The Higher Calling

I am often asked what an individual’s mission in life is meant to be. This is a well-considered question, but the answer is much simpler than one might think. Our Life Lessons approach us as we come across each individual with whom we have an arrangement to learn lessons and balance karma. These are the difficulties that we experience in life, what the Buddhists call suffering. We can experience these in many ways, and as the human life span becomes longer, the likelihood that we have more time in which to solve these lessons is assured. We may fail the lesson the first time, but if we are diligent, we will have the opportunity to repeat the lesson, perhaps more than once. However, it is equally likely that we will pass the lesson. Then we have the opportunity to go onto something else in a spiritual sense. It is usually this position in which people find themselves confused and at a loss for what they are meant to be doing with their lives, and they can think of nothing but their higher purpose.


In ages past, people would cross over when their lessons had been passed or failed. Today, we continue living. So what is one to do when the life lessons have been done and there is no further agreement on which to work? We are free, at this point, to do something that expresses spirituality and compassion toward our fellow beings. Although it is not financially valued except for the expression of sheer genius in this day and age, Art is a valuable and fulfilling pastime that may help us along our spiritual path. Many of us believe that we are not artistic, but we can relate that when we were young, we enjoyed, and perhaps were talented, in creating beautiful things through Art. Creativity and Art don’t just refer to painting or sculpting, but include singing, the playing of musical instruments, sewing, writing poems or stories (as well as the telling, thereof), and various crafts. Accomplishment in this regard is very satisfying and having the time to create or express something of beauty establishes harmony within the soul.

We may find that our hearts are filled with love and compassion when we enter this phase of life. We are more patient, giving, understanding, and loving. Our lives, indeed, become the expression of Art and Grace. We truly feel the Unity of ourselves with all others and value each person as well as ourselves. We triumph over egoism and realize the worth of all people, all things in nature. This is a lesson in itself, but one in which those who are at the Crossroads of a New Life are likely to find themselves.

It is no longer necessary to die at the end of our Life Lessons. We can move seamlessly forward to a New Life of our choosing whenever we feel the impetus to do so. We will know by the restlessness in our hearts that it is time to reach higher and touch with our spiritual essence, which is Art.