Finding Purpose And Direction In Life
by Nigel Taylor
So many times clients ask of me, “How do I find purpose and direction in my life?” This query is a master question that unravels great secrets to all who take the time to explore. But first one must ask of themselves, “Where does the compass of my life point…right now? Today! Where am I heading with the time I have left in this unique life?
Very few people ever ask this question early in their lives. True, a few set an agenda and pursue it with zest. However, even amongst those few, many are those who realize they may have missed something deeper, richer and more rewarding along the way. They view their compass with sadness for what could have been rather than what has been.
So again, I ask the simple question: “Where does the compass of your life point today?”
Adrift On The High Seas
Many years ago, I was backpacking through the Islands of the Philippines. Part of my travel took me on an inter-island ferry (of sorts) that doubled as a carrier for all and anything with a means to pay. It cast off from one of the islands and headed out to sea, towards its stated destination, in what should have been a short trip of maybe a few hours.
Then, in the midst of the South China Sea, lo and beyond, the engine simply stopped working. Dead. No sound. No movement. No life. And we collectively drifted…for hours, and into the next day and beyond…
All around me were men, women and children from backgrounds far, far less comfortable than my own. They had their chickens, pigs, fruit, seeds and baskets of wares with them. We drifted…and drifted. Forlorn faces contracted with those displaying blissful ignorance, for some thought it normal and had no idea of the potential peril that could lay ahead.
In that time, with the sun beating down upon me, I had time to think. Actually, a lot of time. I realized, as the waves pounded over the sides and people showed their despair, that what started out with a precise focus had now lost its direction. It made no difference where we wanted to go, the tides would take us where we were heading.
Two Lessons Learned
That experience taught me two things, very important then and now.
1. Even the best plans are ultimately out of our hands. Understanding and accepting this brings enormous peace. It is a space of surrender, because, ultimately, we can fear the outcome or surrender to it. I found the latter to be the most comforting…Let go.
2. In a space of surrender to a grander force, with a focus beyond our capacity to perceive, I knew there was required of me the need to always set my compass clearly in life…and then surrender and let go. Allow the course that has been set to take you where you are headed without the need to control exactly how you will get there.
Yes, eventually we did get going again and arrived one early morning on the shores of what I would today call paradise. I stepped ashore and looked back at the ferry. People all unloaded, off it set once again, heading to the next island as if nothing had happened. Humanity just kept on living and life continued as usual.
The Inner Compass Of Your Life
In your life, you will also have times to jump on many of these inter- island ferries. They appear at times in your life when you are a little unsure of what direction you are headed. It is the moment of uncertainty that informs you of their presence. When they arise, they come at a time when you are navigating from one way of being to another. This can be in the areas of relationship, health, finance employment, and so forth. It doesn’t matter.
When you become aware of them, simply take a deep breath. Relax, go inside, and look at the inner compass of your life…and ask these questions:
Where is my compass pointing today?
Where is my life taking me?
If I jump on this ferry, where will it take me?
And lastly…
Am I prepared to allow it to drift along, while I look deeply into who and what I am?
Enjoy your life wherever you are. Just know how absolutely magnificent it is to have the faculty of choice active in your life. Choose carefully and clearly where the compass points and enjoy the journey!
A Powerful Solution
Remember. There are so many beautiful teachings available in this world. Choose the ones that really and truthfully move you deeply. Do so always with an eye to meditation as one of the anchors that you can tie the inter-island ferry to, as you journey forth.
In our Community on www.nigeltaylor.com we have many of these, giving you access to a pathway to assist you progress. I would love to see you join us, and also to explore the many rewarding ways you can truly move forward with the assistance of other teachers and friends on the path. Our Community work is a very powerful tool when used exclusively or in conjunction with any other sharing you choose to engage in. All of our meditations are encoded with deep transformative energy. All will help you reach higher levels of understanding and access deep and expansive dimensions of being.
Make a choice to act and then enjoy what life brings to you. Such a choice will assist you to come full circle to a place where the compass of your life is both clear and accurate. Your purpose and direction will unfold with grace and ease.