A Simple Approach to Living with Purpose
The Daily Practice
This simple practice takes just minutes but can gradually transform how you experience your day.
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Morning Check-In
3 Minutes
Begin your day by taking a few deep breaths and asking yourself:
Truth Question: "What's one thing I want to see clearly today?"
This might be understanding a situation better, being honest with yourself about something, or simply paying closer attention to what's actually happening around you.
Beauty Question: "Where might I find a moment of wonder today?"
This could be noticing nature, appreciating someone's kindness, or creating something, even something small.
Goodness Question: "What's one way I might bring care into the world today?"
This doesn't have to be grand—small acts of kindness count, including being kind to yourself.
Quick Resets Throughout
the Day
Life gets busy and we forget our morning intentions. Use these everyday moments as triggers to quickly reconnect:
Waiting moments (in line, at a red light, for a meeting to start): Take a breath and ask "What's true right now?"
Transition times (entering a new space, finishing one task before starting another): Pause to notice something beautiful or well-made in your surroundings.
Interaction opportunities (before responding to someone, entering a conversation): Remember your capacity for goodness and how your response might make a difference.
Evening Reflection
1-2 Minutes
Before sleep, take just 1-2 minutes to reflect:
→ What truth did I see today that I might have missed before?
→ What moment of beauty surprised me?
→ What act of goodness, however small, felt meaningful?
No need to write anything down, though if you want to record the answers try keeping a notepad at your bedside, making a note on your phone, or creating a quick voice memo. This is intended to be just a brief, gentle reflection to train your awareness over time.
Making It Work for You
This practice is meant to be flexible. You'll discover your own rhythm and approach as you go. The key is consistency, not perfection—even once a week is better than not at all.
Some people find it helpful to:
→ Connect the practice to existing habits (morning coffee, commute time, before bed)
→ Keep a simple journal of discoveries, using a notes app on the phone if it's easier
→ Share the journey with a friend
→ Set gentle reminders on their phone
Deepen Your Practice:
Naikan Reflection (Optional)
3-5 Minutes
As you grow comfortable with the basic evening reflection, you might explore Naikan (pronounced "nye-kahn"), a Japanese practice of self-reflection. Developed in the 1940s by Yoshimoto Ishin, Naikan means "looking inside" and offers a structured way to reflect on our relationships with others.
The practice involves three simple questions:
→ What have I received from others today?
→ What have I given to others today?
→ What difficulties have I caused others today?
Spending just 3-5 minutes with these questions can help you notice the often invisible web of support in your life, bringing greater awareness to how you're connected to others.
Common Questions
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Lao Tzu
Do I need to be religious to practice this philosophy?
No. While these principles appear in many religious traditions, they're also part of our shared human experience. This approach works regardless of your spiritual beliefs or lack thereof.
How long before I notice a difference?
Many people notice small shifts in their awareness within a week or two. More significant changes in perspective and behavior typically develop over months of practice. Be patient with yourself—this is about gradual growth, not instant transformation.
What if I miss days or forget?
That's completely normal and expected. Simply begin again without judgment. Consistency over time matters more than perfection on any given day.
I'm already very busy. Is this going to add stress to my life?
This practice is designed to work within your existing routine, not add to it. Many people find that it actually reduces stress by helping them focus on what truly matters. Start small—even one aspect of the practice can be beneficial.