CombinedNSP Site Admin
Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 1406 Location: Cleveland, OH
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Posted: Dec Sun 17, 2006 1:57 pm Post subject: Live Your Professional Calling |
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Live Your Professional Calling
The Top 10 Ways to Hear Your Professional Calling
In his best-selling book, The Seat of the Soul, Gary Zukav writes, "Each soul takes upon itself a particular task...Whatever the task that your soul has agreed to...all of the experiences of your life serve to awaken within you the memory of that contract, and to prepare you to fulfill it." In the spirit of new beginnings, we each can accept the challenge to hear our soul's professional calling. The process is exhilarating, wildly fulfilling and sometimes difficult to begin. Here are ten ways to start capturing your calling.
1. Get it in writing.
Keep a daily journal. All the chatter inside your mind makes it difficult to hear anything, much less a calling. A journal makes a great dumping ground for concerns, hopes, dreams and fears. It's the place where you can really tell the truth -- after all, that's what your soul's work is about. After several months, re-read what you've written and look for patterns in the longings. Your calling is reflected in themes that repeat themselves.
2. See it in pictures.
Make a collage. Gather that stack of magazines you want to read and never have the time. Get scissors (try the kind that make nifty edges) and make some homemade paste. Treat yourself to a wild-colored poster board. Now, cut out words and pictures that attract you. No censoring! Build your collage, re-arrange and then paste it all down. What values are expressed? Family, home, travel, sports, cultures.....
3. Remember it.
Reflect on your childhood. Now, answer quickly -- what did you say when asked "What do you want to be when you grow up?" What games were your favorites (especially ones you made up yourself)? For what did you win special awards? Your talents, skills and interests combine to make you uniquely qualified to fulfill your calling.
4. Visualize it.
Close your eyes and imagine you are working. Where are you? Describe the room in detail. What are you doing? Is anyone else there? Describe them. Chances are you already know exactly what your work looks like.
5. Expound on it.
Create your own web site/discussion list. What information would you like to provide to others? What is so compelling that you could spend hours thinking about it? Your passions come gift wrapped in the things that you naturally want to learn about.
6. Give it away.
Volunteer your time. What organization attracts you? Now, go one level deeper and ask yourself why. What appeals to you about this particular organization over any other? How do you want to volunteer -- by answering telephones, organizing events, or collecting donations? Your calling and how you express it is hidden in what you will do for free.
7. Forget about it.
Do something other than try to figure out your calling. Inspiration comes when you are busy driving a car, taking a shower or ironing clothes. Notice what pops into your mind and consider the relevance.
8. Live it vicariously.
Pay attention to your nightly dreams. What are you busy doing? Who are you with? What problems are you trying to solve? Dreams are filled with messages concerning our needs, hopes and values. The best interpretation comes from you.
9. Begin with the end.
Write your epitaph. Better yet, write your whole eulogy. How are you remembered now that you're gone? What values did you express? How did you change lives? All great journeys begin with a desired destination.
10. Give advice.
Become an official consultant. For what do people come to you? You're already an expert on something if you've devoted so much time and energy that others respect you. All that's left is to acknowledge it and continue fulfilling your soul's contract.
Submitted by Jennifer Anderson, who can be reached at coachjen@cyberhighway.net, or visited on the web at http://www.jenniferanderson.com © 1997, 98, 99, 2000 Coach U |
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