Discovering Your Life's Purpose: The Journey Towards Fulfillment

Dharma: Your Unique Path to Personal and Spiritual Fulfillment

Have you ever wondered about your life's purpose? That unique calling or mission that seems to elude so many of us as we navigate through the complexities of life? It's a question that has been on my mind lately, and it's a subject I want to explore with you today. I've been reflecting on the concept of Dharma, which is the individual's unique purpose or calling in life, a path that one must fulfill to achieve personal and spiritual fulfillment.

A Personal Journey

My contemplation of Dharma brings to mind a close friend, Paul. Paul has spent the last twelve years of his career just trying to get by financially. But now, he's on the brink of making a change, ready to embrace something that truly resonates with him, something he's passionate about. It's a journey I wholeheartedly support and a journey that has reminded me of the importance of finding our own unique purpose in life.

My quest for purpose started when I was planning for college. I was seeking direction, a calling that would lead me toward my unique purpose. I've always believed that my life and work should make a meaningful impact on the world. I was fortunate to have a family that supported my interests, enrolling me in Boy Scouts, church groups, music lessons, and sports. These experiences provided a framework for practice and growth, along with mentors and coaches who guided me. They instilled in me the confidence that with a strong enough goal, I could achieve anything.

The Search for Purpose

My journey has been marked by the pursuit of that elusive goal—my life's purpose. I've explored different avenues, taken on new hobbies, and advocated for various social causes. I even embarked on international travels, hoping to find that sense of purpose. But I always returned without a clear path that felt like a calling.

In my late twenties, I faced a dark period of my life. Depression, suicidal thoughts, and excessive alcohol consumption clouded my days. It's challenging to determine whether the loss of hope or mental instability came first. However, through gradual and sudden changes in my habits, I began the journey of working with my mind. This journey involved consistent cardio, meditation, yoga, and a commitment to living a purposeful, fulfilling life.

Rediscovering Dharma

It wasn't until this year that I finally remembered my purpose—it had been there all along. Across the world, indigenous and spiritual traditions suggest that each of us is born with a unique gift, and our life's journey is about remembering and realizing it. Some refer to it as destiny or fate, but I've chosen to adopt the term Dharma from yoga philosophy.

Dharma, to me, is an individual's unique purpose or calling in life, a path that must be fulfilled to achieve personal and spiritual fulfillment. It encompasses one's moral and ethical duties and responsibilities and involves doing what is right, just, and virtuous according to one's role and station in life.

Sharing the Journey

I'm sharing this concept with you because it's crucial. The first step is recognizing that this mental framework for life exists. You can choose to believe in Dharma or that your life has a specific purpose. The next step is believing in it and committing to the journey of rediscovery. I've spent most of my life believing that my life has a specific purpose and tirelessly searching for it. It took me about 18 years to find it without a specific guide. Now, I want to use my gift and experience to help others find theirs.

I found my life's work this year, and while I'm still refining its definition, I feel a profound sense of relief that this part of my journey is complete. I'm here as a resource for you and for many others as I continue to sharpen and train in my coaching craft.

Embracing the Journey

In closing, I want to emphasize the importance of this quest. It might be the most crucial aspect of life—how you choose to spend it. Your life is finite, and there's not enough time to ignore that inner voice telling you that something is calling to you right now. It's time to act, to commit to your self-discovery.

Your life's purpose is your unique path to personal and spiritual fulfillment, and it's waiting for you to uncover it. Embrace the journey, believe in your Dharma, and remember that your life's work has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the world.

With heartfelt encouragement and support,

Cam

Beyond Resolutions: How Setting Intentions Can Transform Your New Year

Every New Year brings a wave of resolutions, often leading to unmet goals and disappointment. My story mirrored this cycle, until I discovered the power of setting intentions.

Discovering the Power of Intentions:

In 2019, I embraced a new approach to the New Year. Instead of setting rigid goals, I established a ritual of reflection and intention setting. This process wasn't just about planning; it was about transforming my mindset. That year, my intention was simple yet profound: "Be Fearless."

For years, the idea of running across the country lingered in my mind, an unattainable dream shadowed by self-doubt and fear. I often told myself I wasn't strong or dedicated enough, and financial constraints seemed like insurmountable obstacles. However, with the dawn of 2019 and my newfound intention to be fearless, these fears transformed from insurmountable walls into hurdles to overcome.

I committed to facing my fears head-on, not letting them dictate my aspirations. Despite not being an elite athlete, despite my financial challenges, I decided to at least attempt the transcontinental run. This decision wasn't fueled by a sudden physical transformation or a windfall of funds; it was driven purely by my commitment to my intention.

