We each have our own way of serving the world. Some are caring community members, quietly helping an elderly stranger cross the street. Others act without hesitation in a crisis to give care, food, water, shelter or protection. Even the everyday act of rearing a child in today’s hurried, demanding world is an unheralded miracle. Our basic human goodness thrives, despite the brutality and tragedy that run through our modern narrative and collective history. What is it that calls us to action, when we feel brought to our personal limit? What speaks within our heart, giving us unseen energy to overcome immense obstacles and adversity?
I believe it is the voice of the compassionate human soul that is inexplicably interwoven into the collective whole. In essence, it is the voice of the divine, of which each one of us is a unique reflection. Yet, we are so habituated to not listening to it, or feeling that happiness is elusively outside ourselves, that we ignore the call of love.
I have seen, as I am sure you have too, the broken look in the eyes of those living on the street, desperate for things many of us likely take for granted. Some passers-by turn a blind eye to their painful circumstance, unsure how to help. Others dip into their pockets for loose change to offer some temporary relief, or buy them a cup of coffee and sit with them for a moment to share in this human experience.
This type of material suffering calls out to us every day. Yet sadly our human suffering goes deeper. Even when surrounded by abundance, many people struggle daily trying to satiate an inexplicable feeling of emptiness in their soul.
A fundamental disconnect from the beauty of who we are is at the root of our individual and collective suffering, no matter what external shape it may take—be it in a palace or in the gutter. This too is a kind of poverty and hunger rampant in our world today: the lack of love.
We carry our problems with us no matter where we may be. Until we remember our inherent light, we will long for temporal pleasures to fill us up. This is part of the human condition. In this way, when we look deeper, we will find that at our core we are far more similar than we may initially perceive. We can meet ourselves reflected in each other.
Your Soul Purpose
In our infinitely interconnected and loving universe, an answer exists to every need. There are many ways to be of service, and each is of value. Some people build houses. Some people bake bread. Some people give medicine to the sick, some counsel the grieving and some make abundant money to give to those in poverty.
The bricklayer knows how to pour the correct portions to create strong cement and build safe shelter. The doctor knows what medicines will save lives. The musician creates music that inspires, and sounds that heal. The philanthropist gives away what he or she does not need. The healer knows how life-force moves through all. The parent helps the child reconnect with unconditional love.
We all can listen to the call in whatever form it comes to us. At its root, it is always grounded, vital and expansive, even if it feels scary. There are no differing voices, just differing languages. Do you hear the call? Give yourself to it, and step into your soul purpose. To silence it would be a crime against Nature, the very essence that you are.
May all beings be free. May all be well. May all be happy. May all be at peace.
Parvati is an award-winning singer, composer, producer, yogini, author, and Founder and CEO of the international charity Parvati.org. Her work is dedicated to protecting all life on Earth by establishing the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS).