volunteer to make posters for a nonprofit fundraiser; maybe you garden, donate extra veggies to the local school or shelter; if you are an accountant, teach a class at the YMCA.
Serving comes in all different shapes and sizes. Don’t limit your thinking when it comes to fulfilling your purpose. Do what feels natural and what brings you joy.
Become a vessel for service.
A poem for my brother. My biggest source of inspiration to helping me find my purpose.
Become a vessel for service. Radiate a positive attitude.
Water seeds of compassion. Be grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Become a vessel for service. Remain gentle and humble.
Expand your radius of care. Detach and let go of fears.
Become a vessel for service. Temper the burdens you bear.
What you give was given to you. Serve the pain you know best.
Become a vessel for service.
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