The search for a meaning in life is as old as humanity itself. Religions talk about it, philosophers ponder on it and people quest for it. In recent years, this search has turned into a crisis, reflected in the large number of adults who are "isolated, self-centred, tolerant of everything and committed to nothing." These are the words of Prof. Allan Bloom, a renowned American scholar. He believes that there is an enormous sense of emptiness in our lives and that the creative spirit that charecterises exhilaration and meaning in life is lost. No one knows what it is like to live anymore. In order to live a life of purpose, it is necessary to imbibe the creative spirit that lies dormant in every human being. This high powered force of life must become a part of us and as renowned psychologist Daniel Goleman puts it, "the creative spirit may actually gain in strength and vigour as an older man or woman....concentrates on what truly matters."

In other words, it should not take a heart attack or something equally drastic to make you realise what really matters most to you in life. This awareness must permeate every waking moment of your life. Every day, there must be new discoveries, heartfelt values and new ways to put meaning back into your life.

Here is a simple exercise to living a life of purpose. Enrich yourself with a 10 minute reflection of how you want to be remembered at the end of your life.

Here is a suggestion - Take five to ten minutes off from your busy schedule this week, sit quietly in solitude, relax and enter your observations in a diary under the heading - "How I want to be remembered at the end of my life."

Imagine what others would say about you in a eulogy if you died today. This is not a morbid exercise, though it may seem like it. It is an honest exercise to make you understand if you have lived a life of purpose.

Also make a note of what you would have wished for people to say about you when you die. Vividly envision the specific qualities and actions and contributions to the world you'd truly wish for your friends to feel and say and remember about you.

Then ask yourself whether you are devoting some attention every single day to living that kind of life. If not, it is time to reexamine your priorities, dust off your hidden dreams and make specific, modest changes that draw the direction of your life more into line with the values and purpose in your heart.

This simple exercise is one of the most powerful ways to unlock the full creative process to bring into existence more of whatever you want. Admitting the deep importance of each day, every moment, is one of the best ways to illuminate most of your inner purpose, power and values today.

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