April 11, 2025 • 23 mins
In this episode, we discuss the meaning of purpose of life and introduce a simple guide to help you to find your purpose in life. Within the conversation, we discuss whether creating our purpose in life comes from our internal being or if our external experiences have some impact on our creation of our purpose in life. There is a brief discussion to explain how life can keep us from experiencing and living our purpose in life. Using examples in the life of Jesus and the Buddha, we explore how we can evolve to becoming more present in our lives.
We read a story from one of our listeners that endured a bitter divorce and how they dealt with this storm in their life. Your life experiences are someone's playbook for dealing with the storms in their life. Please send your stories and questions to our email at cirquedusoul444@gmail.com. With your permission, we may use your story and use your questions as part of our podcast discussion.
We close with a mantra that our spiritual journey is a personal journey, but never lived alone. Don't forget to like, share and subscribe so that you don't miss any future episodes.
In addition, we would greatly appreciate a donation to our "Help Us To Help Others" initiative. Your life stories and every dollar donated has the potential to impact someone's life!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:03):
Yeah, that's mind, body, soul.
We connected with the globe.
Yeah, that's mind, body, soultook some discipline, repetition
and some self-control.
We connected with the globe.
Said that's mind, body, soul.
Whoa.
Yeah.
That's mind, body, soul.
Hey.
Yeah.
That's Mind, body, soul tooksome discipline, repetition and
some self control.
(00:26):
Hey everyone, welcome to Cirqueto Soul.
The only uncut, unedited podcastthat is dedicated to helping you
to find spiritual peace in yourlife.
My name is Gary Terry, and I'mjoined by my brother Kim.
Say hello, Kim.
Hello everybody.
Before we start, I'm gonna, Ialways ask these little
questions I want you to thinkabout as we go through this
(00:48):
podcast.
Most spiritual masters agreewhat is between.
Earth and heaven.
Think about that as we go alongthis podcast, and I'll give you
the answer at the end.
What is between Earth andHeaven?
Okay, today we're asking thequestion, how do you find your
life's purpose and meaning?
(01:08):
Let me start by reading thepurpose of life from a few
sources, okay?
Okay.
From Ephesians two 10, for weare God's handiwork created in
Jesus Christ to do good works,which God prepared in advance
for us to do.
The Buddha.
The Buddha believes that thepurpose of life is to create
less suffering for ourselves andother sentiment beings by
(01:31):
working through the causes ofthat suffering.
The Koran says that the purposeof living should be to better
yourself and better thingsaround you, and ultimately
preparing yourself foreverlasting joy.
Korean 51 56 states, I have notcreated men except that they
should serve me.
Okay.
Each of these verses, the onecommon thread is that our
(01:54):
purpose is to worship God in thesupreme being, or seek to attain
nirvana and seek to help others.
Gary, what are your thoughtsabout those?
That's a lot of information.
Yeah.
Sometimes I struggle with theblanket statements about, the
purpose of life.
So for me, I look for moredirect instructions or ideas.
(02:16):
Now, I do believe that most ofour major religions do believe
that we're here to worship Godand help others.
But I think it's difficult forpeople to, apply these beliefs
to their own lives.
I'm gonna read you something,I'm gonna read you something
from a guy by the name of ViktorFranco.
It's a quote.
Victor was a psychiatrist and hewas a Holocaust survivor, and he
(02:38):
wrote about his Holocaustexperiences in his book, and the
name of the book was Man'sSearch for Meaning.
Okay.
Now, Franco argued that even inthe most extreme circumstances
like imprisonment or suffering,he believed that people can
still find meaning, meaning intheir lives.
We believe that it's the abilityto choose our attitude even in
(03:02):
the face of hardship that makeslife meaningful.
So I have to ask, does learningyour life's purpose come from
external circumstances or fromsome inner voice?
What do you think?
Huh?
It seems that Frank's workhighlights that meaning doesn't
necessarily come from externalachievements or circumstances
(03:26):
that it, it just comes fromwithin.
It's about finding purposethrough our choices, our values,
and our commitment to somethinggreater than ourselves.
Last week, we talked about ourown stories of how, we came to
be on our path.
In your case, your awakening wasas a result of trauma in my
case, an intellectual curiosityto wanna know more, so in my
(03:48):
opinion, our experiences seem tobe the opposite of what Frank is
saying.
Again, Frank says that thepurpose does not come from
external achievements orcircumstances, but it comes from
within.
I What do you think about that?
What are your thoughts?
You know what I have, I'll takeissue.
The statement that it comes fromwithin.
(04:08):
I firmly believe that our lifecircumstances do affect our
inner being.
In my case, I'm talking aboutthe car accident.
Yeah, I'm not sure what mythought process would've been,
at that time, if I hadn't beenin an accident, my take on life
probably would've been so muchdifferent and, my purpose
(04:30):
would've been so much different.
While our life's purpose doescome from within, I do believe
that the external circumstancesand experiences, they do help
shape our inner thoughts.
