Could you name your five greatest talents, if asked? By talents, I mean a natural ability to do something, like having a green thumb, or a beautiful singing voice. Perhaps you can learn and execute new dance moves easily and masterfully or you can organise an event like no other.
I have always been intrigued by the vastly different natural abilities that each of us have, and why it is that some of us are great listeners, and others can design things in our head, or learn a foreign language much easier than most.
A talent or aptitude, is a natural ability for doing certain kinds of things easily and quickly. It’s not a skill that we practiced or learn, but something that comes easily to us. A talent doesn’t need to be taught. We will say that one is « gifted » and that refers not only to the natural ability but to our belief that it is a gift.
The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give your gift away”.
– Anonymous
Everyone has a gift and therefore everyone is valuable. By the way, if you can see see the gift and value in others, then you should tell them. Enabling others to become more aware of their precious potential, allows you to become more aware of your own.
For weeks now, I have explored how experiencing our connectivity to each other leads us to becoming collaborators in each other’s lives. Learning and growing as we support each other through our spiritual and earthly experiences makes us co-creators if you will. Therefore, having been born or « gifted » with these natural abilities, leads me to believe that these gifts are meant to be shared with others.
Consider this. If you and five strangers were suddenly dropped on a remote island, and each of you had different items in your backpack, that were essential for finding your way back. Would you show these items to the others, and together figure out how to use them collectively and with each other? Of course you would. That’s the whole point with talents/ gifts.
Alright, so how do you discover your special quality, that unique way of being that is authentically you? Do you have more than one gift? How does one know for sure?
You may already be aware of your gift(s). Indeed, many are fortunate enough to discover their talent early on. The discovery of your gift is often spontaneous, or it’s been pointed out to you by others.
Its not always that easy, and understanding what your gift to the world is, may require that you clear and release the debris of self-limiting beliefs that have prevented you from tapping into your precious potential and seeing your true value. That’s why it is so important to set some time everyday to quiet your mind, and go within, to reduce the noise and clear your thoughts, and get clarity.
It has long been my advice that a person should lay claim to a corner in their home or a space outdoors where they can withdraw from the world and have a meaningful moment with their thoughts or inner self. It can be in your house, somewhere outside, or somewhere close that inspires you. For some women, it’s a « she shed/she room, » while some men retreat to the gym or their garage to do their reset. Others are perfectly happy with having a smaller space, fashioning an alter with candles tucked in a corner of the room, or perhaps a cushion on the floor and some gentle music. Ideally, you will be able to allow your energy to gather, and your whole « being » to arrive perhaps by taking some deep breaths to soak it all in.
Think talents…. And go!
After a while of being quiet in your space, you will feel a sense of spaciousness, presence, and connection and it is time to grab a pen and a piece of paper and list your gifts.
- List those innate gifts that you seem to have been born with
- List those gifts that have been picked up along your particular path in life.
- Name them, own them, honor them, and embrace them.
- Then go back out into your everyday life and dedicate yourself to generously give them away.
Awakening to our authentic self and tapping into our potential is of itself a priceless gift to the world, as it brings the best in us to life. It’s what we were meant to be, and being a positive example to others leaves a meaningful legacy.
Whatever yours is, give your gift away. Share your gift through being it and living it each day.
Journal prompt of the day: what natural abilities do I have? What comes easily to me?
Intention for today’s meditation: I am full of love and life, and I know what my gift to the world is.
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