The Life Purpose

There is no more profound question to be asked than “What is the purpose of life” or “Why did the universe come into being?” Typically, we are so absorbed in our own lives that this question seldom occurs. It sometimes arises during a life crisis such as the death of a friend or relative, a health or career crisis, or difficulties with relationships.

Or, when we near the end of our lives we more intensely investigate if there is life after death. It can also be precipitated by the classic “hitting bottom” experiences of chronic drug and alcohol addiction.

Sometimes, we ask this question during positive circumstances as well, such as after we achieve our goals in life and wonder “Is that all there is?”

This need to know is present in all of us. And while we disregard this need throughout much of our lives, many say life begins when this question can no longer be avoided.

Those who most pursue this question tell us that to find the answer we must silence the mind and go to the stillness within. After all, our thoughts are just the mind silently talking. The stillness between our thoughts is the mind silently listening.

Breathing Techniques

To regularly achieve a quiet mind and this state of listening, we must move into the present moment, or the now. We have to be absolutely present with ourselves, and not living in thoughts that anticipate the future or those that dwell on the past.

There is no better way to become present than to observe the breath. Athletes have historically practiced breathwork to remain calm and focused during competition. In fact, ancient yogis made a science of this called pranayama, meaning control of the life force.

As a result, several breathing techniques have emerged to bring us into the present; the simplest is to just observe the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils, or as it raises and lowers the abdomen.

Several other breathing techniques are effective and many of them appear in the "Breath" section at the end of the Sound Sleep article on this website.

Those who become proficient at stilling the mind enjoy a calm that permeates their everyday life. They can access this calm while sitting at a traffic light or standing in line at the market. Physical and mental health benefits accrue to these individuals as well.

More importantly, this still space is where we gain guidance about our life purpose. Regardless of our own goals, we must be in accordance with the will of the universe to succeed. The universe whispers to us in the present moment through thoughts, images, emotions, and bodily sensations, often giving us clear direction. Regardless of religious affiliation or spiritual background, this information is available to all who are willing to temporarily relinquish the everyday mind and listen.

As one attunes to this space, the demands of our outer life are brought into perspective. We start to develop our inner life and access our greater purpose. We become more interested in discovering the permanent self that lies beyond the mind rather than the temporary self that interacts with the world as the ego, or personality. This is the heart of meditation.

The Healing Light Series DVD videos offered on this website take you into that still space utilizing the breathing methods previously described. While the techniques in this series particularly address chronic disease, they can be used by anyone. The longer that awareness of the present moment can be maintained, the more that anxious thoughts and emotions disappear, and the calm of the "listening mind" can hear the one life purpose that guides us all.

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