The Threefold Gaze
A Spiritual Lens for a Flourishing Life
Meaning & Vocation
Seeking Transcendence Through Purpose
One way to conceptualize meaning and purpose is through "vocation," or a sense of "calling." In the resources below, you'll find writers and speakers who argue that as human beings, we are not just called to DO certain things; we are called to BE a certain way in this world. In order to find transcendence through our work, that work needs to align with things that we value. We need to believe in its importance and worth. It also has to "fit" who we are, what we are good at, what challenges us, and develops us. Finally, in order to be meaningful, our work has to contribute something -- meet a genuine need in our community.
The articles and clips provided on this page are intended to be a launching point for your own self-discovery. They are not comprehensive by any means, but they should be sufficient to get you started in this line of thinking so you can discover if "seeking transcendence through vocation and purpose" resonates with you in your personal spiritual quest.
Values, Vocation, and the Summoned Life
Bulls Eye Values Exercise
Values List
NYT Article,
"The Summoned Life"
by David Brooks
Vocation without the Supernatural - Calling in Today's World
This famous commencement address asks the question, "What kind of person do you want to be?" and invites us to live ON PURPOSE, not by default.
This commencement address reflects on the importance of choosing your passion to find your purpose, and how the dots often only connect in retrospect.
A Buddhist discusses calling as coming from "life itself" and the interdependence of all things; we are all responsible for one another.
Let Your Life Speak
by Parker Palmer
An outstanding book about listening to the call from within. This book is short and highly readable. It's a great place to begin!
Flourishing by Maureen Gaffney
This was the first book I read on the concept of human flourishing; I've been studying it ever since! This book is comprehensive but not overly academic.