Before You Relinquish Your Ego, Relish It
When I first met Dr. Vasant Lad, he had just arrived in Cambridge, MA from India. One of the most beloved authorities within all of Ayurvedic medicine, Dr. Lad is a loving healer and deeply inspiring oracle.Â
We sat on pillows in a tiny room where Vasant told me that I was tridoshic. He prescribed some herbs, mantras, and meditations, and he encouraged me to look deeper into my spiritual gifts. Moments later, he directed me to tell my best friend where her engagement ring was situated. He had known me for 2 minutes. The ring was behind the night table.
When we truly relinquish our egos, or, at the very least, nudge them aside, we begin to see beyond our limited, temporary self-identities, and into eternity. This miracle is always available to every living Being, throughout all the realms, in all of creation, and throughout all the universes. Â
Dr. Lad’s intuition and light-based nature is the result of years of having chosen to relinquish his ego, in service to humanity. While Vasant’s state of Being is admirable and exemplary, It’s not easy to expand, without first being thrust into a variety of fires. Some of these fires are more enjoyable than others.
When I first asked Dr. Lad why my ego was so challenging to wrestle and release, he said, “The ego is the I am. Without the ego, you are not.”
I cried for an hour.
No other spiritual teacher had phrased this idea so succinctly. Everything he said to me that night was so wonderfully simple, precise, and relatable. Dr. Lad set me on a unique path, and I was forever changed.Â
Some new-age “prophets” can be so intensely focused on the relinquishing of ego, they fail to reveal the implications of giving up something we may have never known.Â
If each of our soul identities and spiritual imprints is at least partially represented in our egos (for the purpose of our experiencing three-dimensional reality), how can we evolve without first embracing our egos, at least for a period of time?
After all, whether we were created by Gods, aliens, or biochemical explosions from other realms, each of us is unique and remarkable.Â
When we fully embrace our egos, we might understand our motivations, intentions, gifts, talents, and attributes. In the pursuit of these understandings, we might also experience an expanded appreciation for the mechanics and infrastructures of this physical world. In doing so, we begin to deepen our respect and gratitude for every cog, player, mechanic, operator, assistant, and creator who works to bring our physical realities to life.
Throughout time, there have been multitudes of religions and spiritual movements that sought to mislead millions of people.Â
In many cases, dark souls with selfish intentions intentionally misrepresented the masters they once followed, all in the name of greed and control. The result of this misuse of power resulted in the manipulation of the masses and included theft, rape, and abuse of the Earth’s most vulnerable minerals, plants, and living Beings. At their best, religions and spiritual movements give us lexicons and pause, while they relegate us to confined intellectual and spiritual prisons. Â
What is the ego?
The ego is your platform for evolution. It’s your calling card. The ego is how the world uses you to evolve itself. Your ego was born to help creation give birth to more light. Allow the ego to enjoy itself. Allow its imperfections. Permit it to explore itself. In that journey, we learn how to see ourselves more clearly, relate with others, forgive flaws, and make our boldest moves.Â
Yes, you are most likely imperfect, but only perfectly. Within your unique imperfections live desires, emotional curiosities, and the trajectories that will lead you through your individual unfoldment. Find safe ways to let it all live and let it all out. While the truth will set you free, you first have to allow yourself, as you are right now, to be part of that truth.Â
Many of today’s religious fanatics and spiritual phonies are living from narcissistic self-identities, behind which they hide.Â
From their self-righteous perches, too many spiritual leaders hate LGBTQ people, judge angry men, and resent masculine constructs, even the ones that produce safe environments, jobs, and sustenance for their families. It’s from these narrow-minded positions that misguided souls also judge themselves.Â
The tragedies don’t stop there. With each of their judgmental thoughts comes a myriad of negative frequencies and vibrational elements, which then attach to the individual. These attachments act as magnets for experiences that will naturally confront these individuals with their shadows. With each problematic experience that emerges, we have the option to either evolve or seek more of the same.
How does this all relate to me? What does all this mean?
- If you’re an angry man, begin by honoring your anger, then nudge it toward sadness, which is the most accurate state of anger. When you’re ready, see if you can convert your tears into actionable boundaries, knowledge, and strategies. This is how you can improve your life and serve your family.
