What do you do, no matter what you are doing?

Many spiritual traditions embrace the idea of a life calling, vocation or purpose — something that you, uniquely and specifically are here on earth for. Most often callings or vocations are described in terms of specific jobs or roles we have throughout the course of our lives. This exercise is designed to help explore your calling in a deeper way - not just as a job, set of tasks or role, but as a way of being in the world that you carry with you no matter what role you find yourself in.

To get at this deeper layer of our vocation, consider the following question:

What do I do, no matter what I am doing?

To begin exploring answers to this question, look for your common ways of being across the different roles you have had throughout your life thus far. For example, what did you do as a young child in your family, in school, in relationships that continued as you entered a profession, long-term relationships or family life? How does the essence of who you are appear no matter what job, calling, role, or task you find yourself doing?

Next, once you have several words and phrases that describe who you are no matter what you are doing, look for a metaphor that captures the overarching theme of your self-expression. For example, if you are someone who has consistently led others to new places (literal or figurative) with skill and excitement - you might choose an image of a tour guide. Or, if you are someone who has consistently sought out places of brokenness, pain, or loss, you might choose an image of a healer. The possibilities are endless.

For reflection alone or together:

What image or metaphor best captures your deepest vocation?

How much does this match with your current role?