"If you can, you must"

Many spiritual teachings suggest that we all have a unique and important purpose in this world.

This is our dharma, our reason for being, our mission in life. The word dharma literally means, "pillar" or "that which holds up or supports".

Deepak Chopra says that when we discover our dharma and live from that place, we are in our truth. When we live from our truth and share it with others, we support not just ourselves but the wholeness and equanimity of the entire Universe. At the same time, the Universe "supports or holds us up" as well.

Some people are fortunate enough to discover their dharma early in life. They might have a gift for art or music or science, and they have a strong drive to share it with the world. They might say, "I feel like I was born to do this."

Others of us have to seek out our dharma. It might have been buried by fears and doubts or a lack of support by society or those around us. 

When we are feeling lost and confused, we might ask "What am I supposed to do?", but a better question to help us discover our truth would be, " What feeds my soul and how can I use it to serve my higher self and others?"

The self discovery process of yoga practice can help us on our journey to find our dharma. When we become very clear about our purpose and think, speak, and act from that place, we will find that opportunities begin to present themselves. Our challenges and blocks may begin to disappear as the Universe supports us. In turn, we must use our dharma to help and serve others. The Buddhists say, "If you can, you must." So you have a duty or responsibility to use your special gift and act as a pillar for the Universe. 

Imagine a world where each of us lived from our truth. We would each "hold up" our part of the Universe and everyone might be at peace....