Article | February 20, 2000
Introduction: The Nature of Work and Passion
Work, for many, is often associated with stress, deadlines, and pressure. It is a part of life that cannot be avoided, but the nature of how we approach work differs from one individual to another. For some, work is merely a means to survive. It is a necessity that helps them secure basic needs like food, shelter, and security. For others, work transcends mere survival; it becomes a calling, a passion, or even an expression of their highest aspirations. The difference between these two perspectives is monumental: where one experiences work as a burden, the other finds it to be an empowering and joyous activity.
It is this transformative nature of passion and the alignment with the "Universal Desire" that can turn the heaviest of burdens into the lightest of tasks. When one is passionate about their work, the challenges and struggles become stepping stones rather than obstacles. Moreover, when this passion is aligned with a greater cosmic force—what we can call the Universal Desire—then work no longer feels like work. Instead, it becomes a harmonious flow, a dance with the very essence of existence.
Passion turns work from a burden into a blessing, transforming stress into purpose.
This article explores the relationship between passion, work, and the Universal Desire that empowers individuals to overcome the stress associated with labour. By examining ancient wisdom, philosophical insights, and practical examples, we will uncover how true passion transforms work into a fulfilling, even spiritual, experience.
Passion: The Inner Fire That Fuels Action
The word “passion” originates from the Latin root "passio," meaning suffering or enduring. Over time, it has evolved to signify a deep enthusiasm or love for something. Passion, in its truest sense, is that inner fire which motivates an individual to dedicate themselves to a particular cause, task, or pursuit. It is what drives artists to create masterpieces, scientists to make discoveries, and athletes to achieve extraordinary feats.
When one is passionate about their work, the energy and commitment they invest in it come naturally. Time seems to disappear, and fatigue becomes secondary to the satisfaction of engaging in meaningful activity. Stress, which is often associated with work, dissipates when one finds joy and purpose in their actions.
When you align with the Universal Desire, every task feels like a sacred dance, not a strain.
Flow State: Passion in Action
Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of “flow” provides insight into the relationship between passion and stress-free work. Flow is the state of being completely absorbed in an activity, where time seems to melt away, and the self is fully immersed in the task at hand. When individuals enter this state, they are driven by passion, and the activity itself becomes a source of intrinsic motivation. There is no room for stress or anxiety because the mind and body are entirely focused on the task.
For example, consider a musician who loses track of time while composing a piece of music. For hours, they are so engrossed in their work that external concerns—such as deadlines or the opinions of others—fade into the background. The musician's passion aligns with the work, creating a flow that makes the activity not only stress-free but also deeply enjoyable.
Passion is thus the catalyst for achieving a flow state. When individuals are passionate about what they do, they are more likely to experience flow, making work feel effortless and joyful.
The Universal Desire: Aligning with a Greater Force
While passion is the personal fuel that drives us, the concept of the Universal Desire refers to a greater cosmic force that aligns with our individual pursuits. In many spiritual traditions, this force is recognized as the will of the divine, the Tao, or the collective consciousness of the universe. When individuals align their work with this Universal Desire, they are not only motivated by personal passion but are also supported by a higher purpose.
Living in Alignment with the Universal Desire
In the Tantric perspective, life is a sacred journey where personal desire is not separate from the cosmic will. By embracing desire as a spiritual force and aligning it with the Universal Desire, individuals can transcend the limitations of ego and experience a deeper connection with the divine. Tantra teaches that the path to liberation is not through renunciation but through embracing life in all its fullness, knowing that every action, thought, and experience is an expression of the cosmic dance.
By aligning with the Universal Desire, one learns to move in harmony with the rhythms of the universe, where every moment becomes an opportunity for spiritual awakening. In this way, Tantra offers a path of empowerment, where desire becomes a vehicle for liberation, and the individual is awakened to their true nature as a manifestation of the divine force that drives the cosmos.
In Indian philosophy, the Bhagavad Gita speaks of "Svadharma," which refers to one's duty or path. According to the Gita, when one acts following their Svadharma, they are aligned with the cosmic order or "Rta." Such alignment brings a sense of peace, fulfilment, and purpose. Work that is done as an expression of one's true nature (Svadharma) is not stressful because it is empowered by the Universal Desire or the cosmic will. This idea emphasizes that true fulfilment in work comes from passion and a deeper alignment with universal principles.
True fulfilment comes when your work mirrors the greater cosmic will, where passion meets purpose.
The Taoist Perspective: Wu Wei and Effortless Action
In Taoism, the principle of "Wu Wei" (often translated as "non-action" or "effortless action") teaches a similar concept. Wu Wei is not about inaction but about aligning oneself with the natural flow of the universe. When one is in harmony with the Tao—the universal way or path—action becomes effortless, and work does not feel like work. Stress arises when one tries to force things, going against the natural flow.
