The Great Hunger

Sir Laurens van der Post once wrote: “There is the Great Hunger and then there is the Little Hunger. The Little Hunger wants food for the belly; but the Great Hunger, the greatest hunger of all, is the hunger for meaning….There is ultimately only one thing that makes human beings deeply and profoundly bitter, and that is to have thrust upon them a life without meaning. There is nothing wrong in searching for happiness. But of far more comfort to the soul is something greater than happiness or unhappiness, and that is meaning. Because meaning transfigures all. Once what you are doing has for you meaning, it is irrelevant whether you’re happy or unhappy. You are content – you are not alone, in your Spirit – you belong”

Understanding our purpose in this life can be a confusing concept. Searching or waiting for the great revelation is putting your life on hold. Our purpose is being the best version of who we are – exactly how you have been created. There is only one of you. Emotional maturity is a process of self-revelation. Who am I? Which parts have I adopted from others? Who do I choose to be? What do I need to work on so that I can develop my strengths and manage my weaknesses?

A young man phoned me recently for advice on training to be a life coach. He is disabled because of oxygen deprivation at birth. He did complete his matric and now wants to work with other disabled individuals to overcome the emotional challenges. This is a true example of finding your purpose. Instead of being a victim and wondering why this had to happen to me – he is pursuing his specific purpose because of it.

We should all be humbled by this inspiring young man. There comes a time when we can no longer outrun ourselves. Instead of waiting for the Lotto ticket to come in – roll up your sleeves and participate in your own life. That feeling of discontentment will stay like an uncomfortable weight in your body unless you choose to make changes and do The Work within yourself. No-one can do this for us – only the full circle realization that brings us home to ourselves can reveal our true purpose.

Life coaching is a practical outcome talk therapy.

Neuro-Linguistics (NLP), Modern Applied Psychology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

For more information contact: Karin Engman @ Mind Wellness 082 7246985

@ MIZPAH (opp JJ School) AND ALSO @ HUMMINGBIRD (home office) - Ermelo

Published Author: “A Path of Choices”