There’s a quiet invitation that stirs within us—a whisper that nudges us toward something greater, something more aligned with the depths of who we are. This is the essence of a calling. But how often do we pause long enough to notice, to listen, to attune ourselves to this inner beckoning? In the rush of daily life, these whispers can be drowned out by busyness or fear, but they remain, waiting patiently for us to turn inward.
Michelle Holliday, in her beautiful work on thrivability, reminds us that a calling is not just about what we do; it’s about the aliveness we bring to the world. She speaks of stewardship—not as a set of tasks, but as a deeply personal and evolving practice of honoring life itself. Our callings, she suggests, emerge when we hold reverence for ourselves, our communities, and the interconnected web of life.
But how do we notice these callings?
How do we listen deeply to the quiet inner voice amidst the noise?
Perhaps the answers lie not in rushing to find them but in expanding our sense of presence. Across cultures, languages, art forms, and history, humanity has been exploring this question for centuries.
Callings Across Cultures: A Universal Invitation
In many cultures, the idea of a calling is woven into spiritual beliefs, cultural practices, and communal responsibilities. Often, these terms encapsulate not just individual purpose but a connection to the divine, to others, and to life itself. Let’s take a journey through the languages and traditions that express this universal quest.
Sanskrit (Hindu Tradition):
Dharma (धर्म): Refers to one’s duty, moral responsibilities, and rightful path in life. Dharma is deeply personal, evolving based on one’s stage in life and role within society.
Japanese Culture:
Ikigai (生き甲斐): Combines iki (life) and gai (worth) to signify the reason for being. It reflects the harmony between passion, mission, vocation, and profession.
Islamic Tradition:
Qadr (قدر): Represents measure and limit or value of something or destiny, emphasizing trust in Allah’s plan for one’s purpose.
Native Hawaiian Culture:
Kuleana: Encompasses responsibility and privilege, linking personal purpose to communal and environmental stewardship.
West African Yoruba Culture:
Ayanmo: Refers to an individual’s destiny or fate, often perceived as a divine path set by ancestral spirits.
Ancient Greek Philosophy:
Telos (τέλος): Signifies an ultimate aim or purpose, as discussed in Aristotle’s philosophy. Telos reflects a sense of fulfillment and the realization of potential.
German Language:
Beruf: Literally translates to “profession” but originates from the idea of a “calling” (berufen meaning “to be called”). This term blends the sacred and the practical, suggesting work can be a spiritual endeavor.
Mediterranean Tradition (Italian):
Vocazione: Rooted in the Latin vocare (to call), this term emphasizes the divine or higher purpose in life, particularly in one’s work or creative pursuits.
Norwegian Culture:
Livsoppgave: Meaning "life's task," this term embodies the idea of a unique contribution or mission that one is meant to fulfill.
These terms illustrate how callings are not confined to individual ambition; they are deeply tied to cultural, spiritual, and communal dimensions. They remind us that finding purpose often involves listening to the collective wisdom of those who came before us.
"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds. Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world."– Patanjali (Hindu philosopher)
Callings in Art and Literature: The Language of the Soul
Art has always been a medium through which humanity expresses its longing for purpose. Visual art, literature, and music evoke the universal yearning to connect with something greater.
Marc Chagall’s "The Fiddler": This painting captures the delicate dance between individual creativity and cultural heritage, representing the artist’s sense of calling.
Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" (Awake, calls the voice to us): This chorale cantata urges spiritual readiness, emphasizing the importance of answering life’s higher call.
Goethe’s "Faust": The protagonist’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and fulfillment reveals the complexities of ambition, desire, and the soul’s search for meaning.
Virginia Woolf’s Essays and Novels: Woolf’s works, such as A Room of One’s Own, delve into the necessity of personal space and inner attunement to create meaning, often reflecting on the nature of purpose.
Art and literature allow us to experience callings not as abstract ideas but as visceral emotions. They remind us that callings often arrive through symbols, metaphors, and moments that stir something deep within us.
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"– Mary Oliver (Poet)
Listening to Our Callings: A Journey Through 10 Dimensions
If we are to notice and embrace our callings, we must create space for reflection and exploration. The following ten dimensions offer a framework to listen deeply, inspired by practices across cultures and insights from contemporary research.
Life’s Tapestry: Reflect on the patterns in your personal narrative. What recurring themes or pivotal moments reveal your deeper values and purpose?
Anchored in Values: Identify the core values that guide your decisions. How do they shape your sense of calling?
Energy and Flow: Notice when you feel most alive and in flow. What activities make you lose track of time?
Inner Wisdom: Cultivate stillness to listen to your intuition. What is the quiet voice within you urging you toward?
Belonging and Contribution: Explore your connections to community and the ways you contribute to the greater good.
Expanding Possibilities: Stay curious and open to how your calling evolves. What are you ready to explore or try?
Rewriting the Script: Challenge the limiting beliefs that hold you back. What new stories can you tell about yourself?
The Mirrors Around You: Seek feedback from trusted voices. What strengths or gifts do others see in you that you may overlook?
Following Joy: Let joy be your compass. What lights you up and fills you with energy?
The Courage to Experiment: Embrace trial and error. What bold steps can you take to explore your calling?
A Call to Stewardship
To answer a calling is to step into a space of stewardship—a practice Michelle Holliday describes as honoring the aliveness in ourselves and the world around us. Stewardship asks us to show up fully, to bring reverence to our work and relationships, and to contribute our unique gifts to the larger web of life.
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."– Howard Thurman (Theologian and Philosopher)
In answering our callings, we are not merely finding ourselves; we are weaving ourselves into the fabric of something greater. Whether through the teachings of ikigai, the ancestral whispers of ayanmo, or the creative expressions of art, we are reminded that our purpose is both deeply personal and profoundly interconnected.
So pause.
Listen to the whispers.
What is life calling you toward?
How can you steward your gifts, not just for yourself, but for the world you are a part of?
As you navigate this journey, let these reflections guide you, let art inspire you, and let the wisdom of cultures past and present remind you: you are already part of something beautiful and whole. All that’s left is to say yes.
The Compass Within invites you to embark on an intimate journey of discovery, reflection, and connection. A calling is not simply a job or a singular purpose; it's an evolving dance between who you are, the gifts you hold, and the impact you wish to weave into the world. These cards serve as a companion, offering prompts that encourage you to listen deeply, attune to your inner wisdom, and illuminate the next steps on your path.
These cards are offered from a spirit of generosity.
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