by Kealoha DeLuz
Aloha!
As I delve deeper into my spiritual journey, I’ve come to realize the profound impact of purpose. It’s like having a compass guiding me through the sometimes-turbulent waters of life. You see, I used to feel a bit lost on this path, my efforts feeling scattered and unfocused. My yoga practice felt like a chore, my meditations fleeting and unfulfilling. I was going through the motions, but without a clear direction, my progress felt stagnant.
Then I started to ask myself the crucial question: “Kealoha, why are you on this journey? What are you hoping to achieve?” This simple inquiry opened a door to deeper self-reflection. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali provided valuable guidance. Sutra 1.13 emphasizes the importance of consistent practice (abhyasa). But what fuels this consistency? For me, it’s the deep understanding of my “why.”
I realized that I wasn’t just seeking physical flexibility or stress relief. I yearned for inner peace, a deeper connection to myself and the world around me. I wanted to cultivate compassion and cultivate a sense of gratitude. This clarity of purpose transformed my practice. Each yoga class became an opportunity to cultivate inner strength and connect with my breath. Each meditation became a sacred space for introspection and self-discovery. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, felt like a meaningful step towards my spiritual goals.
Life, as we know, throws curveballs. There are days when doubt creeps in, and the practice feels like a heavy burden. This is where Sutra 1.14 comes in. It reminds me of the importance of sustained effort, with sincerity and without interruptions. My “why” becomes my anchor during these times. It reminds me of the profound sense of peace I experience when I connect with my inner self. It reminds me of the joy of helping others. These reminders give me the strength to overcome obstacles and continue on my path, even when the going gets tough.
Sutra 1.15 speaks of vairagya, or non-attachment. Letting go of distractions and desires that don’t serve my spiritual growth has become easier as I’ve clarified my purpose. My practice has become more meaningful and fulfilling. It’s like I’ve tuned into a higher frequency, where everything I do aligns with my spiritual goals. This deep connection brings me a sense of joy and a profound sense of peace. I find myself less attached to the outcome of my practice and more focused on the journey itself.
So, I encourage you to reflect on your own “why.” What truly drives you on this spiritual journey? What are you hoping to achieve? Take some time to journal, meditate, or simply contemplate what truly matters to you.
Understanding your purpose is not about achieving perfection, but rather cultivating awareness and embracing the present moment. Let your “why” be your guiding light, illuminating your path and empowering you to connect with your true self.
Mahalo and blessings on your journey!
You can join Kealoha DeLuz Ph.D. for Sunday Spiritual Talk: The Power of Purpose in Spiritual Practice happening ONLINE this Sunday, March 16 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PDT. $5-$20 or enroll for free, use promo code FREE.
Kealoha Deluz, Ph.D, has been a holistic health practitioner for 30 years, holds a Master of Divinity, Ph.D. in Holistic Studies, and is currently working towards a degree in transpersonal counseling. He has been an Integral Yoga Teacher since 2006 and is a Raja Yoga trainer, advanced level Hatha Yoga, meditation and stress management instructor. Kealoha is a licensed massage therapist, skin care practitioner, and holistic life coach. Kealoha was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, and currently lives and works in San Francisco, California.