Discovering Your Dharma: Aligning Your Higher Purpose With Vision for a Better World

"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them."

Dalai Lama

In a world grappling with challenges like climate change, societal unrest, and technological upheaval, the ancient concept of Dharma offers a timeless framework for creating a more harmonious and sustainable future.

Dharma is rooted in spiritual traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. At its core, Dharma means "that which upholds" or "cosmic law and order," emphasizing the moral, ethical, and spiritual frameworks that sustain universal harmony. Dharma signifies one’s unique purpose or duty but it's also about embracing the interconnectedness and balance of the world.

In this blog we'll explore how embracing individual Dharma can contribute to the greater good and inspire collective peace and transformation.

"When we align our actions with the needs of the world, we align with Dharma, and the universe conspires to support us."

Eknath Easwaran

The Power of Purpose: Your Dharma, Your Gift

Each of us carries a unique gift—a purpose that contributes to the larger whole. This personal Dharma isn’t just a vocation or talent but a calling to align our innate strengths with the needs of the world. When we live authentically in accordance with our Dharma, we unlock a profound truth: our individual contributions ripple outward, fostering growth and harmony in the collective.

By valuing internal qualities over material wealth, we shift our focus from transient gains to lasting impact. When we align our values with our actions, our reality reflects a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. The question isn’t merely what’s in your wallet but what’s in your heart and how it shapes the world.

"Living in your dharma means being who you were meant to be, doing what you were meant to do, and shining the light you were meant to shine."

Lissa Rankin

For empaths, healers, and lightworkers, clarity of purpose is particularly vital as it serves as a form of self-care, a strategy for effectiveness, and a source of sustained fulfillment. Their work often involves deep emotional and spiritual engagement, making them susceptible to burnout, overwhelm, and disconnection. A clear sense of purpose provides:

1. Direction and Stability: It acts as a compass, focusing their energy on meaningful goals and anchoring them during emotionally intense work.

2. Healthy Boundaries: Purpose helps them prioritize what aligns with their mission, say no to draining responsibilities, and prevent compassion fatigue.

3. Amplified Impact: Aligning with their purpose allows them to work strategically, attract like-minded collaborators, and expand their influence, ensuring their efforts are deeply impactful and fulfilling.

   
   

A life aligned with Dharma brings inner peace, resilience, and clarity, connecting you to the greater cosmic flow.

Your Truth, Your Power

Anything you assign value to is a currency within your field of consciousness. The question is…which currencies do you value most?

It doesn't matter what's in your wallet. There are so many currencies beyond money...

Integrity

Morality

Authenticity

Empathy

Compassion

Kindness

Forgiveness

Gratitude

Knowledge

Trust

Friendship

Wisdom

Truth

Loyalty

Health

Love

"The highest Dharma is to serve others selflessly, to love without expectation, and to give without asking."

Swami Vivekananda

The "3 Ds

How are you approaching your life right now? How is this different from the past, and the future you seek? Your answers will reveal your propensity for growth.

1. Living by Default

Living by default means going through life passively, allowing external circumstances, routines, or societal expectations to dictate your choices. In this mode, you’re on autopilot, reacting to events rather than proactively shaping your life. While this can feel comfortable or familiar, it often leads to dissatisfaction, as you’re not actively pursuing what truly matters to you.

• Example: Staying in a job you dislike because "it’s what you’re supposed to do," without questioning if it aligns with your values or goals.

2. Living by Deliberation

Living by deliberation involves thoughtful consideration of your choices but can sometimes lead to overthinking or analysis paralysis. While this approach is more intentional than living by default, it can stall progress if you get stuck weighing options without acting. Deliberation is valuable, but it becomes most effective when paired with action.

• Example: Spending significant time researching career options but hesitating to take steps toward a decision or change.

Remember, if it's your calling it will keep calling.

3. Living by Design

Living by design means intentionally crafting your life based on your values, passions, and goals. It requires clarity about what you want and a willingness to take proactive steps toward creating that reality. In this mode, you’re the architect of your life, making conscious decisions that align with your purpose and vision.

