Why Are You Here?

Ask yourself, Why am I here? Write down the first thing that comes to mind. This question is open to many interpretations, so jot down whatever thoughts it triggers. Don’t worry about the writing itself. You don’t even have to use complete sentences.

Then pose the question again: Why am I here? Write down a new response. Do this 20 times. Keep looking for different ways to interpret the question so that each answer is unique and speaks to a different facet of the question.

Now look over your responses. What did they tell you? Do you see any patterns or progression in the answers? What does this tell you about how you see your life?

You can see your life as a series of external and internal events, but you can also learn to see these events as connected to each other and with something more spiritual. When you do that, you will begin to see your life as an opportunity to share the special gift you alone can bestow upon the world. That’s the one answer to the question of why you are here. Having that kind of clarity of purpose will help you focus your intentions.

Read more: Deepak Chopra's Tips, Spirit

Adapted from The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra (Three Rivers Press, 2003). Reprinted by permission of the author.
Adapted from The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra (Three Rivers Press, 2003).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Atocha B.

6:35AM PDT on May 21, 2012

Thanks!

send a green star

Dot A.

3:49PM PDT on May 4, 2012

our 'free will' is exercised to respond to this question

we may decide why we are here

or use this experience as we best see fit

however, choosing a "higher purpose" motivates us to do good for 'all'

Bradford H.

9:20AM PDT on May 4, 2012

"Why am I here?"... Um, "Why NOT"..."Where else would I be?"... BE HERE NOW. You will be somewhere else later. Really, life is so, sO, SO simple...Just BE HERE NOW... Who CARES "why?"...

Jerry t.

11:41AM PDT on Aug 9, 2011

Apparently, most of us are not here to learn good English.
Can anyone define 'here'? I have many bodies working on many planes. That is why I dream.
Earth is a gravity well, I know I fell. My purpose is to climb back out and find my way home. All the while I have to slap the hands that wish to keep me down.
Falling is no disgrace, not getting back up is a disgrace.
We are 'here' to demonstrate who we are. Yes, we are being watched, That's what Angels really do.
I know I'm not here to 'serve' Christ, because he keeps no slaves.

Brian M.

11:42AM PST on Feb 14, 2011

I believe I may be here to read another example of the tripe that has made Deepak Chopra a multimillionaire while the rest of us are just struggling to make ends meet. When my bills are unpaid, is that an inner emptiness or an outward failure to pay? When my lights go out, is my darkness inside or outside of myself? When we finally run out of food, is that my stomach growling or just one of my chakras?

Bon L.

6:08AM PDT on Nov 4, 2010

Thanks for the info.

golden p.

1:03AM PDT on Oct 15, 2010

I look for interfaces that physically connect people.

Ainsley C.

10:09PM PDT on Jun 14, 2010

This was a question in our Catholic catechism. And the answer "To know Christ, to love him and serve him here on earth". With all my many life experiences over 70 years, this answer is as true today as it was 60 years ago when I first learnt it.

Din K.

7:42AM PDT on Jun 14, 2010

In the first place there’s no “I” to be found. Only a temporary correlation of five aggregates exists. And these aggregates are here not for any particular purpose, or to fulfill any duty. They simply ‘exist’ as an effect provoked by a cause…