What does Life Purpose and Remembering How to Fly have to do with death?

If you’re like me, it’s simple: it matters to live the best possible life you can while you’re here. Your Life Purpose Hand Analysis. lays out the blueprint for that life. The question is how do you actually live it?

I read a book this week that beautifully illustrates the ideal approach. It’s called Deadline, by Chris Crutcher.  I heard Chris speak at a writer’s conference. He’s an award-winning author for young adults, known for his ability to take volatile subjects and make them the center of an incredibly engaging plot. This novel is about a high school senior who finds out he has just one year to live, and decides (initially) to tell no one so he can live as “normal” a life as possible.

Here’s the cool part. He proceeds to knock his life goals out of the ball park. He turns out for the football team (he’s a tiny guy), he dates the girl he’s been afraid to approach for three years, he reads like crazy to learn all he can, and he starts speaking up about what he cares about.

Of course, there’s no free lunch; he still has to tell those he loves he’s going to die (and that he lied to them about it). The book packs a huge emotional wallop.

My point comes in his “aha” moment: he realizes that taking risks in spite of his fear is key to his success. No less important is choosing his actions with an eye to how they impact those around him.

It’s not an easy line to walk, but he does it: he chooses emotional authenticity, he serves his spirit first so he can be of service to others, he takes action on his innovative plans, and he chooses a life that for him, is in perfect balance.

That’s walking the Master Path of all 4 Life Schools! So… how can you do that without actually facing a death sentence? How can you let go of “what you have to lose,” and take bold, but compassionate and responsible action? How can you carry “Death” on your shoulder, as Don Juan, Carlos Castaneda’s shaman, suggests?

I invite you to sign up for the Life Purpose Playshops A series starting January 6, 2013. We’ll be focusing on Life Schools, and how they frame and support your Life Purpose. It promises to be full of play, discovery, connection, and insights. By committing to a structure that supports your growth, you’ll be starting the New Year in the most enlightened way possible.

Coach’s Challenge: Do one thing, today, that is outside of your comfort zone: whether it’s expressing yourself honestly, or taking an action. After you’ve done it, notice how you feel. You may be surprised at how energizing it can be, and how freeing. Commit to one small risk in front of another for a whole week, and see where it takes you!