What is a purposeful life? Chris Forte on finding one’s true self and peeling the layers of selfishness away.
___
I was asked to write an essay on this question from my yoga teacher as I’m going through yoga teacher training. I thought it would be worthwhile sharing this piece even if one’s doesn’t do yoga.
As I reflect on this question the first thought that arises is to live a purposeful life. What is a purposeful life? A life of purpose is having the understanding that I AM the Purpose. With this comes responsibility to find one’s true self. This is why I practice yoga. Over time, yoga peels the layers away to get to the core of who I truly am and what my soul is yearning to do while I have this physical body here.
Yoga has been a primary tool in my toolbox going on this inward journey of self-discovery. This journey has been going on awhile for myself since my mid-twenties when I asked the question who am I? Through prayer, writing, reading and other fitness activities I’ve made tremendous headway.
Then on 12/25/2014 I woke up physically alone on Christmas for the first time in my life. I was going through a divorce (Death of A Marriage) and was missing my three girls. As I went to make coffee, I surrendered to God and said I’m all Yours! What would you like me to do? Immediately I heard Write! I didn’t know what it meant at all. I grabbed a pen and as soon as it hit the paper it wrote Book, Radio Show, Website with Blog. I still wasn’t clear on this message.
My highest aim is to be my best self and serve in the highest good for humanity and myself. I’m listening to my heart, where God speaks. Through yoga, my relationship with God strengthens everyday
|
An hour later I walked to Center For Yoga for a yoga class. Jane was the instructor. As we flowed Jane said go into the humble warrior position and went my head hit the floor I let all my emotions go, a major release of the death of a marriage, a way of life that I thought I would have forever was done. Then when I went into humble warrior on the other side and my head hit the floor I felt a rush of love that I hadn’t felt since my mid-twenties when God came into my life. Then when we were laying in Savasana I heard the “ Voice”. Now you have the name of you book, radio show, blog call it Humble Warrior. Do this to Heal, Grow and Share Your Light in The World.
My highest aim is to be my best self and serve in the highest good for humanity and myself. I’m listening to my heart, where God speaks. Through yoga, my relationship with God strengthens everyday. By being in more touch with myself, I get more clarity on the overall purpose. The purpose is to take it one breath at a time. All is well.
Here is a little exercise for you. Have a pen and paper by your side. If you have a journal use that.
With your eyes closed, take three deep breaths in and out of the nose. After the third breath open your eyes slowly.
What is your Highest Aim?
Write your essay. It’s for YOU!
Live Brave,
Chris
____
This article originally appeared on Chris Forte