Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life According to 3 Thought Leaders

You know those quiet moments – maybe when you're lying in bed at night, or sitting alone with your morning coffee? That's when it hits you: "What am I really doing with my life?"

It's funny how this question sneaks up on us, sometimes in whispers, other times like a loud wake-up call – especially when we're going through big life changes.

Sure, the ancient philosophers and spiritual teachers have been wrestling with this question forever, but here's the thing: we're living in a completely different world now. Between our smartphones, AI, and a world that seems to change every time we blink, we need some fresh takes on this whole "purpose" thing.

That's why I find it fascinating to look at how three very different brilliant wisdom-keepers share their perspective, knowledge, and experience on finding meaning and purpose in life.

Mel Robbins transformed from a struggling lawyer to one of the world's leading motivational voices. Creator of the revolutionary "5-Second Rule," her TEDx Talk has over 30 million views. A bestselling author, former CNN analyst, and sought-after speaker, her practical approach to personal development has impacted millions across 195 countries through her books, podcast, and online courses.

Here are 3 key points about life's purpose from the video:

1. Life is about experiences, not stuff: Mel Robbins emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from experiences, not material possessions. She recounts her memorable anniversary experience with an owl and contrasts it with the forgettable nature of material purchases. This highlights the importance of investing time and resources in creating meaningful memories.

2. Embrace curiosity and learning: Mel Robbins advocates for continuous learning and exploration. She shares how her fascination with owls led to a deeper understanding of nature and enriched her life. This suggests that cultivating curiosity and pursuing knowledge can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

3. Open yourself to magic and unexpected encounters: Mel Robbins encourages us to be open to unexpected experiences and embrace the magic of life. She recounts her encounter with the injured owl and how it transformed her perspective. This highlights the importance of being receptive to the unexpected and allowing life to surprise us.

These points suggest that a meaningful life is not about accumulating possessions or achieving external goals, but about embracing experiences, cultivating curiosity, and remaining open to the unexpected.

Sadhguru, founder of the Isha Foundation, is a visionary yogi and spiritual leader whose wisdom bridges ancient and modern. His practical approach to inner transformation, environmental initiatives, and profound insights on life have influenced millions worldwide through books, talks, and meditation programs.

The 3 key points in Sadhguru's talk are:

Life is not about the ambience: Sadhguru emphasizes that life is not about the external aspects like family, work, or social gatherings. These are just the ambience of life, not life itself. True life exists within and around us, and it's the only thing we truly know.

There is no inherent purpose to life: Sadhguru argues that the greatest aspect of life is that it has no inherent meaning or purpose. Seeking a purpose can be detrimental, leading to a limited and constricted existence.

Live totally and explore all aspects of life: Sadhguru encourages viewers to live life fully and explore all its dimensions. This involves paying attention to the intricacies of life and experiencing it in its entirety. He suggests that this exploration itself is a fulfilling purpose.

here are 3 key takeaways about life's purpose:

Life is not about achieving happiness, but about awakening to consciousness. Tolle argues against the common misconception that the world should make us happy. Instead, he suggests that life's challenges and difficulties are designed to awaken us to a deeper awareness of ourselves and the present moment. This awakening involves recognizing the limitations of the ego and its constant striving for happiness.

Suffering can be a catalyst for awakening. Tolle explains that suffering, whether physical or psychological, can push us towards a spiritual awakening. When we reach a point where we can no longer bear the pain, a shift in consciousness can occur, leading to a transcendence of suffering and a deeper understanding of life. This doesn't mean we should seek out suffering, but rather recognize its potential for growth and transformation.

Finding peace in the present moment is key. True peace, according to Tolle, comes from being fully present in the now. This involves letting go of the ego's grip on the past and future, and accepting the present moment as it is. While happiness may be fleeting, this underlying peace can remain constant, even in the face of challenging emotions and experiences.

Eckhart Tolle reminds us it's not about chasing fleeting happiness, but awakening to consciousness through present moment awareness, even amidst suffering.

This aligns with Sadhguru's view that life is about experiencing its fullness, not seeking a pre-ordained meaning. He encourages us to live totally and explore all facets of existence, finding purpose in the doing.

Mel Robbins adds the crucial element of action: we don't wait for purpose, we create it. We discover and define our unique purpose by taking even small steps and engaging with the world.

Therefore, the true purpose isn't a destination but a journey.

It's found by anchoring ourselves in the present moment while simultaneously embracing that moment with action and exploration.