Play Your Part and Enjoy the Work

We have this notion of achieving spiritual growth through isolation from society and practicing long hours of meditation. The image of a person who retires to a remote location, spending days sitting and meditating.

But the Yogis differ, they explain that the path to spiritual fulfillment does not lie solely in meditation and retreat from the world. While these practices may lead to certain levels of advancement, ultimately, one must also experience life and play their allotted role in the world. If you find yourself in a specific place with unique desires and dispositions, it is important to embrace those qualities and fulfill your responsibilities.

Of course, one has to also incorporate moments of silence and reflection into their daily life, but it is important not to completely withdraw from worldly duties and obligations.

In the grand scheme of things, each individual is an integral part of the intricate machinery that drives the world forward. It is essential to play your part with utmost sincerity and dedication, but without getting attached to the outcomes of your efforts. Rather than focusing on the rewards, find joy in the act of working itself. By doing so, you can continue to contribute to the greater good without being bogged down by expectations and desires for specific results.

In his autobiography, the yogi Paramahansa Yogananda, who lived in the 1900s, stated that:

To lead a fulfilling life, it is crucial to strike a balance between spending time in stillness and taking part in worldly responsibilities. While moments of silence and reflection can help us grow as individuals, it is equally important to joyfully engage in whatever task we are currently undertaking. We must remember that we are all essential pieces in the great machinery of life, regardless of how small or insignificant our contributions may seem.

Embrace the role or roles that were assigned to you in life and strive to fulfill them to the best of your abilities. Ultimately, finding this balance between stillness and action will help you lead a meaningful and purposeful life.