Discover your purpose - distinct and harmonious

In the magnanimous web of life, each of us is writing our own story. Yet, in our pursuit of purpose, we often find ourselves tangled in comparison and competition. What if, instead of competing, we could discover a purpose that resonates with our individual tone - the unique melody that only we can play in the symphony of existence?

The search for purpose is a journey that transcends the boundaries of self. It's about finding something that extends beyond the individual and contributes to the world. This purpose, when discovered, becomes the guiding force, the North Star, that aligns our actions and aspirations.

In Ancient Egypt, the Ma'at principle embodied cosmic order and balance, where individuals collectively upheld harmony in the universe. Ancient India's concept of Dharma guided individuals to fulfill their cosmic purpose in alignment with their life stage, socio-cultural context, and personal attributes.

Pythagoras envisioned a cosmic order, celestial bodies were perceived as producing harmonious sounds or "music." This cosmic music reflected an underlying mathematical structure governing the universe.

Just as musical notes and celestial bodies carry a distinct tone and purpose, we also possess a unique essence that defines our being. This essence is a harmonious blend of our experiences, values, passions, and talents. The key to unlocking our true purpose lies in identifying and embracing our individual tone - know thyself and to thyself be true.

Envision a world where everyone resonates with their unique tones without the need for comparison or competition. This symphony of diverse melodies would create a harmonious blend, where each note complements the others, forming a masterpiece of collective purpose.

Historically, the rivalry between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison is well-documented, yet envisioning a scenario where collaboration prevailed sparks intriguing speculation. What if Edison refrained from appropriating Tesla's ideas as his own, and Tesla recognized the value of Edison's business acumen? If he knew himself better, Edison would know his superior talent is business, i.e., his most significant contribution was pioneering the research and development process. In this hypothetical partnership, unprecedented innovation and advancement could have unfolded.

Greatness manifests in various forms, with individuals excelling as entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, artists, inventors, or even in novel, undiscovered roles. There's no need to encompass all these roles or conform to stereotypes. Instead, the essence lies in discovering one's true purpose—a singular, meaningful path. No person stands as an isolated island

In a society that often emphasizes competition, it's crucial to recognize that for everyone, purpose is not a race. Just as chaos would unfold if Jupiter mimicked Earth or Saturn tried to be the Sun in our solar system, so too in life, each individual is akin to a distinct planet with a unique role in the cosmic order. Recognizing and embracing your singular role is crucial. Your purpose isn't a destination to reach before others; rather, it's a journey to be authentically lived in hum and balance, mirroring the orchestrated order of the solar system.

While some individuals excel in high-pressure and competitive situations, others may experience constraints on their innovative thinking. Competitive success and short-term victories cannot be universally applied as the sole path forward. Fostering a culture that promotes experimentation, embraces lessons from failures, and encourages collaboration becomes crucial in alleviating the potential adverse impacts of a highly competitive setting on innovative thinking.

Research suggests that excessive internal competition within organizations may stifle innovation, discourage collaboration and risk-taking, and lead to decreased well-being and negative emotions.

A study published in the "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology" (Crocker, Canevello, & Brown, 2017) suggests that social comparison, a common aspect of competition, can lead to negative emotions and decreased well-being. Constantly comparing oneself to others can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem.

In a Harvard Business Review article, "The Hard Truth About Innovative Cultures" (2017), the authors argue that excessive internal competition within organizations can stifle innovation. They suggest that a cutthroat environment may discourage collaboration and risk-taking, essential components of fostering innovation.

The "Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization" published research (Sutter et al., 2010) indicating that competition might hinder innovation in certain situations. The study found that competitive pressure reduced individuals' willingness to share knowledge, which is crucial for collaborative innovation.

Your purpose is tailor-made for you, like a path in the woods only you can navigate. No one else can walk your path or experience the world through your unique lens.

The challenges and triumphs you encounter along the way are integral to your journey and contribute to the richness of your purpose.

A teaching from my mystics.