Â
- If you have deep-seated issues stemming from abuse, first honor your anger, and see if you can express it healthfully and without hurting others. Following that, if possible, try to convert it into knowledge, forgiveness, and grace. Work through every aspect of every emotion related to this horrible event. While this is unfathomably difficult, there is always a pathway to love and light.
Â
- If you’ve been screwed-over in life, love, or business, find ways to honor and release the related emotions. From there, you can invite forgiveness, knowledge, graciousness, and rebirth. If that fails, regularly write in your journal until your current self-identity breaks and allows for change.Â
Â
- If you feel drenched in ego and greed, be gentle with yourself before ripping open walls and terminating the structures that have served you.
Upon each painful experience, we have two options:Â
Rot in pain or burst toward the light.
Regardless of what you’ve experienced, never new-age yourself out of your feelings. Never Buddhify your pain. Never forsake yourself. Even if you have to forget Jesus’s teachings for a split second, never reject the YOU that you’ve come to know and love. Never push yourself out of the way. If our selves are not involved in every step, we’ll eventually regret it.Â
Most importantly, after each negative experience, honor your mind and heart as they process what has happened. From there, you can forgive, let go, pivot, and expand. Over time, negative experiences begin to feel like encouragement.Â
When you’re ready, you can re-embrace your ideologies, religions, and spiritual movements. At their cores, these things are not bad for humanity. The trouble begins when spiritual leaders and teachers tell us to forsake ourselves before first honoring ourselves. After all, we are created by an unlimited, forgiving, and ever-expanding universe.Â
To save ourselves and the planet, consider pausing before spreading a doctrine or religion. It might also be helpful to learn to love and honor ourselves before relinquishing every aspect of our identities and lives.Â
Before we toss anger out the window in self-judgment, we might want to experience the anger and learn more about it. In all things, we must first look in the mirror and love without threatening punishment. From there, we can make conscious and fair assessments. Embedded in the bosom of love, we can nurture ourselves into forgiveness and expansion.
About the Author
10 Examples of Life Purpose That Will Help You Find Yours
Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life is? Answering this question can provide us with a profound sense of direction and personal satisfaction. In this article we explore several examples of life purposes that may inspire you to find yours and live a fuller, more meaningful life.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Purpose of Life?
- 10 Examples of Life Purpose
- Educating and Sharing Knowledge
- Promoting Health and Wellness
- Encouraging Spirituality and Inner Connection
- Creating a Loving and United Family
- Innovating in Science and Technology
- Protecting the Environment
- Supporting Animals and Wildlife
- Connecting People With Nature
- Developing Artistic Skills
- Promoting Inclusion and Diversity
- Is the Life Purpose Related to a Work Activity?
- How to Find My Life Purpose?
What Is the Purpose of Life?
Life purpose is a deep sense of direction that guides us throughout our existence, helping us to make decisions and set priorities. This purpose provides clarity and allows us to align our actions with our deepest values and passions. Discovering it is a process that goes beyond simple intellectual reflection, involving an intimate connection with our inner self.
For many people, life purpose is intrinsically linked to their natural gifts and talents. These can range from art and music to science and technology. Recognizing and developing these gifts opens doors to opportunities that allow us to contribute meaningfully to society, while experiencing deep personal satisfaction.
Another essential aspect of life purpose is the positive impact we can have on others. Often, finding our purpose involves serving others and improving the lives of those around us. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as educating, caring for the health of others, protecting the environment or supporting disadvantaged communities. By living in alignment with our purpose, we not only enrich our own lives, but also contribute to the well-being and development of society as a whole.
In the series Transcendence, available on Gaia, one episode is dedicated to exploring this topic in depth and invites us to reflect on the different stages of life and how each one offers unique opportunities to discover and rediscover our purpose, fostering a continuous journey of self-awareness and growth.
10 Examples of Life Purpose
Finding your purpose may seem like a challenging task, but drawing inspiration from the purposes of others can be a great place to start. Here are ten examples of life purposes that can help you find yours and live a life full of meaning and direction.
-
Educating and Sharing Knowledge
Dedicating your life to education and sharing knowledge can be an incredible source of satisfaction. Educators have the power to positively influence the lives of their students, helping them develop skills, acquire knowledge and discover their own talents. This purpose not only benefits those who receive education, but also contributes to the progress of society as a whole.
