Seek Fulfillment

Sir Ilchi Lee is founder of Healing Society and Earth Human Movements and also Dahn. Lee has authored twenty eight books. Scholar Joseph Campbell used to give his students this simple advice for life: “Follow your bliss.” This is very good advice. The trick is to recognize the difference between true happiness and mere excitement. True happiness is lingering, while excitement will tend to fade when the honeymoon is over. Try to find that thing that brings you happiness in a pure, continual way. Not only is happiness good for the brain, but focusing on achieving something of this sort will require you to constantly sharpen the use of your own brain.

Ultimately, this will require action that is connected to your most precious core values. Most people want to leave the world in better condition than they found it, to contribute in some way. You might start by asking yourself, “What does the world really need to make it a better place?” Your answer will reflect your basic values and beliefs. Helping to provide that thing is probably related to your ultimate calling in life.

If you choose your life purpose appropriately, it does not mean that your life will be free of strife. If anything, you will invite difficulty because it will mean taking a less safe, less clearly established path in life. Like the heroes of the ancient epics, your resolve will be tested over and over again. An easy life, of course, is not the same as a fulfilling life, and challenges are fuel to a vital brain.

If you look at the world around you, you will see that there are two directions that life can go. Living things either grow or they decline. Your body is bound to decline one day. But if you choose a path that challenges you to continually refine and develop your mind and spirit, you will provide yourself with a lifetime of growth and fulfillment.