And it's those thoughts thatshape our views.
I really can't see how you canseparate external circumstances
from the internal thoughts fromthe inner thoughts.
(04:52):
That's pretty good.
I think I agree with you on acertain level.
I think the enlightened beings,the Jesuses and the Buddhists,
the Christians ies, I think thatit does come from within because
they're at such a high levelthat the external doesn't affect
(05:14):
them.
Now us as we're trying toevolve.
I agree with you, the externaldoes have a part to play in what
we perceive as our purpose inlife.
But also think about the storiesin the Bible.
Where was Peter or Paul?
One was in prison, but theystill had their peace because
of, with.
(05:34):
I guess within, they just hadthat peace within.
So prison didn't bother'em.
And you also hear, things aboutman, your prison's in your mind,
yep.
The prison's in the mind.
So unless you like really highlyevolved spiritual, whatever,
yes.
I do believe that the external.
Plays a major part in what our,what we feel our purpose in life
(05:55):
is.
But until we get to that point,we get to that level, that high
spiritual level.
And I'd love to be there oneday, maybe not just we'll think,
talk about that another time,but I'd like to get there where
it's just all enter.
That's just me.
You know what?
Hold I, I understand that.
Yeah.
I guess I have a hard timetrying to understand that
(06:16):
everything is just internal.
And maybe it's because of mypast experiences, but I think
that things that happen on theinside do shape what we think on
the, I'm sorry.
Things that happen on theoutside do shape what we think
on the inside.
And yeah, I know what Franklsays, but in my mind.
(06:39):
Your experiences have shaped youto who you to, to the person
that you are today.
And I said this to someone Iasked, I said, do you like who
you are today?
And they said, yes.
I said, now, all the bad thingsthat had happened to you, the
things, bad decisions that youmade, you wouldn't be the person
that you are today if you hadn'tgone through those experiences,
(07:01):
right?
So you can't hate thoseexperiences.
You have to embrace them andcome to peace with them.
I, like I said, I do, I agreewith you.
I agree with you.
Let me ask you this question.
Okay.
Do you believe Jesus, do youthink outside outside things
influenced his decisions or whathe was, his purpose was on this
(07:23):
Earth?
Wow.
You gonna put me on the spotlike that?
Okay.
Yeah.
Wow.
Wow.
If you read the Bible the Biblewould say that Jesus already
came here with a purpose.
If he already had a purposebefore, assuming human form,
right?
I don't know how much theexternal or outside would have
(07:49):
taken him away from thatpurpose.
Let me take it a step fartherhim.
Okay.
We know the story of the Buddhawhere, he was normal, not
normal's not the right word.
He was like everybody else, Ithink.
Until he meditated and met, tooksix years meditated until he
finally reached the ultimatelevel.
His thing was.
Be in the middle, never get toohappy, never get too sad.
(08:12):
The middle way is the way right.
So once he reached that ultimatelevel, if he, and he was able to
do it, he stated that middleway.
I don't think the outsideinfluenced or outside things or
people really influenced himbecause he reached that highest
spiritual level.
(08:32):
What do you think?
I would ask the question.
It took him a while to get tothat point.
He had some Yes.
Outside experiences.
Yes.
I guess the question is, didthose outside experiences lead
him to the point where he's, hemade a decision that said, I've
got to find, my purpose orwhatever.
Yes.
And then that started his sixyears.
(08:54):
You understand what I'm saying?
Yeah.
Did things happen to him beforehe started the six years and
that's what led him to thatpath?
I think, yeah.
See, I don't know.
I think when you talk aboutJesus, he already knew what his
purpose was, but for theeveryday person, you and I, i,
yeah, I understand.
I let me say this, and I knowwe, we spent a lot of time on
this, but That's okay.
(09:15):
When Jesus was growing up as achild, there's only one story in
the Bible.
When he was 12 and he wastalking to the scholars and
everything, and he said, I mustbe about my father's business.
But I don't know if he reallyknew his purpose was because at
that time, obviously he wasclose to God, but.
I think when he got baptized andthe Bible says the heavens were
(09:36):
opened up unto him, just him,nobody else.
And I think that's when hereached that enlightenment
period.
And then that's when he went outinto the desert and stayed, was
it 40 days and 40 nights?
And I.
I think he just meditated,right?
And he knew what his purpose wasat that time.
I could be wrong about that, butthat's, to me, just reading the
(09:57):
Bible, that's what it seemedlike to me.
So as he was growing up, I don'treally think he knew his purpose
at the time, either.
I could, it's just my thought.
I don't know if that's true ornot, but it's just from what I,
from reading the Bible andreading the story, that's just
what I thought.
And you know what I would.
I want to agree, because wedon't know anything about Jesus
(10:19):
from what age 12 to, yeah.
He actually, burst on the scene,so to say.
You know what, though?
We don't know anything aboutJesus from the Bible.
Yeah.
There are other books in di likein the I think it's the Buddhist
religion or one of those otherones that had a story about.
