Human beings have an innate desire to lead meaningful lives. Feeling a genuine sense of purpose can connect you to yourself and the world around you in a lasting, joyful way. Every day is a new opportunity to make meaning out of your experiences. Consider some of the following practices if you need some inspiration.
Befriend Your Inner Landscape
Your perception of yourself from the inside out is something only you can know. Many people throughout history have described finding freedom as a result of befriending their inner landscape––including their thoughts, emotions, and embodied sensations. As you come to love yourself and all of your complexity, you will start to embrace the miraculous nature of your existence.
Start by carving out consistent quiet time in your routine. Even ten minutes a day is enough. Sit or lie down without distractions, and step into the role of the mindful observer. Notice your breathing, your thoughts, and your physical form. Drop any judgment that arises. You will soon learn what to let go of and what to pay more attention to.
It is essential to learn to accept yourself no matter what happens. We all struggle with various challenges, and we all find our own ways to weather the storm. Allow yourself to experience the highs and lows of life with undying self-compassion. You may be surprised by the lessons you learn.
Cultivate Your Home Environment
The space you inhabit is a haven in which you care for yourself and your loved ones. It can also function as an immediate reflection of your values. Designating your home a sacred environment might just transform your ability to find meaning.
If necessary, clear away any clutter. Less is more! Consider what is truly important to you and leave out the rest. This will reduce your domestic workload and create more room for you to enjoy your sanctuary.
Think about how your abode fits into the surrounding ecosystem. Where does your water come from? What about your energy sources? Are there ways you could build up the soil or purify the air with the plants you grow? Have you considered installing a solar power system to generate more of your own electricity? These improvements will sharpen your ecological awareness and add another layer of meaning to the happiness of your home.
Find Your Conscious Community
If the self and the home represent the first two concentric circles at the core of a meaningful life, the largest one––encompassing everything else––is a loving community. Surrounding yourself with supportive people will inspire you to grow, heal, and share that internal kindness you’ve nurtured.
Conscious community is the context in which you come to understand yourself. What unique talents do you have to offer others? How could you make your neighborhood a better place to live? What amazing gifts are waiting for you in return?
The relationships you build throughout your life are fertile ground for intention-setting. Who will lift you up to your highest potential? Seek out the kind of community that is founded on unconditional love. The right people will see you through your darkest days without expecting anything back.
As you begin to focus locally, your worldview will expand. You will come to realize that your actions have a rippling effect. It doesn’t matter how much time you spend serving others; your heart’s openness and generosity will reverberate far and wide. The more you practice this, the more you will find yourself at peace.
The pursuit of a meaningful life looks different for every individual. Just remember that you are an active participant in the writing of your story. Start small, with your own self-awareness, and work outward from there. Be kind to yourself in every situation and never hesitate to ask for wisdom. If you’re feeling lost, your intuition will point you in the right direction. In the end, you will know deep down that your time on this earth was overflowing with purpose.