Taoist masters often use the metaphor of water to explain this principle. Water, though soft and yielding, is powerful because it flows effortlessly, adapting to the path of least resistance. Similarly, when humans align their actions with the Universal Desire or the natural flow of life, their work becomes stress-free and joyful.
In this sense, work that is aligned with the Universal Desire becomes a form of Wu Wei, where one acts without effort, stress, or tension. The individual is not struggling against the world but flowing with it.
The Myth of Stress: Is It a Matter of Perception?
Stress, in many cases, is a product of perception. Two individuals can experience the same task in completely different ways. One may find it overwhelming and stressful, while the other may see it as a rewarding challenge. The difference lies in their mindset and approach to the work.
When people are disconnected from passion and purpose, they often view work as a burden, which creates stress. This stress is not inherent to the work itself but to the way it is perceived. When individuals are passionate about their work, they view challenges as opportunities for growth, and stress is replaced by a sense of excitement and motivation.
In the flow of the Universal Desire, effort becomes effortless, and work becomes a joyful offering.
Consider the story of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. Jobs once said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Jobs faced numerous challenges, setbacks, and failures throughout his career, yet he remained passionate about his vision. His passion for innovation and creativity empowered him to overcome stress, and his alignment with a greater vision—transforming technology—allowed him to achieve extraordinary success.
In essence, stress is not an external force but an internal reaction. When individuals are passionate and aligned with a greater purpose, their perception of work shifts, and what once seemed stressful becomes meaningful and fulfilling.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Passion and Align with Universal Desire
Understanding the power of passion and the Universal Desire is one thing, but how can individuals practically cultivate these qualities in their lives and work? Below are several strategies for cultivating passion and aligning with the greater cosmic force:
Discover Your Passion: Passion often stems from doing what you love. Take time to explore your interests, hobbies, and talents. What activities make you lose track of time? What subjects excite you? By identifying your passions, you can begin to align your work with activities that bring you joy and fulfilment.
Find Meaning in Your Work: Even if you are not currently in a position that aligns with your passion, try finding meaning in your work. Finding meaning in your work Every task, no matter how mundane, can be an opportunity for growth and learning. Reflect on how your work contributes to the larger whole, and focus on the positive impact you are making.
Align with a Greater Purpose: Beyond personal passion, consider how your work aligns with the greater good or the Universal Desire. Whether it's serving others, contributing to society, or advancing a larger cause, when you feel connected to something beyond yourself, work becomes more meaningful and less stressful.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, which can help reduce stress and enhance the enjoyment of work. By focusing on the task at hand without judgment or distraction, you can enter a state of flow more easily, where passion and work merge seamlessly.
Embrace Challenges as Opportunities: Passionate individuals view challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. Instead of avoiding difficult tasks, embrace them as chances to learn and improve. This mindset shift reduces stress and fosters a sense of empowerment.
Connect with Like-Minded Individuals: Surround yourself with people who share your passion or who inspire you. Being part of a community that supports your interests can enhance your motivation and help you align with the Universal Desire. Collaboration often leads to greater creativity and less stress.
Balance Work and Rest: While passion can drive you to work tirelessly, it's important to maintain balance. Burnout can occur when passion is not balanced with rest and self-care. By taking time to recharge, you can sustain your passion over the long term without succumbing to stress.
Case Study: The Story of the Wright Brothers
The story of Orville and Wilbur Wright is a testament to the power of passion and alignment with a greater desire. The Wright brothers were passionate about flight from a young age, and despite numerous failures, they persisted in their efforts to build the first powered aeroplane. Their passion for innovation and discovery drove them to work tirelessly, overcoming countless technical challenges and setbacks.
But their success was not due to passion alone. The Wright brothers were also aligned with a greater desire—the universal desire to push the boundaries of human achievement. They were not merely building a machine; they were advancing humanity's understanding of flight. This alignment with a greater purpose empowered them to persist in the face of adversity and stress.
Their story is a powerful example of how passion, combined with alignment to a larger cosmic goal, transforms work from a source of stress into a fulfilling and empowering journey.
When passion fuels your actions, the boundaries between work and play blur, leaving only joy.
Conclusion: Passion, Purpose, and the Universal Desire
When passion and work are aligned, stress fades into the background, replaced by a deep sense of fulfilment and joy. This alignment with personal passion is further enhanced when individuals connect their work to the Universal Desire, the greater force that drives all existence. Whether through philosophical principles like Svadharma and Wu Wei, or through practical steps to cultivate passion, individuals can transform their experience of work from one of stress to one of empowerment.
Ultimately, no work is stressful when you are passionate about it or when you are empowered by the Universal Desire for that activity. This profound truth offers a path to fulfilment, not just in work but in life as a whole. Through passion, alignment with a greater purpose, and the understanding that stress is largely a matter of perception, we can all transcend the burdens of labour and embrace the joy of meaningful, purposeful action.