Jesus.
Yep.
(10:39):
And how he visited, India andthe great sages there and grew
up there and that's how helearned yoga and all that.
It's other stories in other, inother religions, but based on
the Bible, we don't know Jesus'childhood.
Yeah.
Okay.
I agree.
Okay I have a question because Iknow that you're a thinker,
Gary, and I'm sure you'vethought about this.
(10:59):
Okay.
What does it take for someone tostart on the path to
understanding their life'smeaning?
Okay.
You said something, you saidlife's meaning.
Yeah.
Last week, we talked about thedifference between the meaning
of life and your life's purpose.
And I think I made the statementthat it's possible for us to
(11:20):
know the, it's not possible forus to know the meaning of life
because, we don't know how wegot here and we don't know why
we're here.
And if you don't know those thenhow can you determine, the
meaning?
So I do believe, and again, thisis just my opinion, I do believe
that we can define our purpose,based on three things.
(11:42):
I'm one of those KISS people, Ilike to keep it simple, stupid.
Yeah.
And I, operate on, I'd like toput some steps in place.
So I believe there's reallythree things that can help
define what our purpose in lifeis.
The first one is, what are yourGod-given talents?
(12:03):
If you're a musician, it comeseasy to you.
Or if you're a talker, it comeseasy to you.
Everybody has some type of atalent, right?
If you can identify that talent,I believe that's phase one, a
step one.
Second part is, what are youpassionate about?
What is it that you like to do?
Some people like to play musicand if they're, if their
(12:26):
God-given talent matches up withtheir passion, then I think
that's good, or anything.
If you can, if you have a talentthat you can match up with the
passion, then I think you'rehalfway there to finding out
what your purpose in life is.
But it's the third thing.
The third thing is, what's yourvalue system?
When I say value system is whatyou're gonna do, are you using
(12:48):
their talents and what you'repassionate about?
If that is used to help peopleand to further mankind.
So is Okay.
Just my formula, just mythoughts.
Okay.
Do you have any thoughts on howsomeone can understand or find
their purpose in life?
You know what, those threethings that you said are really
(13:10):
good and I totally agree aboutthe talents and being passionate
about something.
I think a lot of times what holdpeople back is fear, because in
this world you do have to makemoney to live.
You do.
And.
A lot of times people have thatfear of using their talents or,
just because they don't thinkthey're gonna make enough money.
(13:32):
They may not make money.
You hear stories sometimes wheresomebody's I wanna be a actor or
a musician or something.
The parents tell'em, you'renever gonna make any money doing
it, blah, blah, blah.
Yep.
And they end up not doing it.
And so a lot of people, eventhough they know what they love.
Actually doing it is totally, isa whole new different type of
(13:52):
thing.
So you have to not let fear holdyou back.
Because deep down inside, Ithink everybody knows what they
enjoy doing deep down inside.
It's just a matter of gettingrid of the fear and just doing
it.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I like your three steps.
Okay.
Here's something else.
Okay.
Now I know, I think you've hiton it.
A lot of people feel lost.
They feel, uncertain about theirlife's purpose.
(14:15):
Many are already on some type ofpath to discovery.
But like you said, life can takeus away from that.
Now, I know that you've taughtsome classes and you've helped
people to find their truecalling.
Do you have any tips to helppeople to get started and help
them to stay on track?
(14:41):
Hello?
Yes.
Okay, there.
No problem.
I'm back.
Okay, ladies and gentlemen,technical difficulties, but
we're good.
Did you hear my question?
No, I did not.
Okay.
So I said, I was saying that alot of people feel lost.
(15:02):
They're uncertain about theirlife's purpose Uhhuh and I know
that you've taught some classesand you've helped people to
find, the true calling or, whatwe think there's true calling.
Do you have some tips to helppeople get started or help them
stay on track?
Wow.
Oh my God.
I think the bottom line is thatnumber one.
(15:22):
Some people just may get tiredof doing what they're doing and
wanna do something different,and that's a lot of times that's
when people usually go to a lifecoach or something like that,
right?
But they have to want to do it,number one.
But I'll just tell people tojust get quiet and then just
listen to your inner voice andyou know what you really want to
(15:44):
do.
You think about it in your mind,and if you feel at peace with
it, then you just have to go forit and do it because you have to
just believe that the higherpower has got your back, and
that's the direction you need togo.
Now, if you're laying down andyou're quiet and you said, this
is what I want to do, and youhave a uneasy feeling within
(16:04):
you, then maybe that's not thetime to do it.
I just always believe thatwhatever it is that you, that
your purpose is.
You'll feel happiness, you'llfeel at peace with it.
And I think you'll succeedbecause that's what you are on
this earth to do.
So I just say get quiet and thenlisten to the inner voice and
(16:24):
listen to your feel youremotions about it.
And I think you go from there.
Okay.
I had a few steps.
I, this is some things I'veworked with other people,
because sometimes, people need alittle bit more direction.
