By: Jason Gerber
The concept of soul searching emerges as a crucial step in discovering one’s true purpose in life. In her book “Finding Mo: A Handbook for Coming to Life,” Monique Wellise shares an introspective journey, which is not just a philosophical exercise but a practical pathway to personal fulfillment and societal contribution.
Soul searching, as Wellise describes it, is the process of deep introspection and self-examination. It involves quieting the external noise and tuning into our inner voice – that subtle, often ignored whisper of our authentic self. This process requires courage, as it often means confronting uncomfortable truths about our lives, our choices, and our unfulfilled desires. However, it is through this confrontation that we begin to uncover our true purpose.
The author emphasizes that our souls have their own unique language. Unlike the chatter of our minds, which is often influenced by fear, societal expectations, and past experiences, the soul speaks with clarity and truth. It communicates through feelings of expansiveness, lightness, and joy. When we engage in soul searching, we create space for these messages to be heard and understood.
One of the key insights from “Finding Mo” is that our purpose is not something external that we need to discover but rather an internal truth waiting to be uncovered. Soul searching helps peel away the layers of conditioning and false beliefs that obscure our true calling. It’s a process of remembering who we are at our core and what truly matters to us.
Wellise suggests that many people go through life feeling unfulfilled or “not quite alive” because they’ve ignored their soul’s calling. This disconnection from our purpose can manifest in various ways – from a general sense of dissatisfaction to more serious issues like depression or even physical illness.
The author shares her personal experience of how ignoring her purpose led to frustration and potentially contributed to health issues, highlighting the profound impact our alignment (or misalignment) with our purpose can have on our overall well-being.
The process of soul searching often involves asking deep, sometimes uncomfortable questions:
- What truly brings me joy?
- What am I passionate about?
- What unique gifts do I have to offer the world?
These questions can be challenging, especially if we’ve spent years conforming to others’ expectations or pursuing goals that don’t resonate with our authentic selves.
Importantly, Wellise emphasizes that finding our purpose through soul searching is not a selfish act. On the contrary, it’s a responsibility we have not just to ourselves but to the world. The author argues that the world needs people who have “come alive” – individuals who are living in alignment with their true purpose and bringing their unique gifts to bear on the challenges we face collectively.
The connection between soul searching and finding your purpose also involves recognizing and overcoming the barriers that keep us from living authentically. These barriers might include fear of change, guilt about pursuing our dreams, or a lack of self-confidence. Soul searching helps us identify these obstacles and develop the courage to move past them.
Practical techniques for soul searching mentioned in the book include meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature. These practices help create the quietude necessary to hear our inner voice clearly. Wellise also suggests paying attention to moments of flow and joy in our lives, as these can be signposts pointing toward our true purpose.
Finding our purpose through soul searching is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. As we grow and evolve, our purpose may shift or deepen. Regular soul searching allows us to stay connected to our authentic selves and adjust our path as needed.
Final Words
The connection between soul searching and finding your purpose is a powerful one. It’s a journey of self-discovery that leads not only to personal fulfillment but also to a greater sense of meaning and contribution to the world.
By engaging in this introspective process, we open ourselves to living more authentically and purposefully. As Wellise suggests in “Finding Mo: A Handbook for Coming to Life,” when we align with our true purpose, we not only come alive ourselves but also contribute to a much-needed shift in the collective consciousness. Soul searching, therefore, is not just a personal endeavor but a pathway to creating positive change in the world around us.
Published by: Holy Minoza
