November 22, 2009
UTNE READER

The New Elders

(Page 6 of 6)

Utne Reader September / October 2007
David Schimke Utne Reader 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

RL: I define calling as the inner urge to give your gifts away. And that inner urge is from cradle to grave. So one's job might end, but one's calling never ends. That's why the boomers are interested. They don't know what to call it, but they're either interested in working or serving in some capacity, as long as they're healthy and capable of sustaining their lives that way.

RELATED CONTENT

Gifts, plus passion, plus values, equals calling. Using your gifts on something you feel purposeful or passionate about, in a healthy environment, an environment that allows your voice to come forward.

EU: This whole conversation is making me think of the Parzival myth. Parzival is the [Holy] Grail story, and some call it the first modern myth. It comes from the 12th century. It's this guy who like so many of us is on a quest but doesn't even realize he's on a quest. He gets caught up in one distraction after another, fighting, seducing, being seduced, getting distracted, being too busy, and he forgets what his mission is. By some dumb luck he ends up in the Grail castle and meets the ailing king, but he doesn't ask The Question. If he had, he would free the king, free the people, and claim his own authority. Instead, he's cast out and goes wandering again for many years, having more encounters, making more messes. Eventually, through relationships, he discovers his heart and his capacity to feel what another person is feeling.
He ends up back at the castle again, and this time he meets the king and asks the question -- 'What ails thee?' -- thereby freeing the king, freeing the people, and becoming the Grail king, his destined role.

It all comes through relationships. It comes through connecting with another human being. That comes through life experience. And that comes through struggle. For me, that's what this is all about.

Want more? Read the rest of Utne Reader's September / October package on mentoring:

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

Add Your Comment

We’d like to know what you think. To comment, please use this form. E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments. First time registrants: You will receive an email confirming your email address. Once you confirm, your comment will be posted. Questions about our comments policy? Click here.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Utne Reader?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Pay Now & Save $6!
First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Want to gain a fresh perspective? Read stories that matter? Feel optimistic about the future? It's all here! Utne Reader offers provocative writing from diverse perspectives, insightful analysis of art and media, down-to-earth news and in-depth coverage of eye-opening issues that affect your life.

Save Even More Money By Paying NOW!

Pay now with a credit card and take advantage of our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You save an additional $6 and get 6 issues of Utne Reader for only $29.95 (USA only).

Or Bill Me Later and pay just $36 for 6 issues of Utne Reader!