Dharma, the principal of cosmic order, is your life’s purpose. This definition is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you are ask what you “do.” You can ask various people all day long this same question and their answers will be their job title. Even those who are in the life practice of consciousness still have a hard time releasing the programming of the title, rather than their internal gift(s).
If you’re in a transition period with your job, stepping into your Dharma should be your intention. Consider what your soul provides on this earth, instead of just the actions to receive a pay check (although that’s still necessary). Here are 10 steps to transition from just doing a job to living into your life’s purpose.
1. Pinpoint Your Dharma
Before you can plan to move forward, you must decide what you are moving toward exactly. You might have some ideas of what you think would suit your personality or purpose in a more fulfilling manner than your current job, but take the time to research those careers instead of assuming they are the “one.” It is a daily practice of reminding your subconscious mind that your job is not who you are. It is merely a role you play in your movie, ever changing with growth and knowledge. If a CEO leaves a Fortune 500 corporation to work at a lawn care company planting flowers, everyone around her would think she had lost her mind, right? Or has she merely found her soul?
Your Dharma may be to take on a role that has a higher income than your present job, but that is just another topic to add to the list of facts about the position, not your Dharma list. For example, wearing scrubs may be on a job fact sheet, but it is most likely not your Dharma to wear those scrubs. Separate these list from each other. Of course, you’re allowed to take into consideration those facts when making a decision, but a division line does help.
Finding your Dharma is an amazing evolution for your self-knowledge and liberation. Note that whatever you may choose to step into first doesn’t have to be the last. As you continue to evolve, meet more like-minded people, and expand your vision of what is even possible with your Dharma, the Universe will provide more choices.
2. Incorporate Dharma into Your Current Job
As you discover your true self, explore various ways you could incorporate that in what you already do on a daily basis. For example, if you’re thinking of going into some type of therapist role that allows others to speak more as you speak less, practice true listening instead of continuing to type as someone peaks over your computer to ask a question.
Allow your time to be a practice for what tools you will need for success rather than thinking that’s not what you are there for or “those people don’t appreciate it anyway.” You may or may not be correct in that statement, but take into consideration that what you are doing is for you, and while you are finishing out your role in this location, it may even make it more enjoyable.
You are where you are to learn something. Ask yourself the questions:
- Why do I really want to leave here?
- Do I hate my boss?
- Are the hours too long?
- What reasons have sparked my realization this is not good for your soul?
Learn from those answers you receive. You may be surprised at how transitions can happen within a situation once you face these challenges and learn from them. The very job you hate will be what makes you fierce at the next one. It’s even possible that asking the right questions and facing your own personal struggles can switch a perspective into making where you are your Dharma after all.
3. Ask Questions
Your life purpose can manifest and be implemented in various forms. Instead of looking for companies right away, be sure to ask yourself the right questions. Keep in mind these questions are not to parallel to a career, but to deepen self-knowledge in what frequency to align with while searching. Ask yourself:
- What do I enjoy?
- What makes me the most proud to be me?
- What sounds and visions do I enjoy?
- Do I love to travel or just vacation? (there is a difference when in a career)
- My childhood self loved to play…
- My soul feels complete when I…
4. Create Good Energy
The amount of time you put toward something you want is much less important than the energy. For example, if working from home is your goal, complaining about the chores there or using phrases such as “this house is falling apart” when something needs fixed is probably not a good idea. Focus on how you would or do enjoy the extra time you have to be there and repair those things. If you already have a new job you’re in the process of transitioning to, but the drive is a little farther, don’t complain about driving. Show intentional, thought-out gratitude for every aspect of life that your new career will bring. Often you slow down or block your own blessings without realizing what you are speaking.
5. Speak Less, Do More
Going from job to Dharma is one of the most exciting times of your life. It is a role that unfortunately few people are pursuing at the moment. You want to shout it from a mountain top and tell every person passing by. Part of that is excitement, the other half is reaching out for moral support. Not everyone will understand your vision. Rather than trying to explain it, show it. Speaking can sometimes have negative reciprocation and frankly you don’t need that type of negativity in your life. The Universe is there to support you and those closest to you will be your ear.
6. Continue to Meditate
During transition times, you tend to put in a lot of work hours. Working extra seems to be unavoidable in these moments, and it’s easy to let your meditation practice slide. Remember the proverb: “You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you are too busy; then you should sit for an hour.” This quote is helpful in reminding yourself that meditation is an important part of life. No matter how busy your life can get, you can make the time. Meditation will help keep you calm during the changes and your decision-making processes.
7. Be Open and Move Forward
Transitioning to your Dharma will bring on new experiences, new people, and a new environment. At any point throughout your day when you express a part of that Dharma, stop for a moment to recognize the Universe bringing that to you. Create space in your home, office, or with people to welcome that feeling and engage less and less in activities that do not.
Release the items from a previous job that will no longer serve you. Maybe you needed a briefcase to head to the office, but now you will be a yoga instructor and paperwork is not on the agenda. Instead of keeping the briefcase in the closet, giving it an opportunity to be needed again, gift it to a friend or former coworker.
8. Release Fear
Leaving a company you have been with for years can be scary. There are so many unanswered questions that scroll through your mind. Previous generations were taught and believed they were meant to grow up, get a job, stick through it, and retire from that job. Now, there is less and less of this. There is a realization that people are ever-changing and that the same job that was thrilling five years ago isn’t serving you well today.
Rather than stay in a situation that doesn’t serve your soul and happiness, it’s time to continue with something new. This knowledge, however, doesn’t take away the anxiety or fear that often creeps in. There are ups and downs in the process, moments of pure confidence, and others of wondering what in the world you have done. Reminding yourself that you will still to be capable and be happier in the long run will help calm that fearful subconscious voice.
9. Use a Journal
This is one of the most important times in life to use a computer less and a notebook more. Your handwriting is unique. Your energy and frequency is expressed with every stroke of a pen or pencil. No one else on this earth writes exactly like you – it’s like a thumbprint that you can control. The words you use to label your world are of no accident. To manifest a thought into a reality is also referred to as “casting a spell.” Your pen is your wand. Write down what you are excited to release from the job and thrilled to welcome with your Dharma.
10. Enjoy the Ride
You have control over your decisions, what lessons you would like, and the feelings you enjoy from this transition. What you do not control is exactly what that journey will look like. If you know you are traveling to a new country, you know what to expect when you get there. Maybe you have been there before or looked at photos. But no matter how much you prepare, you do not know what the airline attendant will look like or act like, what the weather will be when you arrive, or if a piece of luggage will get lost.
All of these technicalities are part of the journey. Deep down they are experiences you need for your personal enlightenment. Do you get angry when the luggage is lost or do you carry on to the hotel with confidence that the situation will sort itself out? Enjoy the journey.
There is a lot that goes into transition times like these, but remember that there is purpose in finding and embracing your Dharma. Find support along the way, and know that the Universe will take care of you in the process.
From: The Chopra Center
