How often have you heard your friends or colleagues saying - "I don't think I am doing something great", "I am missing something at my workplace", "I need to do something beyond just the work", "I am frustrated and don't think I can do this work beyond a point" etc.
Is it the work content? Is it the compensation or benefits associated? Is it the organization? and so many other possibilities that normally comes to your mind. The logical next step is to start finding solution around identifying and working on alternative, means of fulfilling "basic needs" of the old Maslow's hierarchy, hoping and feeling that this can solve the problem.
Unfortunately it is seldom that one thinks about the psychological and self actualization needs which eventually nurses and heals the soul, leading to immense happiness inside out. Why is that?
1. Any activity or work that you carry to fulfill your basic needs creates an expectation of getting something in return - say money, material, etc. You cannot disassociate that fact. It is not wrong, but that expectation is hard to satisfy your soul as there isn't an upper limit.
2. An activity or work done with some outcome or an expectation in mind possesses a probability of disappointment/dis-satisfaction if the outcome is not in your favour.
3. When the outcome of your work is unknown, your expectation is not predefined in your subconscious mind.
4. Comparison of work content and its outcomes with others is the most detrimental thing for your mind and soul.
So the obvious next question that comes to mind, what work or activity falls beyond the above?
1. Volunteer work is a great example of contributing time and effort for a cause that excites you or you believe in. You are not expecting anything in return but just willing to help.
2. Helping a person who needs you but you are not expecting anything in return.
3. Supporting or giving to a needy that has possibly nothing and cannot even return anything back to you. Philanthropic actions like this is an act of kindness that goes beyond healing your soul.
4. If nothing else, be nice and kind to others even when they are not. This does not make you weak or small. This makes your soul happy.
This could sound philosophical and ridiculous to many, however there is only a few things that one can do selflessly and achieve the self actualization phase in the journey of life.
Don't wait until the destination, enjoy the journey!!!
I am learning and would love to hear from you all :)
