What does it mean to have a life purpose? And can we live without one? You can if you practice Nihilism. A Nihilist is someone who believes life is without meaning, purpose or value. They often reject traditional, moral and societal norms and view existence as futile and meaningless. If you are a Nihilist, this blog post is not for you.
To follow a life purpose is the primary reason for one’s existence, guiding one's actions, decisions and goals. It is deeply personal and involves fulfilment, impact and alignment with a person’s values and beliefs. It is the driving force behind our actions, providing direction and meaning to our lives.
So, how does The Chariot relate?
In the Rider Waite Smith version of The Chariot, a charioteer drives two sphinxes in the direction of his goal. Without passion, determination and a sense of purpose, he wouldn’t get very far. Much like the Hero archetype, he is on a mission and a call to adventure. The Hero sets off towards his goal but faces challenges and obstacles along the way. Help comes from mentors and outside support until he reaches a climax. The magic elixir is revealed, and he returns home transformed from his experience.
The Charioteer has honed his skills and knowledge by sheer willpower. He dedicates himself to refining his character, harnessing his impulses and emotions, and working with source energy to reach his goals and achieve victory. When challenged, The Charioteer stands firm with confidence, as he knows he’ll find a way through.
There will always be times when life becomes fixed and stagnant, and we know our conscious journey is teaching us patience and surrender. But there are also times when we unconsciously sabotage progress.
Here’s what to consider when trying to pull yourself out of a funk, and finding purpose…
Change Your Habits
It's time to check in on all your habits. Do you procrastinate? Or have addictions that interfere with your daily life. Ask yourself, is this worth my time? Whether it’s poor diet, lack of exercise, or spending too much time scrolling on social media, ask if what you’re doing is in alignment with who you want to be and where you want to go. The mind gets locked into patterns, and it can be challenging to break negative habits, but once accomplished, it sets you free to form new, positive habits that help you reach your goals.
Work on Mindset
Ask yourself, is this empowering me towards my goals? Is your mind cluttered with negative thought patterns? Practice mindfulness daily to clean up your thought processes. This will reduce stress and increase focus and concentration. Stay curious, open-minded and willing to adapt to new ideas and experiences. Know that when we fail or face setbacks, we come back stronger and build resilience. Focus on self-awareness to understand your strengths and weaknesses so you can work on improving yourself. Set clear and achievable goals and work towards them with determination and a positive attitude.
Let Go of Control
Do what you need to do, then get out of your own way! Sometimes we make things worse by interfering and trying to force changes. Surrender the need to control everything and go with the flow of the universe. Allow things to unfold as they will. Trust in the natural course of events and embrace the present moment. When frustration kicks in, do something to shift your energy. Go for a walk or dance to your favourite tune. But for now, let it be.
Harness Your Ego
Having confidence and self-esteem is having self-worth, but without self-awareness, you could be going against the objective. We all have an ego, which is part of our sense of self. It protects and keeps us safe. But the dark side of the ego can throw us off course. In the Hero’s journey, he is faced with his ego, which can manifest as arrogance, pride or selfishness. This confrontation is a crucial step towards the Hero’s growth and development. We must acknowledge and understand its presence and influence on our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Maintain a healthy balance where you neither suppress nor let your ego dominate your decisions. Use it wisely for personal growth.
Enjoy The Ride!
If you’re not having fun, then what’s the point? Life will always throw curveballs, it's how we perceive those encounters that matter. Embrace the good times and the challenges that come our way. Appreciate life’s nuances and simply find joy in the journey rather than overthinking the destination. The best way to enjoy the ride is to work on raising your vibration! Smile often, laugh, sing, or go for a walk out in nature. Focus on your breath and remind yourself every day that you are alive. What a ride!
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