And one of the things I toldpeople you have to start off
with is some type ofself-reflection, try to take a
little time to understand yourvalues, understand your passions
(16:47):
and your strengths.
And, journaling and meditation,can help you gain clarity, like
you just said.
Just, get quiet and listen.
Another part was to, I guessexplore and, experiment, try
some new activities.
Take on some new hobbiesexperience to try to find out,
what resonates with you and whatmakes you happy.
(17:08):
Another thing and the others isto seek guidance.
Talk to some mentors, talk somefriends, talk to family members,
people who can provide you someinsights about yourself that you
may not know and other peoplethat are on the path that might
be able to, help you.
On your path.
Okay.
And of course, there's alwaysthe big one, you gotta set some
goals, right?
Some short-term goals, somelong-term goals.
(17:30):
Those goals that, kinda line upwith your values and your
passions.
And I guess the last thing isyou have to be patient.
You have to be patient.
I can remember when I started,meditating years ago and it
frustrated the heck outta mebecause I wasn't able to, to
stay present.
Yeah, so staying patient is justone of those things that you
(17:52):
have to do.
Yes.
Yeah, definitely.
Patience is a virtue, right?
Yeah.
And when you're trying to getquiet and your mind's just
running here and there, right?
It's just like you said, staywith it.
Eventually your mind will quietdown and just be patient.
And, you'll hear that innervoice.
I wholeheartedly believe solook, yes.
Now I think the things youtalked about, that's great
(18:14):
advice.
And I just learned somethingnew.
Because you talked about,staying quiet, being quiet.
That's, I think that's reallyimportant.
And then keeping an open mind.
I hope what you said, and thelist that I just talked about.
I hope that's helpful to, someof the people that, are going
through some storms in theirlives.
It's not easy.
It's not easy.
But with practice andperseverance, we can find our
(18:36):
purpose.
Yes.
And we can work towards having apurposeful life.
I firmly believe that.
Yes, I agree.
Okay.
I agree.
Look.
We are 20 minutes into this andas we promised, we try to keep
this, around 20 to 25 minutescoming into my favorite part of
the podcast where we select andread a story from one of our
(18:58):
listeners, okay.
So you have a story.
It's one, our stories of peoplethat have gone through trauma
and they've.
They've survived it you wanna goahead and read that story?
Sure, yeah.
I'll read it.
Okay.
This, okay.
This story comes from Ashley inWest Virginia.
Okay.
Coming back from a heartwrenching divorce was tough.
(19:20):
I found myself confused and inpain.
The life I had carefully built,crumbled before my eyes leaving
a void that seemed impossible tofeel yet.
It was During this time.
I discovered an unexpectedsource of strength, my spiritual
faith through the storm ofheartbreak, my faith acted as a
(19:42):
anchor guide me when I felt lostin the moments of darkest
despair, when my spirit washeavy and hope seemed like a
distant dream.
Prayer became our refuge.
It was through prayer that Ifound a connection to something
greater than myself.
A source of unwavering love andsupport that transcended the
(20:03):
pain of my circumstances.
As I look as I took a deeperdive into my spiritual journey,
I began to see my divorce not asan end, but as a new beginning.
My faith provided me with theclarity to understand that this
painful chapter was a part of alarger plan for my life.
It taught me the power offorgiveness, not just towards my
(20:26):
former partner.
Towards myself, forgiving myselffor perceived failures and
shortcomings was an importantstep in my healing process.
My spiritual community played acrucial role during this time,
surrounded by individuals whoshared my beliefs.
I felt a sense of belonging andsupport, their encouragement and
(20:47):
empathy lifting me when I wastoo weak to stand on my own.
Together we shared similarstories, creating a support
structure of hope thatstrengthened my resolve.
In the end, my spiritual faithtransformed my perception of my
divorce.
What once seemed like aninsurmountable obstacle became a
(21:07):
powerful testament to myresilience and growth.
My faith taught me the trust inthe journey to enhance the
lessons hidden within the pain,and to believe in the promise of
a brighter tomorrow.
Through this experience, Iemerged stronger, more
compassionate, and deeplyconnected to the divine presence
that guided me through thestorm.
(21:29):
Thank you, Ashley, for sendingyour story.
We hope that you have found somepeace in your life.
Your story will definitely helpsomeone to find the strength to
deal with the storms in theirlives.
Now this is gonna close out ourpodcast for today.
Let me give you the answer tothe question I gave you at the
beginning of the podcast.
(21:50):
Most spiritual masters allagree, what is between earth and
heaven Now, everybody laugh atthis.
It's the word and earth andheaven.
Anyway, thank you for joining ustoday on Cirque De Soul.
I hope it sparks some newthoughts about the meaning of
life.
If you would like to send ussome questions for discussion or
(22:13):
if you would like to send yourstory, please email those to
Cirque de soul444@gmail.com, atcrc de Soul C-R-Q-U-E-D-U-S-O-U
l444@gmail.com.
