What actions do you recommend for really finding yourself..your deepest sense of self- purpose in the world?

Question

Personal examples are ideal
but I have been told
-spirituality
-journaling
-meditation
-travelling solo for a weekend and just forcing yourself to think
-going to a monastery
...
more? examples that have actually worked?
THANKS :)

Answer 1

Insight Meditation helped me discover who I really am, the real nature of our inner being which we all have; it provides me with much purpose in life, and has provided me with much peace of mind, and happiness. It has helped me to become much more patient in life {Patience as defined as the ablility to remain internally calm, peaceful, and undisturbed in the face of harm and difficulties in Life), and to love all people unconditionally. Insight Meditation has helped me comprehend better that I already have everything I could ever want or need within myself, to solve any problems, difficulties and challenges that life may bring, with the use of intellecual reasoning, logic, and through self-understanding, without leaving my destiny in the hands of another person, or a creator god. For we ourselves are ultimately responsible for our own peace of mind, and Happiness. I personally have no regrets whatsoever in having gotton married, and having two wonderful children. The married life is great, and the relationships we all have with one
another. However if I had learned about Insight meditation sooner, through Buddhism {before I ever was married), I may have eventually become a Theravadan or possibly a Tibetan Monk.

Buddhanet.net is a website I advise people to go to if they wish to learn how to practice Insight Meditation.
And when money permits, to buy the book
"Mindfulness in Plain English"
By: Bhante Henepolo Gunaratana. It is such an Excellent Book.
Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn Ph.D. states on the back of the book {Mindfulness in Plain English) - "This is a work of Masterpiece.
I can not recommend it highly enough."
Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD. is a Buddhist doctor in Mass. USA who has a very successful stress reduction clinic.

Thank You for giving me the opportunity to provide an answer to your excellent question
Have an great weekend. *With Metta.

Answer 2

I think these are great tools for finding yourself, but the most important thing is to go out and do stuff! Take classes, work hard, volunteer and don't refuse an opportunity. That way, when you take some time to reflect, you have something to reflect on. Which activities meant the most to you? Which really hit a chord with your soul?

If you go to reflect, and you have nothing but an empty pond, then of course, you are not going to get much of the experience.

Walking is also a great chance to reflect, and if you are a multi-tasker, it's particularly appealing because you can get exercise at the same time. Many people enjoy walking a labyrinth for meditation. You can set one up in your own yard with some string or a garden hose. It doesn't have to be fancy.

Answer 3

Make yourself completely worthless and useless for a month. Don't do anything good or bad... Sit in front of the tv and just veg. By the end of the month, anything that you feel bad about not doing that didn't solely involve money making or survival, is probably where you truly want to be.

Answer 4

Ask yourself, "If I had the chance to gain only one or two superpowers to do ANYTHING in the world, what would I REALLY ask for?" When the answer strikes you at a deep emotional level, you'll know that it's right.

Answer 5

My personal example is.... my search for truth made me crazy, and, I read a book today.... and it suggested I should love myself.

If I'd only known that from the beginning!