Embracing the Challenge:

On January 1st, I set my intention. By February 1st, I committed to the run, and on April 22nd, I began my journey from Los Angeles, heading east. This wasn't just a physical endeavor; it was a testament to the power of intention. I was not the typical image of a long-distance runner – I was an average person, with fears and doubts, but I was driven by the sheer commitment to be fearless.

Looking back, I'm immensely proud of that version of me – scared, unprepared, but undeterred. This journey taught me more than just perseverance; it illustrated how setting intentions can catalyze profound personal growth. It wasn't about the distance covered; it was about the mental barriers broken.

The Intention Setting Process:

My New Year’s Day ritual involves creating a serene, ritualistic environment. I get a fresh journal, symbolizing a new beginning. Then, I settle beside a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate, ready for hours of solitude and reflection. This setting isn't just about comfort; it's about creating a sacred space for introspection and dreaming.

Setting the Intention:

• 1. Create a Ritualistic Setting: Personalize your space to foster relaxation and presence. Light candles or a fire, enhancing the power of transformation.

• 2. Reflect on the Past Year: Affirm what went right. Acknowledge your achievements and moments of pride.

• 3. Visualize the Future: Imagine the best scenario for this time next year. What does it look like? How do you want to feel this time next year?

• 4. Craft Clear Intention Statements: Use prompts like:

• "What do I want to cultivate in my life?"

• "How can I orient myself to make this likely?"

• "What truly matters to me?"

• 5. Forecast Obstacles: Anticipate challenges and plan how to navigate them.

• 6. Clarify Your Intention: Summarize your intention in a powerful, affirmative statement.

• 7. Commitment: Breathe your intention into an everyday object as a reminder. Share your intention with someone for accountability.

Conclusion:

My cross-country run is a vivid example of how intentions, unlike rigid goals, allow us to grow beyond our perceived limitations. They enable us to approach challenges with a mindset of possibility rather than constraint. As we step into the New Year, let's remember that setting intentions isn't just about achieving specific outcomes; it's about embarking on a journey of personal transformation, where the act of striving towards our aspirations is just as important as the destination.

This experience was not just about fulfilling a long-held dream; it was a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It highlights the importance of aligning our actions with our deepest values and aspirations. The intention of being fearless was more than a mantra; it was a guiding light through the challenges and triumphs of the journey.

Invitation:

As we delve into the power and practice of setting intentions, I am thrilled to extend a special invitation to you. To further explore and embrace this transformative journey, I warmly welcome you to join our Intention Setting Workshop on December 28th at 8 PM ET.

Register for Free Workshop

This workshop is designed to provide you with the tools, knowledge, and community support needed to effectively set and maintain your intentions for the New Year.

During our session, you'll experience a guided approach to identifying and articulating your intentions, learn strategies to keep them at the forefront throughout the year, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals on a similar path. This is more than just a gathering; it's a stepping stone towards a more focused, purposeful, and fulfilling 2024.

To be a part of this empowering experience, I invite you to register for the workshop. Let's embark on this journey of growth and self-discovery together, setting our sights on a year filled with intention, achievement, and personal growth.

I look forward to welcoming you to our community and sharing this enriching experience with you. Here’s to a year of living intentionally!

Reflecting on Finding My Purpose

Throughout my entire life, the question that has echoed in my mind is, "What is my purpose here?"

Ever since I first encountered Mary Oliver's poem “The Summer Day,” the question it poses has been ringing in my mind:

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do

With your one wild and precious life?"

My aspirations are grand – I hope to accomplish great things, help others, and bring about unimaginable change. These noble aspirations are the driving force behind my journey. However, there's also a 'small me' that craves recognition, seeks acceptance, and yearns to be idolized. It's a constant dance between the altruistic and ego-driven facets of my focus.

In the pursuit of authenticity, I find solace in the wisdom of Buddha, who advised us to "have few desires, but have great ones." This perspective allows me to confront the shadow elements of my ambitions, acknowledge the parts that are ego-driven, and gradually free myself from the fear associated with them. While these egoic desires still linger, I've noticed their diminishing influence on my life and career choices.

At the dawn of 2023, on New Year's Day, as I engaged in my customary journaling and intention-setting ritual, I made a conscious decision to dedicate the year to defining my life's work. Now, 11 months later, I stand confident that I've stayed true to that commitment.

I wear multiple hats - a coach, a student of Zen, a son of God and Mother Earth, a father and brother to all beings, a shepherd, a caretaker. My purpose is clear - to alleviate suffering in the world. I've dedicated my life's work to this noble cause, developing a robust framework and toolset in coaching to bring about positive change. The passion that fuels my desire to help people relieve their suffering and grow in a way that enables them to assist others is undeniable.

As I reflect on this transformative journey, I feel a profound sense of gratitude. I can now ease off the relentless questioning of my overarching purpose and, instead, immerse myself in the depth of my life's work. It's a journey of purpose, and I am embracing it with an open heart and a determined spirit.