Living by design empowers you to break free from default patterns or indecision. By intentionally aligning your actions with your goals and values, you create a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and meaningful. It encourages both thoughtful deliberation and courageous action, ensuring your life reflects your unique desires rather than external expectations.

• Example: Setting a goal to transition to a career that aligns with your passion and actively pursuing opportunities to make it happen, even if it involves risks or challenges.

Living by design empowers you to break free from default patterns and encourages thoughtful deliberation and courageous action that aligns with your goals and values.

The Laws of Dharma: Principles for Collective Harmony

The Law of Purpose

Every being has a unique calling. By discovering and fulfilling this purpose, we contribute to the collective good, creating a world where individual and communal aspirations coexist in harmony.

Reflection: Ask, “How can my skills and talents serve humanity and the planet?”

The Law of Interconnectedness

All life is interconnected. Actions rooted in compassion and service honor this unity, promoting balance and reducing suffering.

Reflection: Before acting, consider, “Will this decision benefit others and the Earth?”

The Law of Detachment

Dharma teaches us to act without attachment to outcomes, focusing instead on the righteousness of the action itself. This fosters inner peace and resilience.

Reflection: Let go of the need for control or recognition and trust the process.

The Law of Growth

Challenges are opportunities for growth, inviting us to deepen self-awareness and align more closely with our higher purpose.

Reflection: Embrace adversity by asking, “What is this experience teaching me?”

"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world."

Patanjali

Discovering Your Dharma

Cultivate Self-Awareness

Understanding your Dharma begins with introspection. Practices like meditation and journaling reveal your true nature and purpose.

Every one of us carries a unique gift—something only we can bring to the world. But here’s the twist: our gift is often wrapped in a reactive strategy designed to protect it. Whether it’s perfectionism, control, or people-pleasing, these strategies keep your gift hidden. Leadership begins when you recognize this pattern and commit to letting your gift shine—unapologetically and with courage.

Fear often masks what’s most important. It tries to protect your gift by keeping you small, convincing you to avoid risks or hide behind perfectionism, control, or approval-seeking. But when you look beneath the fear, you’ll find the edges of your potential. By meeting your fears with curiosity—not judgment—you can begin to untangle them and let your true gift shine.

1. Make a list of your skills and talents

2. Make a list of your passions and interests

3. Make a list of what the world needs. How can your gifts intersect and align in order to serve the greater good?

Purpose is where vision and mission intersection. It's both a push and a pull, both feeling and sensing, both passion and contribution.

Live in Integrity

Leadership often means making decisions in uncertainty, where logic and data can only take you so far. Your intuition—your gut feeling—can provide clarity when the path isn’t clear. Learning to trust this inner knowing takes practice, but with time, you’ll see it as a reliable guide. The more you listen to and act on your intuition, the stronger it becomes, helping you navigate complexity with confidence.

Acting in alignment with your values builds trust and fosters a sense of inner balance. Small, consistent acts of kindness and honesty uphold the moral fabric of society.

Transformation happens one conversation at a time. The hard ones—the ones where you risk being vulnerable, misunderstood, or rejected—are where true bravery and leadership lives. They’re also where trust is built, ideas are born, and change begins. The more you practice, the stronger your voice becomes.

Dharma also teaches us to maintain balance amid life’s highs and lows. Recognizing the value of every experience fosters resilience and perspective.

The right path isn’t always the clearest, straightest or easiest, but it's the loudest. It calls out to us in quiet moments of reflection and stirs something deep within. The right path is a series of small steps and alignments that guide us forward with courage and authenticity. You can feel the truth from your own heart, even when the road ahead is uncertain.

Calling In Your Spirit Team

Light a candle or create a sacred space when reciting or writing this chant below. Speak with conviction and visualize yourself thriving in your ideal role, feeling the emotions of joy, empowerment, and fulfillment.

Calling in the gods, goddesses, saints, and spirits of prosperity,

By the powers of earth, air, fire, and sea, I call in the job that's perfect for me.

