Self-Helpful or Self-Harmful?

So, I hope you enjoyed the first couple of myths? As I mentioned, there is a nugget of truth, an applicable and often solid take-away within each of these myths. Here are two more, that when chipped away and cleaned up, speak to the power of choice and action. Let's see what other nuggets of truth we can find!

MYTH # 3: "FOLLOW YOUR BLISS”

Joseph Campbell, author of, The Power of Myth has been misinterpreted when it comes to this now famous saying.  When studying Sanskrit ideology he came upon the concept of bliss and went on to describe it this way. “If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Wherever you are—if you are following your bliss, you are enjoying that refreshment, that life within you, all the time.” Unfortunately the watered down version, now seen on bumper stickers, recited at grade twelve commencements and thrown out as advice whenever we are dissatisfied, is now simply, “follow your bliss.”  This seems a rather hedonistic view and when asked by students if he meant to perpetuate this kind of pleasure seeking philosophy, Campbell replied, “I should have said follow your blisters!”

THE NUGGET: Campbell was not referring to a job or a specific path as a way to bliss, but rather a way of being in each and every moment. A way of observing and engaging with your life that purports that bliss is always here and a “state” accessible to you at all times. It does not mean the absence of strife, hard work and commitment. Oh, and it does not mean that if you follow your bliss, you are guaranteed success and wealth and acclaim. It has nothing to do with the external, but rather the internal dedication to sourcing your own personal bliss no matter what the circumstances. Bliss is a choice, not an external target.

MYTH #4: WE EACH HAVE A PURPOSE

Not really. This is a narcissistic and I admit, compelling idea. One that makes us feel special and like all our challenges, growths and so on should have a deeper meaning.  What we could say is that we can each create and live with purpose. This idea that we are each born to be, do, have or experience something is the cause of much anguish and pain and frustration when my clients cannot find their purpose.  And let’s be honest, some days I would like my purpose to be singing to sold out stadiums and flying on my private jet, while of course, championing humanitarian causes. If purposes are doled out like a goodie bag at the end of a birthday party, then some days I am sure we each feel like our bag is a little short of a few toys and perks!

THE NUGGET: Your purpose is not a thing. It is not a gift bestowed on a few. It is not a job, a skill, a label, a title or a treasure to find. You were not destined to experience a tragedy you turn to triumph or a loss you turn to gain. You may experience these things and you can be purposeful and intentional in your response, because purpose is a way of being. It is the choice to live intentionally and by design. It is the commitment to foster your own personal skills and strengths. Purpose is cultivated and sourced each day in reply to challenges, in awareness of individual desires and aptitudes and in the moment by moment acknowledgment of life today. This is what I want my clients to know, that wherever you are and whatever you are doing - be On Purpose. Purpose is a verb, not a noun.

What have you personally learned about bliss and purpose? Do you relate to this idea that they are more about a way of being, rather than just simply what you are doing? I would love to hear what you think.

Next blog  we will explore two more myths: everything happens for a reason and we create our own reality.