To Live in the Now, is the First Step Towards Living a Life of Purpose
Introduction
The eternal now whispers to you: In the vast, intricate tapestry of existence, our purpose is not a single, linear path but a symphony of whispers calling us to come back home - to our true selves. Who doesn’t want to live a life filled with joy and purpose? But, to do that, we must embark on an inward journey. First, we need to let go of the assumption that a yogi is the one who is sitting in a cave with his eyes closed. Being a yogi means following a discipline that brings you closer to yog (union). This journey can be taken up anywhere.
The practice is what matters, not the place where it is taken up. This journey is simple, but not easy. The idea of embracing the present and following our heart's true desires might sound romantic but the path is arduous. Although difficult, there isn’t another more worthy to take on.
Imagine standing on a quiet beach, the waves gently kissing your feet. Each wave is unique, like a moment in your life, unrepeatable and precious. The vast ocean mirrors life's infinite possibilities when we live in the present. This guide explores embracing the now, listening to your inner compass, acting and reflecting, seeking joy in service, trusting and letting go, and celebrating the journey, weaving in personal stories and insights from Svabodha Wellness and quotes from profound thinkers.
Embrace the Eternal Now
"The present is the only moment you have. Life is now, here. It is always now." — Osho
Living in the present moment is the essence of experiencing life fully. although, it’s easier said than done.
Much of our anxiety about the future stems from resisting the present.
We’re so conditioned to be in that state of doing. Imagine you are at the grand ball, but instead of dancing, you are busy worrying about the steps you might miss.
You miss the joy of dancing entirely.
Consider Emily, a woman burdened by societal expectations. Overwhelmed by her duties, she constantly plans and worries.
One day, she escapes to a quiet countryside retreat and sits by a river, watching the water flow.
In that serene moment, she realizes the river doesn’t rush; it flows naturally, embracing each rock and turn.
Emily laughs at her frantic pace and decides to live more like the river, embracing the present moment.
This shift brings her unexpected joy and clarity, showing her that life’s dance happens in the now.
Eckhart Tolle echoes this sentiment in his book ‘The Power of Now: “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.”
Listen to Your Inner Compass
"Don’t seek, don’t search, don’t ask, don’t knock, don’t demand – relax. If you relax, it comes." — Osho
Your true purpose is not an elusive treasure hidden outside but a luminous feeling within. Engage in activities that resonate deeply with your spirit.
Michael, a man tormented by existential questions, feels persistent emptiness despite his successful career.
During deep introspection, he reconnects with his childhood passion for writing. Hesitant but hopeful, he begins to write again.
It takes a while but Michael persists. Just when he feels like he’s forcing himself to be there - it comes. Just like Osho said it would.
After that epiphany, each word he pens feels like a homecoming, a rediscovery of his true self.
His writings, filled with parts of him, raw and authentic, reflect his journey to his inner compass.
Michael realized that true fulfilment comes not from trying to find harmony in flow but from creating harmony amidst chaos.
That’s where we need to go to find our inner compass.
Carl Jung's wisely tells us: “Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
At Svabodha, we heed Jung’s words and try to move closer to our inner wisdom, little by little - every day.
Act and Reflect - The Shortcut to Finding Purpose
"Truth is not something outside to be discovered, it is something inside to be realized." — Osho
Purpose emerges from action, not idle contemplation. Take small steps towards what captivates you and reflect on your journey.
Sophia, a young woman paralyzed by the fear of failure, spends countless nights over-analyzing every possible outcome. Tired of her mental chatter, She decided to take the leap and start her own small business. She encounters challenges at every step, but also moments of joy and fulfilment. She journaled her way through the initial months of chaos, noting her reflections and growth. Through action and reflection, Sophia discovers that the journey itself is her teacher.
Her business flourishes, not because it is perfect, but because it is a living expression of her authentic self. It is herself, reflected in the world outside.
Freud's words, “One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful,” reminds us that the process itself, with its highs and lows, is what shapes us.
Seek Joy in Service
"Fulfillment comes from extending love through joyful service." — Osho
Share your unique gifts with the world, whether through writing, leading, creating, or nurturing. This not only uplifts others but also enriches your sense of purpose.
David, feeling restless and purposeless, decided to volunteer at a local community center, teaching underprivileged children.
At first, he doubts his impact. But one day, a child thanks him. The child told him that he loves David’s math lessons and he wants to become an engineer now.
David’s heart swells with light and life upon finding his purpose. He realized that ‘giving’ is an art of connecting to something greater; through joyful service, he found a new purpose.
Now, his days are filled with laughter, gratitude, and a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing he is making a difference in the lives of these children.
As Kahlil Gibran said, “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
Trust and Let Go
"Let go of the notion that you need to have everything figured out. Trust the process and allow yourself the freedom to evolve." — Osho
Life is not a fixed destination but a dynamic journey.
A dance of fluctuating currents. Trusting the process means embracing change and allowing yourself to evolve.
Nina is a successful architect. But she finds herself at the crossroads.
She wants a life of purpose and feels a pull towards sustainable architecture, while she has an lucrative offer for a high-paying job.
Torn by the choices, she decided to take a break.When she took up the meditation retreat, she wasn’t even sure what she expected.
But she persevered through the sessions, letting go of control - little by little, and clarity started to dawn upon her.
By the 7th day at the retreat, the answer is clear: follow her heart.
For money is but a tool. An energy like any other.
When something is done with purpose, it is bound to attract what it needs to thrive.
Slowly, but surely, She lets go of the fear of financial instability and trusts the journey.
Over time, her work gains recognition, and she feels deeply fulfilled.
Nina’s leap of faith shows her that letting go and trusting the process leads to unexpected and beautiful destinations.
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s says: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Celebrate the Journey
"In the dance of life, purpose is the rhythm that guides your steps." — Osho
Purpose is not a goal to be achieved but a journey to be celebrated.
An artist who spent years striving for perfection in her work feels frustrated and unfulfilled.
She decided to paint purely for joy, without worrying about the outcome.
She dances with her brush, laughing at her mistakes, and embracing the spontaneity of the moment.
Her paintings come to life with a new vibrancy, reflecting the joy and freedom she feels.
She understood that the true essence of art, like life, is in the process, not the final product.
Joseph Campbell’s words, “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned to have the life that is waiting for us,” encapsulates this beautifully.
Conclusion: To reside in your Being is the secret to Happiness
In the end, the journey of life is about embracing the present, listening to your inner compass, taking action, serving joyfully, trusting the process, and celebrating each moment.
Time and again, words of sages and modern thinkers alike, reminds us that life is not a problem to be solved but a reality to be experienced.
By living fully in the now, you discover that your purpose is not something to be found but something to be lived.
At Svabodha Wellness, we guide our participants through these profound lessons, witnessing countless transformations.
Each story, each journey, is a testament to the power of living in the now and discovering the joy and purpose that resides in every breath.
So, dance to the rhythm of life, celebrate the journey, and awaken to the joy and purpose in every breath.
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