With open heart and mind so clear, I call upon the path that's near.

Opportunity, come my way, Guide me to this dream today.

A role of meaning, alignment, and true, Where my skills, strengths, and light shine through.

Guided by wisdom, fueled by grace,I find my purpose, my rightful place.

A space where I am safe and free, Respected, valued, as I should be.

The pay I seek, the work I adore, With flow and ease, there's no need for more.

By the sun and moonlight,I manifest my future bright.

From here on out, I set my aim, In this world to make my name.

I deserve this job, I know my worth,A new beginning, a bright rebirth.

My energy is protected with reciprocity, Each step I take flows with harmony.

I attract the job that I have earned, Using all the wisdom I have learned.

With gratitude, my heart expands,I trust the Universe's perfect plans.

This is the season where I shine, This job is made for me, it is mine.

Thank you for restoring my hope, expanding my view, Upleveling my standards, revealing what's true.

If not this one, then something even greater,I trust in divine timing, now or later.

With faith and trust, I take this leap, Into my dreams, my soul to keep.

Abundance surrounds me, by heart and soul, This chapter begins, my life feels whole.

This aligned job now comes to me, So now it is, so let it be.

Society created this illusion that we need to follow one „ideal” career path - but there is actually a whole list of opportunities present in your birth chart. Like a map, you can choose your own adventure. It’s up to you which direction you go, and when/ if you decide to change your mind.

Look to the Stars

Vocational Astrology is the study of the stars meeting your career.

• The Sun- talents/gifts/visibility

• Venus- how you attract money

• Mars - what motivates you/decision making

• Jupiter - how you tap into highest alignment and abundance, how you share knowledge

• Saturn - where you're fortunate and also what you struggle with, your discipline

• 2nd house- income/what you earn from

• 5th house - hobbies/passion/creativity

• 6th house- routine/productivity/work space

• 7th house - collaborations/partnerships

• 8th house- investments/money fears and insecurities

• 10th house- goals/potential/legacy

• 11th house- your social presence

• North Node- where you find fulfilment

In astrology, the Midheaven (MC)—short for Medium Coeli, Latin for "middle of the sky"—represents the point where the Sun was at its highest during your time of birth, symbolizing your aspirations and visibility in the world.

"Your purpose is not the thing that you do. It's the thing that happens in others when you do what you do."

Dr. Caroline Leaf

It's one of the most significant angles in a birth chart and is tied to your career, public image, reputation, achievements and success. The MC is the cusp (beginning) of the 10th house, and understanding your Midheaven can help clarify your aspirations and how to align your career with your true purpose.

• Aries: Bold leader; thrives in pioneering roles and competitive fields.

• Taurus: Stable and grounded; careers in finance, art, or luxury industries.

• Gemini: Versatile communicator; excels in writing, teaching, or media.

• Cancer: Nurturing and empathetic; suited for caregiving, education, or hospitality.

• Leo: Charismatic leader; shines in entertainment, arts, or public roles.

• Virgo: Detail-oriented; careers in healthcare, research, or organization.

• Libra: Diplomatic and aesthetic; thrives in law, design, or relationships-focused roles.

• Scorpio: Intense and transformative; drawn to psychology, finance, or research.

• Sagittarius: Adventurous and wise; excels in education, travel, or publishing.

• Capricorn: Ambitious and structured; thrives in leadership, law, or engineering.

• Aquarius: Innovative and unique; careers in tech, activism, or unconventional fields.

• Pisces: Creative and intuitive; suited for art, healing, or spiritual work.

"Each person’s Dharma is unique, like a fingerprint. To fulfill it is to step into the flow of life with authenticity and purpose."

Deepak Chopra

Serving & Supporting The Collective

You are here in this time of history to become an answer to a problem.Your purpose becomes clear when you focus on becoming the answer to a specific problem, especially one that is personal and meaningful to you. Then you will be better able to align your actions with your higher purpose, making everything you do more intentional and impactful.,

True leaders don’t chase quick fixes—they see the whole picture. They understand that lasting change comes from addressing the roots, not the symptoms. Systems thinking is about connecting the dots and finding leverage points that create sustainable, meaningful impact.

