You will not find your mission by standing still. The only way to find it is by challenging yourself in something – I would almost say it does not matter what. Then by making consistent effort, the direction you should take will open up before you quite naturally, just as wide, new horizons open up before someone walking up a hill. Little by little you will come to understand your mission. That is why it is so important to have the courage to ask yourself what it is that you should really be doing right now, at this very moment.
It is likewise important to set your sights high. The greater the tasks you chose to take on – one step at a time – the more rewarding and joyful your life will be. A person with a strong sense of mission is a source of light. For such a person, there is no darkness in the world.
– A Sense of Purpose in A Piece of Mirror by Daisaku Ikeda
Two days after my 41st birthday, I ventured to Aspen, Colorado. I had never visited the state, nor participated in a Socratic seminar. Most of the texts we digested in preparation for the week-long session were “classics,” yet foreign to me for one reason or another. In more ways than one, the experience was an education.
Although I wrote primarily of the texts and our conversations around them, I also made heartfelt connections. Several of the women stand out, and two of them left me with words of encouragement related to mission. I spoke with them separately and about very different things, yet their guidance was quite similar. Although I “know” what they shared, it was a warm nudge and a great reminder to take action. Do the work, don’t just think about it, or wonder about it. Don’t just dream it. Live it.
If you discover an idea in a moment of inspiration, that’s your story to tell. Tell it! ~Stevie Kallos
Hermana, we are in this world together to create the opportunities that matter. ~Lisette Nieves
In short we all have something to contribute – something to do. Not only that, we don’t have to walk that road alone. Allies are nearby if we are open to them.
So it’s Monday, which is a great day for beginnings. It’s time to get moving. What is your work? How will you be productive this month, this week, this day?
Here’s the round up from the series:
- The Aspen Seminar. Things get underway this evening and I plan to document my experiences while I’m here.
- Opening. We just concluded the opening session of the seminar. We’ll be here another six days so there’s a lot in store.
- First Full Day. Today’s session was on human nature. Our readings included Aristotle, Hobbs and Darwin.
- Toklat. Today’s readings investigated individual rights and liberty.
- Three Poisons. In Nichiren Buddhism, the three poisons are greed, anger and foolishness.
- Over the Hump. Our morning focus was equality and social welfare. Notably today also featured poetry, fiction and writings from women.
- Antigone. Perhaps the highlight of the day was our late afternoon performance of Antigone.
- Leading from Within. Today was the closing session of the Aspen Seminar.