If you found value in today'sepisode.
Please share it with someone whomight benefit from it.
(22:35):
Don't forget to like anddescribe so you don't miss any
future episodes.
And remember, your spiritualjourney is uniquely yours.
It is yours, but you are neveralone.
Take care and be kind yourself.
Be kind to the world around you.
And until the next time, have agreat day in paradise.
(22:57):
You sit so, so as I wait on yourlove for your I'll station
myself and drop my, and I'mgoing my way until you make way.
(23:17):
I am gonna drop my.
Yeah, that's mind, body, soul.
We connected with the globe.
Yeah, that's mind, body, soultook some discipline, repetition
and some self-control.
We connected with the globe.
Said that's mind, body, soul.
Whoa.
Yeah.
That's mind, body, soul.
Hey.
Yeah.
That's Mind, body, soul tooksome discipline, repetition and
some self control.
(00:26):
Hey everyone, welcome to Cirqueto Soul.
The only uncut, unedited podcastthat is dedicated to helping you
to find spiritual peace in yourlife.
My name is Gary Terry, and I'mjoined by my brother Kim.
Say hello, Kim.
Hello everybody.
Before we start, I'm gonna, Ialways ask these little
questions I want you to thinkabout as we go through this
(00:48):
podcast.
Most spiritual masters agreewhat is between.
Earth and heaven.
Think about that as we go alongthis podcast, and I'll give you
the answer at the end.
What is between Earth andHeaven?
Okay, today we're asking thequestion, how do you find your
life's purpose and meaning?
(01:08):
Let me start by reading thepurpose of life from a few
sources, okay?
Okay.
From Ephesians two 10, for weare God's handiwork created in
Jesus Christ to do good works,which God prepared in advance
for us to do.
The Buddha.
The Buddha believes that thepurpose of life is to create
less suffering for ourselves andother sentiment beings by
(01:31):
working through the causes ofthat suffering.
The Koran says that the purposeof living should be to better
yourself and better thingsaround you, and ultimately
preparing yourself foreverlasting joy.
Korean 51 56 states, I have notcreated men except that they
should serve me.
Okay.
Each of these verses, the onecommon thread is that our
(01:54):
purpose is to worship God in thesupreme being, or seek to attain
nirvana and seek to help others.
Gary, what are your thoughtsabout those?
That's a lot of information.
Yeah.
Sometimes I struggle with theblanket statements about, the
purpose of life.
So for me, I look for moredirect instructions or ideas.
(02:16):
Now, I do believe that most ofour major religions do believe
that we're here to worship Godand help others.
But I think it's difficult forpeople to, apply these beliefs
to their own lives.
I'm gonna read you something,I'm gonna read you something
from a guy by the name of ViktorFranco.
It's a quote.
Victor was a psychiatrist and hewas a Holocaust survivor, and he
(02:38):
wrote about his Holocaustexperiences in his book, and the
name of the book was Man'sSearch for Meaning.
Okay.
Now, Franco argued that even inthe most extreme circumstances
like imprisonment or suffering,he believed that people can
still find meaning, meaning intheir lives.
We believe that it's the abilityto choose our attitude even in
(03:02):
the face of hardship that makeslife meaningful.
So I have to ask, does learningyour life's purpose come from
external circumstances or fromsome inner voice?
What do you think?
Huh?
It seems that Frank's workhighlights that meaning doesn't
necessarily come from externalachievements or circumstances
(03:26):
that it, it just comes fromwithin.
It's about finding purposethrough our choices, our values,
and our commitment to somethinggreater than ourselves.
Last week, we talked about ourown stories of how, we came to
be on our path.
In your case, your awakening wasas a result of trauma in my
case, an intellectual curiosityto wanna know more, so in my
(03:48):
opinion, our experiences seem tobe the opposite of what Frank is
saying.
Again, Frank says that thepurpose does not come from
external achievements orcircumstances, but it comes from
within.
I What do you think about that?
What are your thoughts?
You know what I have, I'll takeissue.
The statement that it comes fromwithin.
(04:08):
I firmly believe that our lifecircumstances do affect our
inner being.
In my case, I'm talking aboutthe car accident.
Yeah, I'm not sure what mythought process would've been,
at that time, if I hadn't beenin an accident, my take on life
probably would've been so muchdifferent and, my purpose
(04:30):
would've been so much different.
While our life's purpose doescome from within, I do believe
that the external circumstancesand experiences, they do help
shape our inner thoughts.
And it's those thoughts thatshape our views.
I really can't see how you canseparate external circumstances
from the internal thoughts fromthe inner thoughts.
(04:52):
That's pretty good.
I think I agree with you on acertain level.
I think the enlightened beings,the Jesuses and the Buddhists,
the Christians ies, I think thatit does come from within because
they're at such a high levelthat the external doesn't affect
(05:14):
them.
Now us as we're trying toevolve.
I agree with you, the externaldoes have a part to play in what
we perceive as our purpose inlife.
