Finding Your Life’s Purpose in the Now

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” ~Eckhart Tolle

There have been many books and articles written about finding your passion, your life purpose, what you are meant to do. Most of these articles have been written to specifically address your career path and finding something that brings you joy and fulfillment. An important aspect of life purpose is often overlooked however. In Finding Your Life’s Purpose, Eckhart Tolle defines the primary life purpose and talks about why so many of us are unhappy and dissatisfied with our lives. We spend our time stuck in the past or thinking about the future while entirely missing the now. The past and future only exist in our minds as thoughts or memories.

“Always say “yes” to the present moment. What could be more futile, more insane, than to create inner resistance to what already is? what could be more insane than to oppose life itself, which is now and always now? Surrender to what is. Say “yes” to life — and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you.” ~Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart says we have two purposes in life, a primary purpose and a secondary purpose. According to Eckhart, we get so caught up in life and in trying to discover our purpose that we miss the whole point, or primary purpose as he calls it. When we’re in this state, everything just becomes a means to an end.

Primary purpose: Our primary purpose is to live in the Present Moment, to be here fully and know we are exactly where we are meant to be at that moment doing exactly what we’re supposed to be doing. This is also called mindfulness.

To practice mindfulness, simply stop for a moment and focus on your breath. The simple act of focusing on your breath brings your focus to the body and it quiets the mind. Thich Nhat Hanh says, “The first miracle brought about by mindfulness is your own presence, real presence. With this energy dwelling in you, you become completely alive.”

Secondary purpose: Your secondary purpose is what you are meant to do which is also referred to as Dharma in The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. Everyone has a purpose in life, a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.

“The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.” ~Rumi

Often, we are so caught up in everyday life that we don’t notice our purpose. That’s where quiet meditation comes in. It’s often easier said than done when you first get started but it doesn’t have to be. Just take a few minutes to sit in quiet each day and just listen, focus on your breathing. You don’t need to do any special breathing techniques or rituals, just be. You will find the more often you do this, the easier it gets and the longer you are able to do this. How do you use meditation? Share your thoughts below.