Vocation as vacation

Jul 31, 2010, 12.00am IST
Jaya Row.

Why do most of us find life boring, even depressing? The robotic patterns of waking up every morning, rushing to work and going through the motions at work can be mind-numbing. What is lacking is inspiration.

To be inspired you need to expand your mind. Think beyond yourself. Have a vision beyond your individual needs and aspirations and encompass global well-being. This vision must translate into a goal that is pursued with relentless focus, deep devotion and hard work. Then you will be so fulfilled at work that you will no longer need a weekend. The annual vacation will become redundant as your vocation becomes a source of joy and excitement.


When you do not have a higher ideal, your thoughts gravitate to just your well-being. You become obsessed with yourself and fail to see anything beyond the next meal, the next fun thing to do, and the next movie to watch! Every other person becomes a competitor. You feel insecure. You imagine everyone else is out to get you. All your energies get wasted trying to protect yourself from imaginary enemies. Cut off from reality, you sink into an abyss of self-pity, self-obsession and, finally, self-destruction.


On the other hand, the moment you think beyond yourself you feel energised, enthusiastic, exhilarated. A higher ideal unlocks your potential, releases energy and gives happiness. All selfish people are unhappy. Selflessness is the key to happiness.


The world does not need extraordinarily talented people. It does not need highly skilled people. It has plenty of super-intelligent people. We need ordinary people with extraordinary motivation. M K Gandhi was an ordinary man with amazing motivation to establish truth and justice. The Wright Brothers were ordinary people with a dream of flying.


You can also achieve exceptional results if you are inspired with a higher ideal. Replacing 'inspiration' with 'information' has led to knowledge being viewed as drudgery rather than as pleasure. Education has degenerated to data being transmitted from teacher to the taught without igniting the minds of the young with a higher purpose.


So inspiration is not a luxury that only a few may indulge in. It is vital to human existence. You may find a powerful emotional inspiration and dedicate your life to a departed soul. Or you may be committed to an intellectual ideal – the environment, social justice, education. The highest inspiration is the spiritual goal. Like the athlete in the movie, 'Chariots of Fire' said – "God made me to run, and I will run for God!" Once you are motivated with the Divine, the Spirit functions through you. You overcome all obstacles.


How many of us wake up inspired, looking forward to a day of service? Who among us finds exhilaration in contributing to society, adding value to others? Life changes magically from boredom to excitement when you are inspired to serve. You redefine norms and achieve the impossible, paving the way to outstanding success. You find happiness at work, not in escaping from it. Most importantly, you evolve spiritually and attain Godhood.
Inspiration gives ordinary people the courage and hope to make life better for themselves and for future generations. Find inspiration and life will transform into an exciting adventure of self-discovery.