Do you need purpose to live a great life? I'm questioning it.
I am a woman who loves to learn. I read a lot of books, many of which fall into the self-help and wellness category. I lived in the Bay Area long enough to know I might have a problem. I also know that when a wellness expert wants to sell you something, they will ask you whether you’re living an “authentic life” with “purpose.” They’ll find a pain point, and needle right in until you pony up the cash. It’s kind of gross, and it totally works.
After dusting the crumbs off my belly and blinking my eyes owlishly while scrolling on Instagram, I have had some moments where I questioned my purpose. Singing, right? Maybe songwriting? Certainly being a loving sister and aunt. And helping people.
Then I listened to this talk by Sadhguru on my Insight Timer app and I began to question all of it. In his talk he is rather insistent that humans try to assign meaning and purpose to life, but there really is none. We are specks in a huge universe. Instead, he asks you to think about what you want to experience in this life. That question feels satisfying and expansive to me, not limiting or binding in the way that purpose does.
I watched “Soul” with my niece on Christmas and I appreciated that this concept came up again. The main character thought his purpose was to be a musician and so his life became a series of failed attempts at “making it” as a musician. In the end, he realizes the “purpose” (if there is one) is to just live. Experience this time here. Engage. Notice. Connect. Use the body and mind you’ve been given and go.