As I have begun this period of my life in which creativity continues to flow and ideas abound, I keep hearing the question, from close friends and loved ones, “What is the purpose?” This question is asked, I presume, to help me pinpoint the focus and intent of events I want to host, spirituality groups I want to form or lead, and – among many other ideas – this blog. What is the purpose? As if there’s single purpose for anything in life! As if we don’t all contain multitudes within our depths! Do you have one purpose, and one purpose only, for living?

I have found myself getting bogged down in this question, almost to the point of paralysis. This is another reason that, lately, I have resisted writing. There are too many topics and too many angles. What is the purpose of writing? Why would anyone want to read my work anyway? Am I the first to ask all these questions? Probably not. But, my purpose is not to be the best at blogging because my desire is not to be the best at blogging. I certainly hope this blog fulfills multiple purposes – I wouldn’t write it otherwise. I hope to ask questions and offer a unique perspective. I hope to challenge readers. I hope to touch something within the hearts and minds of whoever reads this funky little blog. I hope to become a more consistent and clearer writer. All I can do is follow my desires, my truest, most heartfelt desires.

The same paralysis can arise with, What is my purpose in life? Aren’t I here to do one thing and do it well? If I don’t find out what I’m supposed to do, I’ve failed, right?! Wrong. From one moment to another, we all take on a different role. That woman taking her sweet time in the deli line is there to teach me patience. She may go back to the office to be a tough, but fair-minded boss and, later, home to be a devoted mother.

Is it possible to find the balance between no purpose and a single purpose? Nothing would ever get done if we all wandered about aimlessly, determined to never be locked into one role, one definition of being. We have to keep moving forward, while asking the questions. We have to keep our feet on the ground and our head in the clouds. That is “living the question,” as our friend Rilke said. And, if we can fully devote ourselves to each purpose within each moment, I believe, worlds will open.