But also think about the storiesin the Bible.
Where was Peter or Paul?
One was in prison, but theystill had their peace because
of, with.
(05:34):
I guess within, they just hadthat peace within.
So prison didn't bother'em.
And you also hear, things aboutman, your prison's in your mind,
yep.
The prison's in the mind.
So unless you like really highlyevolved spiritual, whatever,
yes.
I do believe that the external.
Plays a major part in what our,what we feel our purpose in life
(05:55):
is.
But until we get to that point,we get to that level, that high
spiritual level.
And I'd love to be there oneday, maybe not just we'll think,
talk about that another time,but I'd like to get there where
it's just all enter.
That's just me.
You know what?
Hold I, I understand that.
Yeah.
I guess I have a hard timetrying to understand that
(06:16):
everything is just internal.
And maybe it's because of mypast experiences, but I think
that things that happen on theinside do shape what we think on
the, I'm sorry.
Things that happen on theoutside do shape what we think
on the inside.
And yeah, I know what Franklsays, but in my mind.
(06:39):
Your experiences have shaped youto who you to, to the person
that you are today.
And I said this to someone Iasked, I said, do you like who
you are today?
And they said, yes.
I said, now, all the bad thingsthat had happened to you, the
things, bad decisions that youmade, you wouldn't be the person
that you are today if you hadn'tgone through those experiences,
(07:01):
right?
So you can't hate thoseexperiences.
You have to embrace them andcome to peace with them.
I, like I said, I do, I agreewith you.
I agree with you.
Let me ask you this question.
Okay.
Do you believe Jesus, do youthink outside outside things
influenced his decisions or whathe was, his purpose was on this
(07:23):
Earth?
Wow.
You gonna put me on the spotlike that?
Okay.
Yeah.
Wow.
Wow.
If you read the Bible the Biblewould say that Jesus already
came here with a purpose.
If he already had a purposebefore, assuming human form,
right?
I don't know how much theexternal or outside would have
(07:49):
taken him away from thatpurpose.
Let me take it a step fartherhim.
Okay.
We know the story of the Buddhawhere, he was normal, not
normal's not the right word.
He was like everybody else, Ithink.
Until he meditated and met, tooksix years meditated until he
finally reached the ultimatelevel.
His thing was.
Be in the middle, never get toohappy, never get too sad.
(08:12):
The middle way is the way right.
So once he reached that ultimatelevel, if he, and he was able to
do it, he stated that middleway.
I don't think the outsideinfluenced or outside things or
people really influenced himbecause he reached that highest
spiritual level.
(08:32):
What do you think?
I would ask the question.
It took him a while to get tothat point.
He had some Yes.
Outside experiences.
Yes.
I guess the question is, didthose outside experiences lead
him to the point where he's, hemade a decision that said, I've
got to find, my purpose orwhatever.
Yes.
And then that started his sixyears.
(08:54):
You understand what I'm saying?
Yeah.
Did things happen to him beforehe started the six years and
that's what led him to thatpath?
I think, yeah.
See, I don't know.
I think when you talk aboutJesus, he already knew what his
purpose was, but for theeveryday person, you and I, i,
yeah, I understand.
I let me say this, and I knowwe, we spent a lot of time on
this, but That's okay.
(09:15):
When Jesus was growing up as achild, there's only one story in
the Bible.
When he was 12 and he wastalking to the scholars and
everything, and he said, I mustbe about my father's business.
But I don't know if he reallyknew his purpose was because at
that time, obviously he wasclose to God, but.
I think when he got baptized andthe Bible says the heavens were
(09:36):
opened up unto him, just him,nobody else.
And I think that's when hereached that enlightenment
period.
And then that's when he went outinto the desert and stayed, was
it 40 days and 40 nights?
And I.
I think he just meditated,right?
And he knew what his purpose wasat that time.
I could be wrong about that, butthat's, to me, just reading the
(09:57):
Bible, that's what it seemedlike to me.
So as he was growing up, I don'treally think he knew his purpose
at the time, either.
I could, it's just my thought.
I don't know if that's true ornot, but it's just from what I,
from reading the Bible andreading the story, that's just
what I thought.
And you know what I would.
I want to agree, because wedon't know anything about Jesus
(10:19):
from what age 12 to, yeah.
He actually, burst on the scene,so to say.
You know what, though?
We don't know anything aboutJesus from the Bible.
Yeah.
There are other books in di likein the I think it's the Buddhist
religion or one of those otherones that had a story about.
Jesus.
Yep.
(10:39):
And how he visited, India andthe great sages there and grew
up there and that's how helearned yoga and all that.
It's other stories in other, inother religions, but based on
the Bible, we don't know Jesus'childhood.
Yeah.
Okay.
I agree.
Okay I have a question because Iknow that you're a thinker,
Gary, and I'm sure you'vethought about this.
(10:59):
Okay.
What does it take for someone tostart on the path to
understanding their life'smeaning?
Okay.
