If you're experiencing lack of purpose in your career you might feel at a total loss for direction and not know where to turn. If this is you, I've got you! One of the key pieces of advice I offer is to begin to cultivate or deepen your sense of spirituality. This is because, to uncover your purpose, a necessary foundation is to connect to a sense of a higher calling and a higher power. Tuning into purpose does not come from logic and rational exploration, which you might be used to guiding many of your decisions in life and work. Instead, to connect to greater purpose, you must connect to something greater than you.
If you are reading this and don't yet feel connected to spirituality or know you do want to deepen your spiritual life, read on. Below, I introduce you to 6 spiritual teachers that can open your heart and mind to your spiritual self and ultimately, your higher purpose. I only list teachers who I have spent my own time studying and learning from either in live settings or through their books, interviews, and online talks. I share with you their talks, interviews, and for some links to their seminal books. You can explore these offerings like your own curriculum of spiritual learning. Explore one teacher each day, each week, or each month - whatever you choose! Each teacher has their own unique style, and so my hope is that as you explore each, you will receive messages that resonate with your heart and stir your soul to open or deepen your spiritual life and your sense of purpose.
1. Gary Zukav
Gary Zukav is the author of the best-selling book Seat of the Soul and also the founder of the Seat of the Soul Institute. He and his partner Linda Francis teach philosophies on how to connect with your soul, how to create authentic power from within, and how to create relationships supportive of your spiritual growth. You can get a sample of Gary's teachings by watching this interview with Oprah during her Super Soul Sessions series.
You can also order Gary's seminal book here:
2. Christine Arylo
Christine Arylo is an author and women's empowerment/leadership advisor. She is also the founder of The Path of Self Love School and The Feminine Power Time Podcast. Christine is one of my personal mentors who I studied directly under for 3 years, particularly in the philosophies of the divine feminine. She offers a unique voice for women to operate in wisdom over their fear. Listening to her podcast is a great way to get a sense of the type of wisdom she offers women for bringing their purpose and most authentic expression into the world.
3. Michael Bernard Beckwith
Michael Bernard Beckwith is the founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center located in Culver City, California. He is a New Thought Minister teaching principles like the Law of Attraction. He is well known as one of the spiritual experts featured in The Secret. You can get a sense of his teachings through his recent sermon delivered at an Oprah Winfrey live event and shared her Super Soul Podcast.
4. Marianne Williamson
Marianne Williamson is a best-selling author, lecturer, and activist. She teaches from a curriculum designed to create spiritual transformation titled A Course in Miracles. In essence, she offers big picture philosophies and practical advice for how to remove fear and live in love, as is offered in her most famous book A Return to Love. You can learn about Marianne's teachings in a recent interview on the Super Soul Podcast where she revisits this book and its teachings. Fun fact: Marianne is currently running for U.S. President with a very inspirational campaign.
Get Marianne's seminal book here:
5. Devon Franklin
Devon Franklin is a Hollywood producer, author, preacher, and motivational speaker. His books speak about living with purpose and creating fulfilling relationships. He speaks from a Christian perspective with a young, fresh vibe. You can learn about his views on creating a life of purpose from his books, most notably in the area of career by his book Produced by Faith. You can listen to his interview with Oprah Winfrey on the Super Soul Podcast about this book to get a taste.
Get Devon's book Produced by Faith here:
6. Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert is best known for her international best-selling book Eat Pray Love. In that book, she describes the opening of her spiritual life inspiring many others to do the same. Since reaching mega-fame, she has evolved to share more in her talks about her spirituality and beliefs of how the universe works. A great spiritual teacher for those of us who identify as artists (writers, painters, dancers, musicians, etc), you can learn about how she sees spirituality and creativity magically intertwine in her Ted Talk.
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About the Author: Gina Marotta loves work and wants you to as well! She writes, speaks, and coaches on career change toward loving your work. Gina is a two-time career changer herself, and she understands the plight of modern professionals as a former criminal defense lawyer, former executive nonprofit leader, and now as an entrepreneur and social justice activist. Gina has been featured in media outlets like: The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, WGN Radio, CBS Chicago News, and Fox Chicago News. She has also been recognized among 50 under 50 by Diversity MBA Magazine and one of 100 Women Making a Difference by Today's Chicago Woman Magazine.