“Still more apparent does the working of this principle become when for the word ‘idea’ I substitute the word ‘purpose.’ Purpose at once suggests the notion that the person whom it actuates is in motion toward an end; and a person moving toward an end, like a rifle-ball toward a target, is less easily managed and directed than when he is standing still. Indeed, the more rapid its motion the more difficult it is to change its direction, and the less effect influences that happen to lie along its route will have upon it. Now, what momentum is in the rifle-ball purpose is in a man: it tends to hold him steadily to the track he is on; and the more vigorous the rush of intention with which he is following that track, the more it will take to retard him or derail him. Hence the more intense and engrossing a man’s purpose— if it is a purpose of good —the safer he is, and if he has no purpose of the kind he is not safe at all. Without it he is spoil for any and every diverting influence that may happen to light upon him, and of such diverting influences the air is all the time full.” – Charles H. Parkhurst
When most people articulate their purpose, they see it as relating to some pattern of outer achievement. To my mind, such purposes are valuable and contribute positively to the betterment of humanity, but true purpose relates to something deeper.
Your true purpose is less a matter of construction and more a matter of revelation. You do not necessarily reveal your true purpose by building a form to accommodate your vision, in fact, the forms you end up using in the revelation of your vision are largely incidental. The revelation of true purpose requires a fidelity to a central pattern of spirit, such as blessing, healing, forgiving, inspiring, amusing and so on.
Which spirit would you say is your central responsibility to uphold and represent, come what may? Discover that and you will never be swayed, fooled or confused again by that which seeks to distract you and keep you from being meaningful.
Gregory Hake 
Excellent point and points to the ability we each have to lead a meaningful life.
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I think we all have things about us that are part of our true nature, things that we know we can accentuate when we are working towards the moment by moment revelation of purpose. There are other things that can come as a surprise, but are no less important to our overall development.
Regarding the quote, momentum and inertia are vital to the process. Like many things, they are easier when you stop dillydallying and just do them.
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These have been key considerations of late. Purpose to a true spirit does provide grounding and soundness.
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Wonderful consideration. Having an understanding of individual purpose is like ballast in a big ship or a compass on a hike. We each have one. It was a gift from our creator, meant to be fulfilled by us.
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Seems like a basic understanding that would be a central theme from our earliest years. The oft asked question to young people is, “what do you want to be when you grow up” perhaps a better one to be asking is “what do you think is your central purpose?” The usually lost or aimless teen years through the twenties might give the individual time to build up a head if steam instead of blowing it off.
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There’s a big difference between using restriction as a means of avoiding temptation and avoiding temptation via cultivating some greater force or pressure. The former relies on mental willpower and that can only get you so far as in your heart there still may be the desire to have that which you seek to resist. The latter dismisses this factor because competing desires have had their battle and the victor stands which carries the greater strength that fills up your resolve. This victor’s last name is purpose. Not that life ends there by any means, but once Victor slays his first dragon, he loses some fear and proves to himself he has the necessary skills and belief to keep doing the same as needed if he so chooses. Acquiring valuable experience and momentum along the way in increments which will serve him well in all future endeavours of even greater demands, such is the fate of our dear Victor.
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Great post! I like the way you and Mr. Parkhurst both address the matter of purpose. It is exhilirating this morning to recalibrate my own stance.
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