We often wonder what our purpose in life is.
We tend to think of it as one big,
Singular mission.
Something fixed that we must figure out for the rest of our lives.
But this way of thinking can feel overwhelming and even paralyzing.
The yogic tradition offers a different way to look at purpose.
One that brings more ease and clarity.
Instead of searching for one grand purpose,
We can see dharma as something dynamic.
Something that unfolds in different layers.
It's not about having all the answers at once,
But about focusing on what's in front of us.
Trusting that each step leads to the bigger picture.
Even when we don't see what that picture is.
Let's break this down.
So the first part is the personal dharma.
Your unique expression.
Your personal dharma is your natural way of being.
Your gifts,
Your strengths,
The things that light you up.
It's the thread that weaves through your life,
Even as roles and careers shift.
Think of it like a musician who expresses their gift in different ways.
They may start as a performer,
Later become a teacher,
Then perhaps compose music.
But the essence remains the same.
Your personal dharma isn't about one specific job or role.
It's about the energy and wisdom you bring into everything you do.
Second part is dharma of the hour.
The present moment calling.
While personal dharma is more like a long term,
The dharma of the hour is about what life asks of you right now.
Sometimes we wait for clarity in our big purpose and miss what's right in front of us.
There is teaching in the Bhagavad Gita that reminds us we are never outside of dharma.
Every moment presents an opportunity to act in alignment.
Whether it's showing kindness to a stranger,
Supporting a friend,
Stepping into an unexpected role,
Or maybe become a parent.
Doing what is needed in the present moment is just as important as your lifelong path.
And that can lead to more clarity of what your lifelong path is.
In the third part is the universal dharma,
The greater flow.
Beyond our individual path and present moment actions,
There's a bigger intelligence at work.
What we might call universal dharma.
It's the natural rhythm of life,
The order that moves all things forward.
Just as the sun rises without struggle,
Just as rivers flow effortlessly to the ocean,
We are all part of this great unfolding.
Sometimes we don't see the full picture and that's okay.
Trusting in this universal flow allows us to move through life with more peace and less fear.
So if you ever feel lost or unsure about your purpose,
Remember first to honor what feels true to you,
Your gifts,
Your strengths.
Then ask yourself,
What is the life asking of you right now?
And the last one is trust that you are always part of something bigger.
Even when the path isn't clear,
You don't have to find your purpose.
You are already living it.
One step,
One moment,
One breath at a time.
So dharma isn't something to chase.
It's something you step into moment by moment fully.
Trust that by fully embracing the present,
The bigger picture will reveal itself,
Often in ways you never expected.
