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One of the biggest causes of suffering I’ve witnessed in men is a lack of purpose — a sense of drifting in life or being unsure what the point of existence is.
When this happens it can weigh heavily on you and interfere with life and relationships.
Many men tell me that being unsure of their purpose in the world has led to struggles with sexual relationships, a lack of energy to play with their kids, decreased performance at work, a lack of confidence, or even feeling depressed.
These struggles often arise when your focus narrows to daily survival needs. There are hundreds of things to take care of — from people to cars to email to health — the list can be endless.
But all of these tasks are part of what Jonathan Gustin, founder of the Purpose Guides Institute, calls the Middle World.
The Middle World can take up all of our time and attention. But when it does, it can be a cause of pain and disillusionment.
There are two other worlds that are part of being human. Many people haven’t been introduced to them or are afraid to venture into them — the upper and lower worlds.
The upper world is about spirit, waking up and pure consciousness. The lower world is the world of soul and a deep purpose for being alive in this place and time.
These explanations are scratching the surface. Learn more in this week’s podcast conversation with Jonathan.
In this conversation we covered:
- What purpose is and how to know whether you’ve found yours
- Why many people don’t find their calling in this day and age
- The path to integrate what you find meaningful with how you make your living
- The part of you that has always been part of you, but perhaps hasn’t seen the light of day
- The upper, middle and lower realms of life and the benefit of being aware of each
- Why this is the perfect time for you to heed the call of something deeper
As you listen sit with a few questions to get even more from the conversation:
What have you sacrificed as you’ve gotten older, that would create more inspiration or fulfillment in your life?
What compromises have you made that have led you away from your spirit or heart and into a more conventional life?
What feeds your soul (or if that is confusing, what feeds YOU)?
It may be time to integrate the upper or lower worlds into your life.
I’m excited to hear what you discover.
Even men at the top of their game find themselves wanting more from life. Man Alive is the resource for men who want more meaning, a bigger impact, unshakable confidence, a hotter sex life, more money, deeper love, solid friendships or a powerful legacy.
A version of this post was originally posted on ShanaJamesCoaching.com and is republished here with permission from the author.
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Photo provided by author.