When I was 29 years old I read this book by Reshad Feild. He was narrating about a Sufi's journey and there was one idea that struck me and stayed with me until now.
A Sufi ( I never professed that I am one, though I am attracted to the notion) must do the Work, given to him or her by God. The talents and nature of a Sufi must be discovered and put to good use for the Work to be done. He could be a great facilitator, strategist, value-adder or composer. She could be a great manager, teacher or technician.
Whatever it is, once discovered it should be put to good use for humanity, mankind, community or at least family.
It should not be self-serving and short-termed. It should be life-long, visionary and sustainable.
I discovered my nature and talent even more so in the last year when I took a nine months break from the norm. I was discovering and implementing it earlier, even since 1997 when I started teaching at UM but I did not recognized it.
In life and doing the Work, it is important that you recognized your nature and talent. Often you need someone to identify it for you but if you don't realize it even if it's pointed out to you, then you will not be able to do the Work, and becomes to self-absorbed. That would be no good because what is your goal in that?
Without minding the impact of what you do to your community and humanity, you might be a destroyer rather than a builder.
