Do you ever allow yourself the luxury of reflecting on the whole point of life and living?
Perhaps that may sound like an odd question.
After all, surely everyone reflects on this at some point?
Actually, I’d wager a substantial bet that for a surprising number of people, such contemplation happens rarely, if at all.
Distractions
Let’s face it. Life is chock-full of distractions.
Our world, today, offers a greater level of interconnectedness than ever before. But the quality of that interconnectedness leaves a great deal to be desired.
We can tap into news and social media at the click of a button and see the whole world on display.
Mainstream news media, programmed to believe that bad news sells best, scramble to dish it up on our screens, 24/7.
On the social media front, people with big egos, living to impress others, metaphorically scream “Look at me!” as they jostle for the attention of bigger and bigger audiences. Their content is often frivolous but designed to tempt, shock, titillate and thereby promote sharing.
Transfix our focus
The sheer scale of the information that is so readily available is quite mind-numbing. The intensity of competition for our attention, including commercial interests that promote compelling, yet misleading claims of a ’quick fix’ for all our needs and ills – is fierce.
And, all in all, this has served to transfix our focus.
Sadly, for many, the external world is exactly where they want that focus to remain transfixed.
Why?
Avoiding discomfort
Because by retaining your focus on others and other things, you conveniently avoid the discomfort of focusing within, and having to confront the really important issues and questions that define you …
Questions like:
“Who am I really?”
“What is the purpose of life?” and
“What is my purpose in it?
This tunnel vision focus on the external world has given rise to a self-centred, ego-driven focus on how others perceive of us, at the expense of a healthy focus on how we perceive of ourselves, our place in the world, and our contribution to its development.
The ‘Heads Down’ culture
In a recent post, titled ‘Heads Up: Great New Life Loading’ I wrote about the ‘heads down’ culture that we are breeding.
This is a focus on the external world and what it can do to polish our egos, entertain us, keep us busy, and ultimately, distract us.
Time to lift our heads
I believe it is becoming increasingly important to take time out from all the distractions, lift our heads and contemplate the awesome beauty of this planet, the spectacular nature of our universe and the mystery of life.
By doing so, we start the process of learning to connect with our inner beings and question who we are, why we are here and how we can reward the giver of our gift of life with our own small yet unique contribution to its evolution.
We all have a Gift
At New Insights, we believe every single one of us arrived in this world with a special talent or Gift; one specifically designed for the purpose of contributing to a better world.
Discovering that Gift and using it to contribute to the evolution of our world, is the very reason for life and living.
The whole point
Not only that, but it’s the way to living with joy, fulfilment and inner peace.
Now, that’s the whole point!
Did this resonate with you?
Most of what is written about in this Blog derives, or is extracted from, the widely acclaimed and internationally accredited New Insights Life Coach Training and Certification Programme.
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Hi Bill
Thanks for the post and yes it does resonate. I have been clearing out my house and last night found a whole lot of testimonials from over 30 years ago, all written before the digital age so still on paper! It was very revealing and insightful the way other people saw me and the hopes they had for my future.
I’m pleased to say that the essence of who I am and who they thought I would become are aligned over 30 years later in spite of social media which didn’t really exist in those days. Clearing out my house after 30 years, has been a journey through time and has allowed me to reflect and connect with my inner self from all those years ago to today. It’s been cathartic, some laughs, lots of memories and an inner peace of my life lived on purpose.
Life coaching has played a big part in this, helping me to understand myself and my relation to the universe. It’s bought me inner peace and fulfillment. Something only a life lived on purpose can give you. I will always be grateful for that 🙂 Thank you.
Thanks for sharing this uplifting story Charmaine!
The occasional good old clear out can do wonders in helping to release stored energy. I need to get better at it!
Thank you Bill, this is empowering. Social media has too much distraction to an extent that most people no longer pay attention to their physical wellbeing, mindfulness/meditation and try new activities. I see this in my family. It is sad to see them drained due to social media and fake negative news.
Thanks for your comment Phuti!
The questions of paramount importance of knowing your identity, acknowledging your source and your contribution to the grand picture of life!
Thanks Vongai. Lovely to connect again!
Thank you, Bill, for choosing to write on a topic without which our lives are meaningless and directionless – the Japanese call it, “ikigai” – “a reason for being.” When one engages with this theme in Session 12 of the New Insights Life Coaching Program, the whole dynamic changes. When we choose to do things differently, the quality of our lives is greatly enhanced. Let us continue to spread the message about the benefits of coaching, especially when one discovers a sense of purpose which adds depth, meaning and indescribable joy to one’s life
Hi Karen. Thanks as always for your constructive comments! I have posted an article that references ikigai in a previous post titled ‘What is your reason for being?’:
https://newinsightsonlife.com/what-is-your-reason-for-being/
Hi Bill, so true. Finding our true identity, gives us freedom to be who we were created to be. Thanks.
🙂 🙂