From “Soul Medicine for a Fractured World: Healing, Justice, and the Path of Wholeness” by Liza J. Rankow
Renowned author, educator, preacher, and socially engaged mystic, Dr. Howard Thurman is among the most significant spiritual teachers in my own life. A few years back a quote from Thurman became a meme on social media. Even people who have no idea who he was recite this: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” We come alive as we live in alignment with our soul’s purpose, embodying and expressing our authentic self. It does not necessarily mean being happy all the time, or having material wealth, or being free from suffering and struggle. Indeed, the most vibrantly alive people push themselves beyond the bounds of ease and comfort, and take on challenges that require them to grow.