DO YOU LIVE EACH DAY WITH PURPOSE?

LIVING WITH PURPOSE 

CAN EXTEND YOUR LIFE

www.aarp.org - When you wake up in the morning, do you think to yourself, “I’m so excited, because today I get to… (fill in the blank)? No? I have teenagers, and on occasions I hear the following proclamation, “I’m bored!”  Usually said out loud to the world in general, with only one part (unsaid) that is directed at me: “…and what are you going to do about it?” Boredom, idleness, and lack of motivation can often be linked to a lack of purpose, according to Richard Leider, author of The Power of Purpose. I was struck by series of interviews Richard made of a group 65 and older.  
Each was asked what they would change about their life if they could do it all over again.  The resounding response:  a life with purpose - they wanted their time on this planet to matter, to have made a difference. Robert Byrne once said, “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” Do you have one?

Living with purpose is more than just mustering motivation to get through daily tasks like grocery shopping, getting your car repaired, or preparing your taxes.  More than getting a manicure or “9 holes in” before noon. Real purpose gives meaning to your life and others. In fact, I believe it is “other” centered:  perhaps a purpose that supports your community or helps improve another person’s life.  Even a small, but deliberate act, can have purpose: * Spending time with an older neighbor - who may be isolated. * Serving meals at a local food bank/kitchen. * Responding to a friend’s personal tragedy. * Volunteering at a community, hospice or senior center. There are so many needs and fewer hands to meet them.  And according to a study conducted by Rush University Medical Center, living with purpose can extend your life.

If you have identified a meaningful purpose - go for it with gusto.  If you don’t, get one. The author of the article, David Whitehead from AARP (A community of people committed to rediscovering their gifts and exploring new possibilities), says that AARP’s new online tool, Life Reimagined can help you discover your unique gifts and explore new possibilities for the road ahead. “The important point is - get started! Strive to live with purpose.  It can help change, sustain and bring joy and happiness to your life - perhaps even while helping others,” he says. Just pursuing selfish ambitions, trying to establish a permanent place for ourselves in this mortal world, is our big mistake. We should live for higher purposes.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

In order to comprehend that there is a life, which is indeed fulfilling; a life beyond the heartbreaks of this world, takes positive engagement. It is necessary to be amongst those with a different standard of life - a selfless life, a life that is spiritual by nature rather than a material one. Spiritual life is not fantasy nor theory. Spiritual life is devotional life and is all about practice. ... We are created for a higher purpose. We are aliens to this planet. We are from a different realm, we do not belong here. Our place, our nourishment, is in a different realm. ... The idea is that whatever you do in your day, make sure that your endeavor is to make your guru smile. If you can make your guru smile, your day will be successful. We should approach devotional service in that mood, “What will make my spiritual master smile?”

Śrīpad Bhakti Srirupa Madhava Mahārāja :
"The Ultimate Encouragement"
Sri Narasingha Chaitanya Ashram
Sep 6 2008 - Krishna Talk 81
http://gosai.com/ashrama/swami-bs-madhava
http://gosai.com/writings/the-ultimate-encouragement

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/