As human beings, we often search for ways to feel truly fulfilled—ways that fill us deeply and lastingly. Many of us believe that serving others is the highest form of human endeavor. And yet, even among those who dedicate themselves to helping others, fulfillment remains elusive for most. Why is this?
Fulfillment is the second deepest desire of the human soul, surpassing joy, peace, and success. While these are essential, they are not enough on their own. The key to lasting fulfillment lies in creativity, for creativity is an inherent human trait. However, creativity is not limited to artistry or making things. At its core, creativity means expressing your unique self in the world. We are all born with a set of innate skills—skills that are unaffected by external circumstances or material wealth. These skills are meant to help us create something that not only benefits us but also elevates the larger world around us.
Creativity manifests in many forms, and it’s up to each of us to discover how it flows through us. To find it, you must spend time in solitude and connect with your inner self. Ask yourself: What is it that will fill you completely? What is the one thing that, when you do it, you feel whole? The process of finding this answer requires deep introspection, self-discovery, and expansion of your personal reach. It leads you on an adventurous journey of seeking and searching, which ultimately connects you with your life’s purpose—the reason you were born and the unique role you’re meant to play in this world.
We are all born with a purpose, accompanied by the skills needed to fulfill it. This is the art of living. Finding our purpose is the science of living. But amid the chaos and distractions of our daily routines, we’ve lost sight of both the art and science of living. As a result, we forget our core human element: the ability to create. This brings us to a crucial point: the role of the ego in our search for fulfillment. When seeking our purpose, we often encounter the ego. The desire to create can stem from either our ego or our essence, and the outcome of these desires will differ.
When our desire to create comes from the ego, it may lead us to achieve our goals, but it will never bring lasting fulfillment. In fact, ego-driven goals often cause harm to others, even as they might appear to serve us in the short term. On the other hand, when our desires align with our essence, the results are not only fulfilling but also beneficial to those around us.
So how do we distinguish between the desires of the ego and the desires of our essence? The first sign is to recognize whether the desire feels like a want or a need. When we say, “I want to create this,” it typically comes from the ego. But when we say, “I need to create this,” it comes from the essence. The second clue is how the desire makes us feel. Does it bring a sense of stability, trust, and peace, or does it cause restlessness and greed? If it brings stability and a sense of purpose, it is aligned with the essence. If it causes turmoil, it is likely driven by the ego.
Every being in the universe is connected at the essence level. The universe’s natural order works to elevate every soul, guiding it toward freedom from all suffering, including the suffering caused by life and death. This elevation is possible only when each being lives from their essence, not from their ego. Humans, with their vast resources and power, are most prone to using them for ego-driven pursuits or limited perceptions. The key to breaking this cycle is to connect more with our essence and less with external influences.
At its core, the human element is creativity. It is through creativity that we find fulfillment and contribute to the greater good. So, the question remains: Are you creating? Are you living in alignment with your essence and using your unique skills to fulfill your purpose? When you create from your essence, you will not only find fulfillment but also help elevate the world around you.
Yours in essence
Minal Dalal
author, life navigator, founder of HumanFullness, co-founder of Amysh & Co
Adhyaant - The Living Ecosystem For Human Potentia 
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