I woke up today
With a clear purpose
To show compassion to all beings
To help others suffer less
To bring joy to others
How will I live my purpose?
By practicing compassion
Love & peace
To shed light into the darkness
To live out my message
I woke up today
With a clear purpose
To show compassion to all beings
To help others suffer less
To bring joy to others
How will I live my purpose?
By practicing compassion
Love & peace
To shed light into the darkness
To live out my message
I have lived in paradise
Warm weather
Palm trees
Tall lush mountains above me
I have travelled far & wide
In search of adventure
Hawaii
Japan
New Zealand
Vietnam
Thailand
I have been tested on this journey
Brought down to my knees
Fearful of uncertainty
But I kept going
Faith in the path unknown
As I pack my bag one last time
Tears fall down my cheeks
Joy of the many great memories
Flooding my mind
Many new friends
So much growth
Beautiful mountains, ocean, & people
It was worth every penny spent
Worth every fearful moment
On my path unknown
As I stare off into the horizon
I reflect on my life
The man I have become
In 29 years, I have come so far
Yet old unskillful habits persist
Holding me back from living the life I truly want to live
My breathe brings me back into this moment
In this moment I can change my life
I can begin the process of letting go of what’s holding me back
So I can acquire the life I want to live
What is our purpose?
Money?
Fame?
Is our only purpose in life to consume & buy stuff?
I believe our purpose on this planet is much more than what’s listed above.
We are here,
To inspire.
To create.
To help others.
To protect the innocent.
We are much more than our career, bank account, awards, and trinkets.
We are nature.
A gentle breeze grazes me.
As I gaze into the deep blue sea.
Nature reminding me once more,
How beautiful she truly is.
May we see the oneness of nature.
Oneness of everything.
The illusion of separation blind us from the ultimate truth.
We are nature.
As long as this illusion lasts.
We will not wake up to save ourselves.
Why are we here?
What is our purpose?
To mindlessly consume?
To suffer & cause suffering?
Humanity has hit a turning point.
We can not mindlessly consume much longer.
Our path must change.
To a more mindful one.
To uplift and inspire change.
To help alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings.
To save our precious planet from mindless consumerism & ego.
To be the change,
We seek in the universe.
Why do we cling and obsess with the known?
As if we could control everything & everyone around us?
When did we lose our faith in the unknown?
Infinite possibilities lie ahead of us on the path unknown.
Embrace it with excitement & joy.
Where do I stay?
Where do I go?
Path unknown.
Will I be able to let go of obsessing about the known?
Will I be able to embrace this path of newly found freedom?
Aloha,
Today’s blog post is about being vulnerable. Vulnerability is humanities greatest strength. It takes courage to be completely open and honest about our struggles.
Instagram & Facebook show us highlight reels of other people’s lives, which makes us feel like we aren’t living our lives to the fullest. There is a reason that studies show that heavy social media use is linked to depression, anxiety, and loneliness. We only connect at a surface level in sharing our highlights. Full transparency allows us to connect at a much deeper level.
Everyone has hardships but we rarely (if ever) share them on social media. Why is that? Are we scared that others will pity or judge us? From my experience, others will support and open up to their struggles once we break the ice. Connecting with others in this way is special.
For the past 6 weeks I have been traveling New Zealand on a working holiday visa. I haven’t started the working part of that yet though! LOL. Its hasn’t been perfect though. I spent way more money than expected on my first month of traveling which has caused me anxiety. At times, I have felt lonely in my travels, even when many others were around. Lately I have been having a hard time dealing with boredom and lack of purpose with no job. Lots of self judgements and worrying about what others think of me. Slowly I’m excepting the fact that this is a sabbatical and I will find work in the new year. I need to show some faith in myself once more and enjoy my free time.
Our society could benefit from being more vulnerable with each other. It helps us feel more connected and compassionate to others. Vulnerability takes true courage and strength. We all share the human experience together, let’s help each other live the fullest life that we can.
What have you been struggling with lately?
Namaste,
Johnny Hoffman
Two years ago I left my corporate job and moved to Maui to a simpler life. Now I live in New Zealand on a working holiday visa.
Alot has changed in these last two years; both inner & outer. Many amazing sunsets, beautiful ocean views, and amazing mountains. Through my journeys I experienced that happiness is found within. There were dark times living in paradise (Maui) and life isn’t always perfect traveling New Zealand. You bring your insecurities, fears, doubts, unskillful habits, and worries with you every where you go.
There are plenty of unhappy people living in beautiful destinations and many content people living in undesirable cities. Happiness is not a destination, it’s a way of life. A way of life we as individuals must find out on our own. There are many blueprints of other people’s lives to learn from though and many people who will help you along the journey.
You are not alone, but only you can truly help yourself become content with your life.
No pill, book, or material item can replace hard work and commitment. Question everything, even your own thoughts, which are often based on false narratives from past experiences.
This seems difficult but what could be more important than your own contentment? What I find liberating about this message is that we are back in the driver seat of our own life. No one can save us but ourself. We have the power to live the life we truly want to live. It only takes us letting go of old beliefs, habits, and judgments.
Kia Ora,
Johnny Hoffman