You hear this one a lot. We are seekers, looking for insight, revelation, comfort, community, whatever we believe will complete us.
Many seek purpose, or the oft-called 'purpose-filled life'. What exactly does that mean to say and seek that? What is 'purpose'?
The first usage of the word purpose is cited from the 13th century, in Old French "porpos" meaning "aim, intention". The verb form, found in the prior century, "porposer" - having the meaning "to put forth." When you combine the prefix "por-" meaning "forth" ( as in Latin "pro"- "forth") with the Old French "poser" - "to put, place" or shall we simply say, to "pose"?
The idea of "on purpose" meaning "by design" is first used in the 1580s, and it's come right down to us now, much to our befuddlement, since we're all seeking it, still.
You know, I'm fascinated by language, which is why I always seek the root of the word, to seek the original intention; that guides me. So, to have purpose is to move forth, to place your actions, to do so with the idea of aim and intention... I'd say that's a lot like the elusive word 'vinyasa' - to place in a certain order.
So, like I like to say in class, because the hardest things are often the most simple to express and therein lies the paradox, the investigation, and the union of opposition. Here is my premise, simply stated:
If you want to feel purposeful, do things on purpose...
If you want to live a purpose-filled life, fill your life with purpose...
Move with intention, be thoughtful, be mindful and imbue meaning into your actions. It really might be that simple... make things feel purposeful by doing things on purpose. In the midst of that experiential endeavor, if something so deeply resonates with you that it encourages whole-heartedness, then you may have found your 'purpose'!
Give it some consideration, and the next time something looms as tedious, boring or unpleasant, do it with a sense of purpose. Imbue it with meaning, act with intention, and fill that part of your life with purpose!
Give thanks and praise!
Many seek purpose, or the oft-called 'purpose-filled life'. What exactly does that mean to say and seek that? What is 'purpose'?
The first usage of the word purpose is cited from the 13th century, in Old French "porpos" meaning "aim, intention". The verb form, found in the prior century, "porposer" - having the meaning "to put forth." When you combine the prefix "por-" meaning "forth" ( as in Latin "pro"- "forth") with the Old French "poser" - "to put, place" or shall we simply say, to "pose"?
The idea of "on purpose" meaning "by design" is first used in the 1580s, and it's come right down to us now, much to our befuddlement, since we're all seeking it, still.
You know, I'm fascinated by language, which is why I always seek the root of the word, to seek the original intention; that guides me. So, to have purpose is to move forth, to place your actions, to do so with the idea of aim and intention... I'd say that's a lot like the elusive word 'vinyasa' - to place in a certain order.
So, like I like to say in class, because the hardest things are often the most simple to express and therein lies the paradox, the investigation, and the union of opposition. Here is my premise, simply stated:
If you want to feel purposeful, do things on purpose...
If you want to live a purpose-filled life, fill your life with purpose...
Move with intention, be thoughtful, be mindful and imbue meaning into your actions. It really might be that simple... make things feel purposeful by doing things on purpose. In the midst of that experiential endeavor, if something so deeply resonates with you that it encourages whole-heartedness, then you may have found your 'purpose'!
Give it some consideration, and the next time something looms as tedious, boring or unpleasant, do it with a sense of purpose. Imbue it with meaning, act with intention, and fill that part of your life with purpose!
Give thanks and praise!
