What Motivates us? A Compass of Eleven Inner Yearnings

Today, I spent some time meditating on the whispers within that propel us towards our fulfillment as humans. These drives are not well captured in any mainstream motivational theories.

Below, we will see what these inner calls are and how the whispers of these calls appear to us:

1. The Call to Authenticity:

• A yearning to shed masks and live true to your values, passions, and inner self.
• A questioning of societal expectations and pressures to conform.
• A desire to discover and express your unique gifts and talents.

2. The Call to Connection:

• A longing for genuine, meaningful relationships that go beyond the superficial.
• A yearning to be seen, heard, and understood for who you truly are.
• A desire to contribute to something larger than yourself, to be part of a community.

3. The Call to Growth:

• A feeling of restlessness or stagnancy, a desire to push beyond your comfort zone.
• A yearning to learn, evolve, and become the best version of yourself.
• A curiosity about the unknown, a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives.

4. The Call to Purpose:

• A search for meaning and significance in life, a desire to contribute something impactful.
• A questioning of "why am I here?" and a yearning to fulfill your unique purpose.
• A sense of responsibility to make a positive difference in the world.

5. The Call to Transcendence:

• A longing for something beyond the material world, a connection to something spiritual.
• A desire to understand the deeper mysteries of life, death, and consciousness.
• A yearning for inner peace, equanimity, and oneness with the universe.

6. The Call to Creativity:

• A desire to express yourself, to bring your inner world into the outer world.
• A yearning to leave your mark, to create something beautiful or meaningful.
• A fascination with the process of innovation and invention, the joy of making something new.

7. The Call to Vulnerability:

• A willingness to let go of defenses and open yourself up to vulnerability and connection.
• An understanding that true strength lies in embracing your full range of emotions, including weaknesses.
• A desire for authentic intimacy and a willingness to share your true self with others.

8. The Call to Forgiveness:

• A recognition of the harm caused to yourself and others, a desire to let go of resentment and anger.
• A willingness to forgive yourself and others, to release the baggage of the past.
• A belief in the power of compassion and healing, both for yourself and others.

9. The Call to Service:

• A desire to use your gifts and talents to help others, to make a positive impact on the world.
• A yearning to alleviate suffering and injustice, to make the world a better place.
• A belief in the interconnectedness of all beings and the responsibility we have to each other.

10. The Call to Silence:

• A need for quiet reflection and introspection, a retreat from the noise and chaos of the world.
• A desire to connect with your inner voice, to listen to your intuition and wisdom.
• A recognition of the power of stillness and presence in finding peace and clarity.

11. The Call to Wholeness:

• A yearning to integrate all aspects of yourself, the light and the shadow, the rational and the emotional.
• A desire to heal internal divisions and fragmentation, to become whole and complete within.
• A recognition that true growth lies not in striving for perfection, but in embracing your authentic self, including both your strengths and weaknesses.

The key is to embrace this interconnectedness and avoid the trap of compartmentalizing or prioritizing one call over another. Listen to your unique song, the harmonious blend of these inner whispers, and allow them to guide you on your own personal journey towards wholeness. While doing so, we must also ensure that we do not make it more difficult for someone else to give heed to their inner calls.