How do you find meaning and purpose in your life? Especially if you have lost a partner or friend or job and find a "whole" in your existence?

The answer is to focus on what you want to create and experience next to find meaning and satisfaction. Recognize your gifts and use them to make the world a better place for yourself and others.

Love all, be grateful for what you have, help others and have fun while doing it. Either find meaning in your work itself, or if not that, meaning in working for the love and betterment of our families and all people, and the world itself.

"If you are feeling bored or disconnected from life, then you have lost touch with your spirit and awareness of the many blessings and gifts God has given you. To cure boredom stop holding yourself back from life and take a risk. Take a chance and get involved in something bigger than you. Goodness knows the world has ample opportunities to choose from," said Sonia Choquette in her recent "Heal Your Life" posting.

There are many opportunities to "connect," which is the way to overcome spiritual malaise. Volunteering at a shelter or community garden, taking a class to learn a new skill, use your creativity in a new way or find balance in your life (perhaps yoga, meditation or chakra work), or joining a group whose purpose resonates with your heart and soul.

For example, The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers came into being in 2004 to help spread peace and promote healing.

Together, the Grandmothers unite ancient indigenous prayer lineages from around the world to create a sacred circle for blessing and healing. You can enter into a virtual circle with them for 3 nights the first week of October, 2011, in a circle that will call us into a spirit of reverence and personal and planetary healing.

Find out more and register here (including how you can help them with their upcoming Brazil trip): http://theshiftnetwork.com/Wisdom

Thanks, Becca, for your recent post on being in the moment, the only time one can experience happiness. Any other suggestions?
Miss-step

Dear Missy,
Having just finished a Hawaii Health Getaway on "The Art of Stress Management," I would first of all suggest lowering your stress level. Excess stress can put a damper on even the best conditions and create tension in your body that can lead to pain, and excess cortisol levels that can lead to a host of health problems. Therefore, if you're in a state of chronic stress, it's much more difficult to enjoy life. Find a stress-reliever you can incorporate into your life on a daily basis, e.g., deep abdominal breathing, yoga, meditation, relaxing in nature, and finding time to nurture yourself.

On the physical level, keep yourself healthy, an important criteria for happiness. Explore healthier nutrition, as well as a green lifestyle where you are not exposed to the toxic chemicals in fragrance products, household cleaners, pesticides, etc.  Despite the ad claims, these chemicals can cause depression and damage your nervous system and skew your hormone levels. Choose natural alternatives whenever possible.

If you feel emotional stress, let go of any anger about the past or fear about the future.

If you feel mental stress, give up criticism of yourself, and anyone or anything else. Focus on what you like, what you love, what does make you happy and ignore the rest.

On the spiritual level, find a purpose or meaning to your life. People are generally happier when they're living a life of meaning. Perhaps volunteer to a cause that you believe in - whether you have the time or money to donate to a cause, there are so many in need around the world, so many organizations with worthwhile goals.

Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries