I have long puzzled over the idea of purpose and calling in life. What I have come to realise is that while some may find contentment and joy in the beauty of living generally, most of us need something (or things) to occupy ourselves with!
Everyone will have something
Whether it is designing bridges, beekeeping or trekking, I believe that we all have a calling to which we are each uniquely attracted. I, for example, am passionate about people as a coach and about music. And I know that my life would be incomplete if I did not embrace what I am naturally drawn to. In the same way that we need rich relationships and nature, I believe we all need to find our calling.
The educationalist Ken Robinson coined the term the element to describe when “the things you love to do and the things you are good at come together”. Robinson argues that we need the element to make the best of ourselves.
You find skill through finding your calling
I feel that we could take this idea even further. We do not need to be limited by what we appear to be good at. If we are interested enough and willing to devote the time and energy, enormous skill in almost anything can be developed overtime. As the virtuoso pianist Phil Best said in conversation to me, “your skill is only as great as your passion”.
Finding our calling can have a profound impact on our wellbeing. It allows us to unleash our inherent creativity — to find respite from the stresses of everyday life. It allows us to turn the whole concept of work on its head. Work is then no longer ‘work’, but rather play. All in all, finding our calling allows us to live more joyful lives.
The key question that needs asking is: What am I most passionate about?
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