Journal prompts for unearthing your purpose

Everyone here on earth is here for a reason. For all reasons actually. Each of us has something to offer. Not just in terms of our work but something we can give, for the upliftment of the entire world, every moment of every day. 

Dharma, or purpose, is a Vedic concept often reduced to career or job, but it is infact so much more than that. In every moment, whether we’re on the clock or not, we are contributing to the evolution of the world. We have the opportunity to play an active role in that by uncovering how it is we can bring ourselves to every interaction of every day. From how we do our food shopping to our livelihood to our relationships, every area of life is an opportunity to live in Dharma.

I have many people come and learn to meditate who eventually come asking to know more about finding more purpose in life. Meditation helps us peel back the layers and get clear on what in life may not be serving us anymore, and generates the clarity needed to start thinking about where we need to direct ourselves next. It’s becoming a running joke that people who come and learn to meditate with me invariably end up quitting their jobs or moving cities, and every time it happens, I find myself doing a little happy dance. It’s incredible to watch as people uncover the things that are holding them back, and then take courageous leaps towards something new, all born of the desire to live life according to their deepest inner knowing for more fulfilment and to be of greater service to those they encounter.

Realising you’re not living on purpose, but not knowing what to do about it is also really common. It can be hard for figure out why we’re here, both on the macro scale of career and the micro scale of moment-by-moment interactions. 

If you’re finding you’re not really feeling lit up, inspired, fulfilled or in flow with your life, I’ve created a few journal prompts to help spark your intuition. Find a quiet moment, take pen to paper and contemplate the following questions, then free flow your writing to see what emerges. 

For your contemplation…

What’s a hobby, skill or past-time you’d happily do for free?

Cooking for others, walking the dog, weeding the garden are some simple examples

What is something friends and family come to you for?

This could be advice, moral support, help with fixing the TV, anything!

What would you dream day look like if you could spend 24 hours doing anything you liked, without worrying about income or responsibilities? Write it out from start to finish.

No detail is too small, name everything you love and enjoy doing.

Write about a time when you felt purposeful, helpful, fulfilled or accomplished.

It could be after supporting a friend through a difficult time, helping your child with their homework, completing a painting, or learning something new. 

How do I actually want to feel in my everyday life?

Examples could include peaceful, content, energised, soft, clear, open.

What are the values I want to live by? What actually matters the most to me?

Try to limit this to 5-6 max. It could be family, freedom, health, creativity, education, sustainability etc. There is no wrong answer!

What are some signs I can feel in my mind and body when I am NOT engaging with something that is aligned with what I want?

Sometimes it can be easier to work out our dharma or purpose by identifying what it isn’t, rather than what it is. When we strip away all that isn’t relevant, or that we don’t wish to engage with, what’s left is the answer we seek.

Hopefully after contemplating some of these questions, you’ll start to identify areas and opportunities to explore that could create a life that feels more purposeful. 

Having a clearer mind, a less stressed nervous system and a deeper connection to your intuition is essential to not just unlocking your dharma, but also having the resilience to chase after it. If you sense there’s more you could be doing with your days, but aren’t sure how to tap into that wisdom, consider learning Vedic meditation. It’s a profoundly simple means of tapping into your true self and peeling back the layers of who and what you really are, so that life can flow from there. Check out our upcoming course dates, or book a free discovery call to learn more about Vedic meditation and how it can support you.