I woke up to a profound realization this morning.
To look for purpose outside of oneself is a futile effort. Our purpose lies within.
It’s in the quiet in-between moments as we dance between the web-like netting between the dream realm and here, as the new day breaks, that I can hear myself the most clearly. Science calls it alpha brain waves — a time where the bridge between you and your subconscious mind is most accessible. I’m learning to become more comfortable with the murkiness that lives there, and everywhere. Things that can’t be explained, that expand beyond the inherent limits of language, try as we might.
Some truths are meant to be felt, experienced and intangibly held. Slipping through our fingers if we aren’t quick enough to grasp them.
Anyways, back to this morning’s alpha brain wave revelation on purpose.
We don’t have to do, become, or achieve anything in particular to acquire this sense of purpose. It’s in us all along. Our very being-ness is purposeful. Our purpose is in every breath we take. Every inhale. Every exhale.
Discovering our most authentic selves is a life long unfolding. Making room for the most authentic expressions of ourselves to thrive. Creating a life that feels aligned with our innermost desires. THAT is our life’s work.
Our purpose isn’t something we need to travel the world or obtain advanced degrees to discover, although our culture often tries to convince us otherwise. Those can be helpful ventures that lead us to experiences, connections and knowledge that awaken our remembrance. Ultimately, it’s the journey inward that holds all the answers.
“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.” — Alice Walker
I’ve been spending almost all of my time in nature lately and it’s teaching me so much.
There is an inherent perfection in nature that mirrors our own. A monstera plant grows upwards towards the light using a nearby tree trunk for support. A fallen tree branch appears to be dead yet gives way to new life in the form of moss. Moss everywhere. Hummingbirds suckle from flowers like a newborn baby does its mother. Everything has a place and a purpose and a home. Ecosystems working together in perfect harmony. The clouds roll in every afternoon to rain down on the earth and the earth welcomes the wetness, quickly alchemizing the water to nourish and renew. The heat of the sun warms my skin. I look over to the stray dogs lining the street seeking to also rest in the warmth.
It’s all so beautiful and perfect and complete. Nature is the ultimate mirror.
I’ve often struggled to answer the question — What do you do?
The answer is infinite. Because I am infinite. And you are too.
I’m writing this from the hazy thralls of Montezuma’s revenge, or whatever the Guatemalan equivalent is, so hopefully this was intelligible or even resonant. If it is, or even if it isn’t, thank you Montezuma.
My middle name, Nia, translates to purpose in Swahili and my first name, Asha, translates to life. So I guess you could say the exploration of what it means to live a purposeful life is more than a curiosity — it’s personal.
As always, thank you for being here and journeying with me.
Take Care,
Asha Nia
Wow, how beautiful to have life purpose as your name as a constant reminder that you indeed have it all within. We were born with all the gifts, skills and talents we could possible need in this lifetime. Everything else is a bonus. 💫🙏
Nature is my most reliable teacher, she speaks the direct truth with transparency. Even her complexity makes sense without explanation. And I am learning that my Wholeness is the same if I listen.