A life of selfless service (seva) is integral to Dharma. Whether through community work, mentorship, or environmental stewardship, sustainable living, contributing to the well-being of others strengthens the web of life.

Define Your Own Becoming: Who you want to be, who you want to serve, what you will do, how you will do it, and the impact it will have.

Becoming Your Highest Self

Rather than frantically jumping into action, take a moment to reflect on the problem you want to solve, who you're becoming and how you can step into the identity of the person capable of solving it Journal on the following

• What is an area of your life or the world that is currently impacting you and making you feel incredibly frustrated, annoyed or sad?

• From your perspective and vantage point, what specifically is not working for you?

• As a result of things not working, what are you afraid will happen to you?

• If this was solved perfectly, what would you be experiencing or receiving that you're currently not getting right now?

• What are three specific things you would need to solve question #2?

• What would you actually need to do —create, build, design, etc — in order to get access to those 3 things in question #5?

• Who would you need to be in order for this to happen?

With this information, craft a statement that encompasses your vision and purpose is key to clarifying your path. This statement evolves over time and helps guide your actions. After reflecting on your answers to these key questions, combine them into a powerful statement about who you are becoming, the change you’re creating, and the impact you hope to have.

I cannot solve every problem, but I will spend the rest of my life becoming the answer to this one. I am uniquely suited for this path because it was once my greatest source of my pain. Everything I do flows out of this. It informs how I spend my time, what I focus on and what I say no to. It empowers me, it energizes me, it propels me forward.

Finding Flow

Flow state is a harmonious mental state when you become fully immersed in an activity, experiencing a deep sense of focus, engagement, and enjoyment. In this state, time seems to either fly by or stand still, because there is a seamless alignment between your skills and the task at hand.

When your body and mind connect in this way you can get into a zone of intense presence, focus, determination and effortless engagement. The result: accomplishment, productivity and deep internal reward and satisfaction.

• PASSION: Something you care about

• ABILITY: Something you're good at

• PERSISTENCE: Something challenging

• MEANING: Something impactful long-term

Similarly, the Japanese concept of ikigai represents the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This can overlap with Indian concept of Dharma as both center on finding purpose and fulfillment through alignment with one's unique role in life.

"Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart."

Rumi

Modern Applications of Dharma

Once you’ve embraced your gift, the next step is imagining how it could transform the world around you. Envision a Future Worth Creating.  Vision isn’t just about personal success; it’s about creating something bigger than yourself. A clear, compelling vision inspires action and draws others toward a shared purpose.

• In Work: Align your career with your values. Seek roles that allow you to make a positive impact on others and the environment.

• In Relationships: Cultivate empathy and mutual respect. Support growth and understanding within your connections.

• In Society: Advocate for justice, equality, and sustainability. Engage in actions that uphold the collective good.  

• In Self: Commit to lifelong learning and strive to live authentically and compassionately.

Dharma is not a rigid set of rules but a dynamic, evolving path. It invites you to live authentically, in harmony with yourself, others, and the universe. By embracing the laws and ways of Dharma, you step into your true power—a force for balance, love, and purpose in the world.

Affirm: I am aligned with my true purpose, and opportunities flow effortlessly to me.

Aligning Your Space

Manifesting career success with feng shui involves creating an environment that supports your professional goals and aspirations. By implementing these feng shui principles, you can create a supportive environment that helps you manifest your career success. Good luck!

Identify the Career/Life Path Gua

In Feng Shui, your purpose is closely connected to the main, initial energy flow in your home and workspace. This area is typically located at your main entrance, or the " north" section of your home or office.

This area governs your life direction and opportunities for success and fulfillment so it is one of the most important areas to optimize. Ensuring that the northern area of your home or office is clear, clean, and decorated intentionally can help align your career with your purpose and attract new opportunities

By aligning your space with feng shui ideals, you can create a flow of energy that attracts opportunities, supports your professional growth, and aligns your career with your life purpose.

“If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path."

Joseph Campbell

Manifesting career success with feng shui involves creating an environment that supports your professional goals and aspirations. Here are some tips to help you align your space with your career ambitions:

Element Association: The northern gua is associated with the Water element, symbolizing intuition, clarity, flow, adaptability, and movement—qualities essential for career growth and alignment with your purpose.

• Colors: Black, dark blue, and deep shades symbolize the water element and can enhance energy in this area.

• Shapes: Wavy and flowing shapes represent water energy and encourage flexibility and growth in your career.

• Water Elements: Add a small water feature, like a fountain, a fish tank, or using images of water can enhance your career prospects. This will symbolize flowing opportunities and abundance. Make sure to ensure the water (or the depiction of it) is clean and flowing, as stagnant or dirty water can symbolize blocked energy or missed opportunities.

• Universal luck: Hang a metal wind chime with six or eight rods in the north to enhance career luck. The sound stimulates positive chi (energy). Alternatively, Crystals like black tourmaline or hematite for grounding and protection in your career.

Declutter

Clear out any clutter in your workspace, home office, and the entrance of your home. A tidy space promotes positive energy flow and helps you focus on your goals. Stagnant energy from clutter can block opportunities.

Symbolism:

Add items that symbolize success and achievement, such as awards, certificates, or images of your role models. This can inspire you and keep your goals in sight. o

• Books on similar subject matter or role models

• Artwork, photography, imageson similar subject matter or role models

• Awards, certificates in your field

• A vision board or digital picture frame  that reflects your career aspirations. Include images, quotes, and goals that inspire you.

• A desk or workspace organizer in this area to promote clarity and focus.

• Personal photos or mementos that remind you of your career goals and achievements.

Incorporate Plants: Live plants can promote growth and vitality. Choose plants that are easy to care for and place them in your career area to attract positive energy.

• Add plants like lucky bamboo or indoor palms to symbolize growth and vitality in your career. Pair them with water features for harmony.

Enhance Lighting: Good lighting is essential for a productive workspace. Make sure your career area is well-lit, as this can boost energy and motivation.

• Use bright lighting or a salt lamp in the northern area to activate energy and illuminate your path to success.

• Hang a mirror in the northern area to reflect light and energy, symbolizing expanded opportunities and clarity in your career path. Ensure the mirror reflects something positive, not clutter.

Set Intentions: Finally, take some time to meditate or reflect on your career goals. Visualize your success and set clear intentions for what you want to achieve.

"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."

Pablo Picasso

A Call to Action: Choosing Purposeful Leadership

Humanity stands at a crossroads. By embracing Dharma, we can transition from a world driven by fear, inequality, and short-term individual gains to one rooted in collective benefit - trust, collaboration, and long-term vision. This shift involves prioritizing community, sustainability, and altruism over ego and exploitation.

Imagine a society where:

• Hopelessness transforms into purposefulness.

• Fear gives way to security and trust.

• Self-interest evolves into collective empowerment.

Such a world isn’t an unattainable ideal but a practical outcome of collective alignment with Dharma.

The step towards Purposeful Leadership isn’t confined to CEOs or politicians; it’s a call for EVERYONE to live authentically, inspire connection, and work collaboratively toward a shared vision. We need change at all levels—from individuals to nations—in order to foster systems that empower humanity and regenerate the planet.

Creating a better world begins with each of us, each day. By stepping into our individual Dharma and encouraging others to do the same, we build a foundation for a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future.

The path to a purposeful world is clear. The question is: will we choose it?

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

Mahatma Gandhi

Stand still.

The trees ahead and bushes beside you are not lost.

Wherever you are is called Here,

And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,

Must ask permission to know it and be known.

The forest breathes.

Listen. It answers,

I have made this place around you.

If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.

No two trees are the same to Raven.

No two branches are the same to Wren.

If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,

You are surely lost.

Stand still. The forest knows where you are.

You must let it find you.

David Wagoner

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Erin is a certified feng shui consultant, energy healer, wellness coach and holistic growth strategist.

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