You said something, you saidlife's meaning.
Yeah.
Last week, we talked about thedifference between the meaning
of life and your life's purpose.
And I think I made the statementthat it's possible for us to
(11:20):
know the, it's not possible forus to know the meaning of life
because, we don't know how wegot here and we don't know why
we're here.
And if you don't know those thenhow can you determine, the
meaning?
So I do believe, and again, thisis just my opinion, I do believe
that we can define our purpose,based on three things.
(11:42):
I'm one of those KISS people, Ilike to keep it simple, stupid.
Yeah.
And I, operate on, I'd like toput some steps in place.
So I believe there's reallythree things that can help
define what our purpose in lifeis.
The first one is, what are yourGod-given talents?
(12:03):
If you're a musician, it comeseasy to you.
Or if you're a talker, it comeseasy to you.
Everybody has some type of atalent, right?
If you can identify that talent,I believe that's phase one, a
step one.
Second part is, what are youpassionate about?
What is it that you like to do?
Some people like to play musicand if they're, if their
(12:26):
God-given talent matches up withtheir passion, then I think
that's good, or anything.
If you can, if you have a talentthat you can match up with the
passion, then I think you'rehalfway there to finding out
what your purpose in life is.
But it's the third thing.
The third thing is, what's yourvalue system?
When I say value system is whatyou're gonna do, are you using
(12:48):
their talents and what you'repassionate about?
If that is used to help peopleand to further mankind.
So is Okay.
Just my formula, just mythoughts.
Okay.
Do you have any thoughts on howsomeone can understand or find
their purpose in life?
You know what, those threethings that you said are really
(13:10):
good and I totally agree aboutthe talents and being passionate
about something.
I think a lot of times what holdpeople back is fear, because in
this world you do have to makemoney to live.
You do.
And.
A lot of times people have thatfear of using their talents or,
just because they don't thinkthey're gonna make enough money.
(13:32):
They may not make money.
You hear stories sometimes wheresomebody's I wanna be a actor or
a musician or something.
The parents tell'em, you'renever gonna make any money doing
it, blah, blah, blah.
Yep.
And they end up not doing it.
And so a lot of people, eventhough they know what they love.
Actually doing it is totally, isa whole new different type of
(13:52):
thing.
So you have to not let fear holdyou back.
Because deep down inside, Ithink everybody knows what they
enjoy doing deep down inside.
It's just a matter of gettingrid of the fear and just doing
it.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I like your three steps.
Okay.
Here's something else.
Okay.
Now I know, I think you've hiton it.
A lot of people feel lost.
They feel, uncertain about theirlife's purpose.
(14:15):
Many are already on some type ofpath to discovery.
But like you said, life can takeus away from that.
Now, I know that you've taughtsome classes and you've helped
people to find their truecalling.
Do you have any tips to helppeople to get started and help
them to stay on track?
(14:41):
Hello?
Yes.
Okay, there.
No problem.
I'm back.
Okay, ladies and gentlemen,technical difficulties, but
we're good.
Did you hear my question?
No, I did not.
Okay.
So I said, I was saying that alot of people feel lost.
(15:02):
They're uncertain about theirlife's purpose Uhhuh and I know
that you've taught some classesand you've helped people to
find, the true calling or, whatwe think there's true calling.
Do you have some tips to helppeople get started or help them
stay on track?
Wow.
Oh my God.
I think the bottom line is thatnumber one.
(15:22):
Some people just may get tiredof doing what they're doing and
wanna do something different,and that's a lot of times that's
when people usually go to a lifecoach or something like that,
right?
But they have to want to do it,number one.
But I'll just tell people tojust get quiet and then just
listen to your inner voice andyou know what you really want to
(15:44):
do.
You think about it in your mind,and if you feel at peace with
it, then you just have to go forit and do it because you have to
just believe that the higherpower has got your back, and
that's the direction you need togo.
Now, if you're laying down andyou're quiet and you said, this
is what I want to do, and youhave a uneasy feeling within
(16:04):
you, then maybe that's not thetime to do it.
I just always believe thatwhatever it is that you, that
your purpose is.
You'll feel happiness, you'llfeel at peace with it.
And I think you'll succeedbecause that's what you are on
this earth to do.
So I just say get quiet and thenlisten to the inner voice and
(16:24):
listen to your feel youremotions about it.
And I think you go from there.
Okay.
I had a few steps.
I, this is some things I'veworked with other people,
because sometimes, people need alittle bit more direction.
And one of the things I toldpeople you have to start off
with is some type ofself-reflection, try to take a
little time to understand yourvalues, understand your passions
(16:47):
and your strengths.
And, journaling and meditation,can help you gain clarity, like
you just said.
Just, get quiet and listen.
Another part was to, I guessexplore and, experiment, try
some new activities.
Take on some new hobbiesexperience to try to find out,
what resonates with you and whatmakes you happy.
(17:08):
Another thing and the others isto seek guidance.
