Great Throughts Treasury

"If we begin by being, then everything we do will encompass…our whole self. When having is the impetus [for our work], then the doing is influenced by material concerns, which can never enable us to live our passion. One reason so many people are dissatisfied and unhappy with their work is that they begin by seeing to have rather than to be."

"As you are able to give energy to your passion, purpose will emerge. Clarity of purpose comes from honoring what gives your life meaning. Work has become devoid of meaning because people are asked to follow instructions rather than their creativity. True work is an expression of following our inner voice, heeding the spiritual call, and living your passion."

"Basically, human beings want satisfaction and fulfillment, and we especially want to feel a sense of accomplishment in what we are doing. Being of service and achieving something of value to others while feeling balanced and healthy are the essential reasons for working."

"Following your passion is both a difficult path and an easy one; it's a paradox. It is difficult because it will lead you into unknown territory. It is easy because you will be doing what you love."

"The idea that work is "over here" and spiritual life is "over there" prevents us from engaging life to the fullest. We imagine that we are marking time at work and that life begins when we arrive home in the evening or on the weekends. The result is that work is not fully integrated into our days, and we wind up living at the margins of our lives."