I teach a “dynamic systems” model approach to exercise motivation—and exercise, in general. This model considers the unique interactions between the individual, the environment, and the task. As I continue to probe this approach and consider what it means to be “well-centered”, I am beginning to see similarities in the approach to understanding “Calling” or “Purpose”.
I favor the statement made by acclaimed physiologist, Per Olof Åstrand, that “if you want to be an elite athlete, choose your parents wisely”. With the emergence of epigenetics, one might even consider choosing one’s grandparents wisely.
If success is the result of the collaboration of individual characteristics, the environment, and the task at hand, perhaps, it can be said that Purpose is the effect of the interconnectedness of genetics, environment, and what we might label as “soul”. Soul can, and has been labeled, many things. Whatever one’s religious belief, “soul” is undoubtedly Spiritual. It is that which connects us—what connects all things. It is that indescribable element that makes us human and what might be behind intuition, instinct, and the like. It is what ultimately motivates us to action.
In his “attitude” training programs he led as part of his management consulting business when I was in my teens, my father often entertained the thought of the possibility that prior to our births we might actually have selected our parents. This is an idea that has been contemplated by the ancients. Some have considered that we are conceived with a knowledge of our Purpose that is forgotten by the conscious mind at birth. We thus spend our lives pursuing a Purpose or Calling that resides just beneath our consciousness—as a sort of inclination or intuitive path feel the drive to follow.
Accepting that we are on an intentional path can significantly limit the frustration and regret we sometimes face. No matter how great or horrible our life may be or appear to be, accepting that we are called to something (extra)ordinary is liberating.
I can expect that this might not be comforting to some—especially those who have been heinously neglected or abused or those who have experienced painful loss—but if we can look beyond the past and the present, there is tremendous hope and opportunity. All that is required is for us to look inwardly and outwardly and discover what it is we are supposed to do with the hand we are dealt.
Certainly, there will be times, when viewed with narrow vision, that our lives will make little sense or seem, at best, to be a random series of unrelated events. However, when viewed with a Spiritual lens—i.e., from the perspective that our lives are interrelated and we are not at the center of the Universe—it becomes clear that there is Purpose to it all. From this vantage point, one sees that the status of one’s birth, the experiences and relationships one makes, and all the seemingly inconsequential interactions have lead one to the precise place in time one finds one’s self. Any slight change or deviation would have significantly deflected the current path. Thus, there is no room for regret. We learn our lessons and take the next step on the path. Perhaps most circumstances that we experience have far less impact on us than they have on others far removed from our presence.
We are bestowed with unique genetics that make us physically who we are. Associated with this are the circumstances of our birth—birth order, geography, socioeconomics, cultural environment, time in history, etc.—which affect the experiences and relationships that further shape us. Given these (genetics and environment) alone, there is little, if any, purpose to life. There is no need for ethics, morality, and the like. There is no need for consciousness. Yet, as humans, we are bequeathed an intellect far above anything else in creation. Why? This is, indeed, a question that has inspired mankind for millennia.
A question we all need to ask ourselves is: “Why am I here?” It is not enough, however, to ask. We must ask and pursue.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento.