Live Life On Purpose

In the early 70’s, I remember my spiritual teacher, Dr. Robert Bitzer, giving a talk on living a “purpose filled” life—living life on purpose. When I first heard this phrase, I revisited a childhood exchange between a playmate and me after my friend tripped over my foot running to second base: “You did that on purpose”, my playmate accused. “No, I didn’t!” I responded apologetically feeling remorse at his falling and my hurt that he would think that I would do anything to “purposely” hurt him.

In remembering that exchange, I realized that “doing something on purpose” had a negative connotation to me. Giving a whole new spin to this idea, my beloved teacher allowed me to revisit my perception/understanding of this phrase.

I could feel my mind and heart open. A sense of wonder and excitement washed over me. How would life feel, taste, and smell if I took responsibility for stepping into life with my eyes wide open? “Glorious and a bit scary” was the answer that came to mind.

Why a bit scary? Paying attention to my intentions with no criticism, staying present, telling the truth, and not being attached to an outcome—felt daunting, challenging, exciting—but so worth the ride.  I wanted to experience this way of living.

What I knew was “living life on purpose” would afford me the opportunity to change my “self-critic” to “fair witness”.  In other words, was I willing to be “mindful” about life without being self-judging? Great question. It certainly was something I wanted to practice everyday.

When we live life on purpose, we are deciding to live a conscious life. Moving beyond our present situation, we shift our gaze from problem to solution, seeing a wider perspective, which in turn allows us to see greater possibilities. We become free to make choices that honor ourselves, as well as humanity.

Living life on purpose is daring to live life from a place of authenticity, giving our attention and intention to what has heart and meaning, and daring to believe:  “I’m a co-creator with the Divine; I’m not a victim of life’s circumstances”. It encourages an openness to live life out loud.  This takes courage, a willingness to be kind to oneself, and a well-developed sense of humor.

Life’s doors can open more fully when we are truly ‘seen’ through the eyes of unconditional love by a spiritual witness. If we can’t get to that place of unconditional love within ourselves, then call to mind someone in life that mirrors that gift to you—Higher Power, teacher, family member, neighbor, friend, acquaintance, someone in whose eyes we feel seen and loved.

I have been loved unconditionally. My gift as a Spiritual Witness/Healer is I can hold another in unconditional love.   Whether it’s through a Tarot Reading, Life Coaching or Soul Work, I can assist my fellow/sister journeyer in realizing and owning his/her ability to “live life on purpose”.