-
Promoting Health and Wellness
Working in the field of health and wellness is a profound way to positively impact others. Professionals such as physicians, therapists, personal trainers and nutritionists dedicate their time to improving people’s physical and mental health, making a significant impact on their lives and the community at large.
-
Encouraging Spirituality and Inner Connection
Guiding others on their spiritual journey is an enriching life purpose. Helping people find peace and harmony within themselves, through meditation, spiritual counseling or religious direction, offers tools and support for spiritual growth and self-knowledge.
-
Creating a Loving and United Family
Creating and maintaining a loving and united family is a purpose that contributes greatly to the well-being and happiness of its members. This purpose focuses on building relationships based on love, respect and mutual support. Parents, grandparents and other family members who promote a healthy and loving home environment positively impact the lives of their loved ones.
-
Innovating in Science and Technology
Innovation in science and technology can transform lives and improve our understanding of the world. Scientists and engineers are dedicated to researching and developing new ideas, products and solutions, opening up new possibilities and solving complex problems that affect humanity.
-
Protecting the Environment
Protecting the environment is a noble and necessary purpose today. Activities such as biodiversity conservation, combating climate change and promoting sustainable practices are essential. Environmentalists and activists work to preserve our planet for future generations by raising awareness and advocating actions that promote sustainability.
-
Supporting Animals and Wildlife
Those who feel a deep connection to animals may find their purpose in supporting them. Whether through rescuing and rehabilitating animals, advocating for their rights or preserving their habitats, veterinarians and activists strive to ensure animal welfare and protect endangered species.
-
Connecting People With Nature
Guiding people in outdoor activities and educating about the importance of nature can bring joy and well-being to individuals and communities. Environmental educators and nature guides work to cultivate a healthy relationship between humans and the natural environment, promoting a greater appreciation and respect for the natural world.
-
Developing Artistic Skills
The development and expression of artistic skills can enrich both the creator and his or her audience. Artists, musicians and writers express their emotions and visions through their work, inspiring and moving others. This purpose allows for self-expression and personal growth, contributing to the cultural heritage and beauty of the world.
-
Promoting Inclusion and Diversity
Working to build a more just and equitable society is a meaningful purpose. Advocating equal opportunity and respect for all people, regardless of their differences, is essential. Activists and community leaders strive to break down barriers and create environments where all voices are heard and valued, promoting social cohesion and justice.
Is the Life Purpose Related to a Work Activity?
Life purpose does not necessarily have to be linked to a work activity. Many people find their purpose in aspects of life that are not related to their work. For example, devoting time to volunteer activities, such as helping disadvantaged communities or participating in social justice projects, can provide a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction without being associated with a paid occupation.
Life purpose is an expression of our essence and our deepest values, and can manifest itself in various areas of our lives. Some people discover their purpose in their dedication to hobbies and talents, such as art, music or sports, which allow them to express their creativity and contribute to the well-being of others in a non-work-related way. Others find their purpose in improving their personal relationships, cultivating empathy and compassion in their immediate environment.
Finally, purpose can also focus on personal and spiritual growth. Practicing meditation, working on personal development, and cultivating meaningful relationships are examples of how one can live one’s purpose without it being directly related to a professional career. In the end, the most important thing is to find what gives us a sense of fulfillment and happiness, regardless of whether or not it is linked to a work activity.
How to Find My Life Purpose?
Finding purpose in life is a personal process that unfolds uniquely for each individual. There is no single path or immediate answer. It is an inner journey that requires honesty, introspection, and connection with what truly resonates with you. Listening to your intuition and allowing yourself to feel what moves you from within is the first step toward a meaningful life.
On this path, it can be helpful to pay attention to the signs and synchronicities that appear in your day-to-day life. Sometimes, the universe communicates through small details, unexpected encounters, or moments of clarity that seem to align with your deepest concerns. Being present and receptive to these messages can provide subtle yet powerful guidance.
Another way forward is by observing the activities that give you energy, joy, or a sense of fulfillment. What you do with enthusiasm and without effort is often aligned with your life mission. Exploring different experiences, learning new things, and allowing yourself to change direction are also valid ways to refine your purpose over time.
Remember that finding your purpose is not a fixed goal, but an evolving process. As you change, grow, and get to know yourself better, your purpose may transform. The essential thing is to stay in tune with yourself, cultivate your authenticity, and keep moving forward with intention and awareness.
