Our Life's Purpose: We Could Choose Joy

Earlier this year, when I offered Akashic Records readings at a Sacramento Healing Arts Festival, nearly every client asked me, “What should I be doing with my life?  What is my soul’s purpose?”   At a time when so many people are spiritually waking up, many of us are finding an inner drive to know more about what we “should” be doing as well as a desire to be on our “path.”  Though my specific insights were as unique as the person asking the question, I definitely see a collective, common answer for all of us.

When I first began working in the Akashic Records, I, too, would ask questions with the word should in it.  Within no time, I learned that “SHould” is simply could with “SHame” attached to it.  We ask "should” questions because we want to be doing the “right” thing, not only because we are noble, willing people, but because we somehow believe that if we did what we should be doing, then we would have joyful (i.e. “rewarding”) lives for doing so.  These beliefs, however, can be rooted in duality (good/bad, right/wrong), which actually keep us bound to the energy of self-judgment and shame, which is obviously not a very joyful foundation.  

If we release the concept of should and recognize the neutrality of could, we can begin to free ourselves from the shame game.  Imagine releasing your concerns over not doing the “right” thing or being on your “right” path because you allow yourself to stop feeling wrong.  Trusting you are always on your “right” path because it is “right” where you are can bring a sigh of relief to your heart and mind.  When we accept what is, as it is now – without shame, judgment or worry about what isn’t – we more easily call forth joy, compassion and acceptance from and for ourselves and others.    

Our lives are full of possibilities!... or shall I say, coulds.  There is no rule anywhere (except in our minds) that we should do anything at all.  Within all of these possibilities, however, we could choose to live in joy.  Joy resonates at “high frequencies” which feels good to our bodies and souls.  Perhaps this is what we yearn for when we seek our “Highest Good,” or perhaps we want to feel a sense of belonging or purpose. 

I will not argue that contribution and service aren’t satisfying and helpful virtues.  Indeed, these are quite admirable aspects of our life experience.  I will point out, however, that both the need for belonging and fulfilling a purpose are fear and ego-driven.  Our personalities want to feel part of something greater and grander than ourselves because we don’t feel adequately great or grand within ourselves.  

The idea that we don’t have a “Soul’s Purpose” actually scares many of us.  We base our sense of self worth on these deeply rooted beliefs.  Not only does the idea of purpose imply that we should be “doing” something, conversely it implies that if we don’t fulfill it, we are somehow not “doing” our part (or are possibly on the “wrong” path)!  Thus, we must not be worthy!   

You ARE the part – the purpose – and you are actually the path!   Your soul is worthy and whole in this very moment; your human aspect is simply trying to re-member this Truth!  Each of us could choose to re-member that wholeness with joy – or not – but I will say that joy not only feels good, it creates a clearer, more beautiful path to experience while on our journey.  

The drive to unveil our purpose, then, is actually our desire to reveal our True Self – this is what is known as our Spiritual Awakening. Once we awaken to the Truth that we ARE worthy – simply by BEING – and accept it inwardly, we can more easily live outwardly in alignment with this Universal Truth.     

Can you imagine a world where each of us behaves as if we are undeniably worthy just because we exist?  From this basis, contribution and service become authentic, joyful expressions of our True Selves, rather than shoulds along a path that hopes to prove our worthiness to ourselves and others. 

As you awaken, listen to your inner urge to find your heart’s desire, then reflect on the wise words of Ram Dass:

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"Our whole spiritual transformation brings us to the point
where we realize that in our own being,
we are enough."