Everything stands still when we have no passion. The world around us appears to stick in a pattern – a frustrating, dull, repetitive pattern. So we plan and push things to get the wheel of life spinning again. We push so hard and plan the next move but nothing happens and then the frustration grows. After pushing and planning for what seems like forever we collapse in a heap of frustrated despair, ready to give up when … the world starts moving again.

These moments are important indicators of how to approach life. Zen doctrine speaks of being “goal-less” and “going with the flow” but this doctrine needs careful interpretation. Self-awareness brings with it a broad, overarching Soul purpose – a reason for living that is so non-specific yet motivating. The broadness of this purpose is important – it is not something material but an inner desire so deep it exists regardless of what is happening around you. It rests deep in your subconscious; an unwavering light that the darkness can never put out.

When Zen speaks of being “goal-less” it does so in the context of being aware of this Soul purpose because then all other goals and planning become immaterial. Once in touch with your Soul purpose, whatever you do will be another step towards reaching it. But my point is that there still is purpose; you are still moving towards something – you are not some free agent just floating through life. What is also a relief to understand is that this purpose should never overshadow the golden rule of life to have fun. You may choose not to achieve your purpose in this lifetime – this is the power of choice that we have given ourselves.

“Going with the flow” also needs some explanation for the purposes of this discussion. Think of a stick floating on the surface of a river. The river is flowing in a direction – towards the sea. It always flows in that direction until it reaches the sea – its Soul purpose. And so the stick also always heads in that direction. It may choose to get stuck between some rocks for a while until heavy rains lift the water level and it moves over them. It may also choose to take the slow route by following the inner edge of a bend in the river where the current is slower and the reeds are thicker. It may choose to beach itself during a storm and stay there for years before the river gets to that height again. But in all cases it is still going with the flow but it is sometimes choosing to resist the push of the river. That is the “stuckness” that we feel: the river is flowing around us but we have chosen to get caught in the reeds.

So, I have mentioned passion, Soul purpose in the context of being “goal-less”, and “going with the flow”. These are the elements of happiness. Think of it this way: you know you are going to eventually get to achieving your purpose (getting to the sea) because you have the faith that you are heading that way, a knowing that every river does; you have the choice to follow any route you want to while floating on that river (you can even beach yourself) but you will always be following that river to the sea; in making those choices you may make things more difficult for yourself by getting caught in reeds or behind rocks but it is always your choice; and, your passion for floating on the river will ensure that you will continue floating no matter what. What I’m saying is that understanding your Soul purpose is the greatest gift you can give yourself because it makes every event in your life worthwhile. It also allows you to have fun along the way without the stress of having to plan and analyse your every move.

You already know what your Soul purpose is, all you have to do is listen. Use this time in the holidays to listen; to slow down and just float on the river of life, without the bother and stress of planning. Despite your best efforts, 2010 will take care of itself … and you will continue to float with the river. Have fun in 2010!