How many people do you know who love what they do for a living? Who wake up every day eager to start the day's work? Are you one of those people? Not many of us seem to ever find our life's work. We plod along in a job that we thought we wanted, or a job that pays us well, but ultimately it may be for us an empty exercise, because we are not involving all aspects of ourselves in our work. Too late we realize that our jobs do not fulfill us. We wonder why we feel as though our lives lack meaning, but often due to the pressures of daily life and our settled routine, we deny ourselves the opportunity to choose work that is in accordances with our values and our true natures.

 

This poem by the prophet Kahlil Gibran speaks eloquently of the result of employment that is not your life's work. He speaks of how we impart our feelings into what we do, negative or positive, and that is better to take the charity of those who love what they do than to produce work with indifference. Perhaps this seems too abstract when we consider the tasks which make up the employment of most of us; however, those in the service industry and those receiving service with indifference can easily see this connection. Regardless of where it is most visible, the effects of work done without consideration of spirit undermines all professions alike. When we spend our lives working and we do not take pleasure in it, nor allow our creativity and spirit to be expressed, we become frustrated and depressed.

So how do we endeavor to find that work that is in alignment with our values and needs? How do we find the courage to change our lives to involve work that is rewarding and supports our spirit?

 

Ultimately, I believe that in order to really step into one's life work, a certain amount of faith is involved. Not the type of faith that is particularly religious, not the type of faith which allows complacency in place of action, but rather, the type of faith that allows you to put aside your fear and see the true opportunity and endless possibility of your life as you stand still on your path. This can be difficult. Not because doing so is inherently difficult, but that for just a short time, you need to be willing to let go of what you think is pre-determined, see what it is you truly need and take that leap just as opportunity presents itself, without analysis and without doubt. I know that there are many people who will read this and think: "If it is that simple, why can't I do this? Why hasn't my purpose become clear?" In my experience, those persons that react this way are uncomfortable with releasing the expectation of finding what they really want to do and thereby solving all of their life's issues all in the same go, and in short time.

 

Let me share with you a way that I have found allows me to determine whether my actions and thoughts are in alignment to my spirit. I have found that if I am on the right track, doors open where I never thought there were doors. People find me, and events that unfold in my life produce this type of nudging affirmation of my original direction. This does not only occur in relationship to work, but also in all areas of my life. I know that when I get that sense of overwhelming co-incidence put upon co-incidence, that I am in the right ballpark. It is like the phrase -- "being in accord with the times". As you stand in that particular moment, involved in the way that you are, the organization of the universe is apparent. You are creating in the world, a true and substantive manifestation of yourself. It is like a different state of knowing. The gut feeling. The hunch. There is nothing like it. AND I truly believe that this is available to each and every person without exception.

 

I further believe that when people work together who are cognizant of this ability, great deeds and wonderful work can be done. This is the future of work. The ability to work as one with others for a purpose greater than one's own immediate desires. The chance to take your values to work and produce something in accordance with those values. I read a statistic recently that said that two thirds of top 500 companies in the US were involved in illegal activities in a ten year period ending in 1985. Just think what would happen in a company where people took their values to work and they were respected. There is nothing more stifling to creativity and fulfillment than working against your deepest values, and nothing more liberating and enjoyable that seeing your spirit in action.

 

So here is the challenge: find that spot in yourself that knows what it right for you. And if that is in conflict with where you are, change where you are. It will happen, so long as you are acting in accordance with your true nature. It will take some hard work, but that hard work which is done in consideration of your values is the most rewarding.

So sit back, relax and dream about what you would love to do. And then go let it happen.

 

A.Gaul