Talk to some mentors, talk somefriends, talk to family members,
people who can provide you someinsights about yourself that you
may not know and other peoplethat are on the path that might
be able to, help you.
On your path.
Okay.
And of course, there's alwaysthe big one, you gotta set some
goals, right?
Some short-term goals, somelong-term goals.
(17:30):
Those goals that, kinda line upwith your values and your
passions.
And I guess the last thing isyou have to be patient.
You have to be patient.
I can remember when I started,meditating years ago and it
frustrated the heck outta mebecause I wasn't able to, to
stay present.
Yeah, so staying patient is justone of those things that you
(17:52):
have to do.
Yes.
Yeah, definitely.
Patience is a virtue, right?
Yeah.
And when you're trying to getquiet and your mind's just
running here and there, right?
It's just like you said, staywith it.
Eventually your mind will quietdown and just be patient.
And, you'll hear that innervoice.
I wholeheartedly believe solook, yes.
Now I think the things youtalked about, that's great
(18:14):
advice.
And I just learned somethingnew.
Because you talked about,staying quiet, being quiet.
That's, I think that's reallyimportant.
And then keeping an open mind.
I hope what you said, and thelist that I just talked about.
I hope that's helpful to, someof the people that, are going
through some storms in theirlives.
It's not easy.
It's not easy.
But with practice andperseverance, we can find our
(18:36):
purpose.
Yes.
And we can work towards having apurposeful life.
I firmly believe that.
Yes, I agree.
Okay.
I agree.
Look.
We are 20 minutes into this andas we promised, we try to keep
this, around 20 to 25 minutescoming into my favorite part of
the podcast where we select andread a story from one of our
(18:58):
listeners, okay.
So you have a story.
It's one, our stories of peoplethat have gone through trauma
and they've.
They've survived it you wanna goahead and read that story?
Sure, yeah.
I'll read it.
Okay.
This, okay.
This story comes from Ashley inWest Virginia.
Okay.
Coming back from a heartwrenching divorce was tough.
(19:20):
I found myself confused and inpain.
The life I had carefully built,crumbled before my eyes leaving
a void that seemed impossible tofeel yet.
It was During this time.
I discovered an unexpectedsource of strength, my spiritual
faith through the storm ofheartbreak, my faith acted as a
(19:42):
anchor guide me when I felt lostin the moments of darkest
despair, when my spirit washeavy and hope seemed like a
distant dream.
Prayer became our refuge.
It was through prayer that Ifound a connection to something
greater than myself.
A source of unwavering love andsupport that transcended the
(20:03):
pain of my circumstances.
As I look as I took a deeperdive into my spiritual journey,
I began to see my divorce not asan end, but as a new beginning.
My faith provided me with theclarity to understand that this
painful chapter was a part of alarger plan for my life.
It taught me the power offorgiveness, not just towards my
(20:26):
former partner.
Towards myself, forgiving myselffor perceived failures and
shortcomings was an importantstep in my healing process.
My spiritual community played acrucial role during this time,
surrounded by individuals whoshared my beliefs.
I felt a sense of belonging andsupport, their encouragement and
(20:47):
empathy lifting me when I wastoo weak to stand on my own.
Together we shared similarstories, creating a support
structure of hope thatstrengthened my resolve.
In the end, my spiritual faithtransformed my perception of my
divorce.
What once seemed like aninsurmountable obstacle became a
(21:07):
powerful testament to myresilience and growth.
My faith taught me the trust inthe journey to enhance the
lessons hidden within the pain,and to believe in the promise of
a brighter tomorrow.
Through this experience, Iemerged stronger, more
compassionate, and deeplyconnected to the divine presence
that guided me through thestorm.
(21:29):
Thank you, Ashley, for sendingyour story.
We hope that you have found somepeace in your life.
Your story will definitely helpsomeone to find the strength to
deal with the storms in theirlives.
Now this is gonna close out ourpodcast for today.
Let me give you the answer tothe question I gave you at the
beginning of the podcast.
(21:50):
Most spiritual masters allagree, what is between earth and
heaven Now, everybody laugh atthis.
It's the word and earth andheaven.
Anyway, thank you for joining ustoday on Cirque De Soul.
I hope it sparks some newthoughts about the meaning of
life.
If you would like to send ussome questions for discussion or
(22:13):
if you would like to send yourstory, please email those to
Cirque de soul444@gmail.com, atcrc de Soul C-R-Q-U-E-D-U-S-O-U
l444@gmail.com.
If you found value in today'sepisode.
Please share it with someone whomight benefit from it.
(22:35):
Don't forget to like anddescribe so you don't miss any
future episodes.
And remember, your spiritualjourney is uniquely yours.
It is yours, but you are neveralone.
Take care and be kind yourself.
Be kind to the world around you.
And until the next time, have agreat day in paradise.
(22:57):
You sit so, so as I wait on yourlove for your I'll station
myself and drop my, and I'mgoing my way until you make way.
(23:17):
I am gonna drop my.
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