SPIRIT Journey: PURPOSE
The use of the word “purpose” has come to be used and explored in bigger philosophical terms such as “What is my purpose in life? Who am I?, and why am I here?” These are big life questions.
We tend to think of purpose in terms of an “end” goal or the reason why we do something. Reflecting on purpose can give us direction and meaning in our lives to attain those goals.
According to the dictionary, the definition of purpose is “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists”.
The origin of the word purpose is “intention, aim, goal,” from Anglo-French purpos, from porposer “to put forth,” from por– “forth” (from Latin) + Old French poser “to put, place”. (etymonline.com)
Research has shown that, when asked “what is your goal in life?”, most people answer “to be happy”. When asked, “what does that look like?”, they might give a list of material things acquired, accomplishments, titles, superlatives, accolades, etc. to be checked off.
Too often we get lost in a checklist of things to do and get caught up in a whirlwind of striving for one goal after another. We focus more on purpose as defined by goals. We begin to believe that our purpose in life is equivalent to our accomplishments, things we accumulate, titles we acquire, status that we achieve or bucket list experiences that we check off. This path will surely lead to happiness, right?
The educational system helps to propagate this illusion that if we just achieve a certain score, get a certain grade, receive a certain accolade or award, go to a certain university, pursue a certain career or status, we will be successful and, therefore, happy.
Our purpose, our goals, our reasons for doing anything
have become formulaic and prescriptive.
So, if there is a formula that we can follow, and a prescription we can take, why do so many people feel lost, unhappy and not clearly see their purpose on Earth?
Why are so many teachers and students disillusioned and not fulfilled with school and learning and the checklists that are being placed before them? (more…)
