By Claire Diab and Dennis Boyle
This is the seventh in a series of articles on the Seven Keys to Success. The seventh Spiritual Law is the Law of Dharma. Dharma is a Sanskrit word meaning “purpose.” Part of your Dharma is that of a firefighter, to help and serve people, saving lives, land, and properties. Your dharma is so important and so much appreciated! You also may have another purpose in life; being a parent, a mother or father to a child, is another important purpose that many have. To understand ones dharma or purpose in life gives you a better sense of the work that you do, a better understanding and awareness of how important you really are.
We all have a unique talent and a unique way of expressing it. There are a couple of ways to discover and to be guided to your dharma. One is to write down a list of all the things you love and enjoy doing. Then ask yourself the question: If I can do anything in the world for my job and money is no object, what would that be? See if you can combine that one thing or two things with the things you love to do.
And then finally ask the questions: “How can I help? How can I serve?” I believe it is important to be aware that many people may be in their dharma and they just don’t know it. Begin to understand and honor your unique way of performing the particular job you are in. You may then realize how important your part is that you are performing. When you honor your uniqueness and realize your importance, this can give you a whole new meaning of your purpose.
Claire Diab is an internationally recognized Yoga therapist. She is the director of the Yoga Program for the Chopra Center founded by Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon. She is an adjunct professor of Asian Studies at Seton Hall University. She is the author of several books and DVDs on Yoga including “Yoga For Firefighters.”
Dennis Boyle is a retired fire director and acting chief with the West Orange (NJ) Fire Department. He was the recipient of the 1999 New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs “Fire Officer of the Year” award.
