I’d love to make a positive impact on the world, but I’m uncertain about the best path forward. So I’ll start with the big question: Who am I, really?

Am I, at my core, a spiritual being temporarily inhabiting this physical form known as Clay Lowe? Or am I Clay Lowe, the individual, a complex blend of psyche and intellect? My quest is to bridge these two aspects of myself—to unite my mind and soul in harmonious collaboration to ensure neither overshadows the other.

This is the path of individuation that Jung spoke of—the journey to wholeness, to integrating all the disparate parts of myself. By striving for this inner unity and balance, I seek to reconnect with what is real, what is true. And in doing so, I hope to uncover the deeper truth of existence itself, so that I may live with authenticity, purpose, and meaning.

The intersection of identity, purpose, and meaning fascinates me. I feel these three concepts are deeply intertwined and central to the human experience.

Identity is the foundation; it encompasses our sense of self, our values, beliefs, and the unique combination of characteristics and experiences that define us as individuals. It’s the answer we seek when we ask ourselves, “Who am I?”

Purpose, then, builds upon identity. It’s about discovering our reason for being, the special role or mission we feel called to fulfil. Purpose gives our lives direction and motivation. When we have a strong sense of purpose, we know what we’re working towards and why.

Meaning, in turn, flows from purpose. It’s the significance and value we derive from living in alignment with our purpose and identity. Meaning is what makes life feel worthwhile and rewarding. It’s the deep satisfaction of knowing that our efforts matter in some greater context.

The tricky part is that identity, purpose, and meaning aren’t always clear or static. They can evolve over time as we grow and our circumstances change. That’s why the exploration process is so important—it’s an ongoing journey of self-discovery, of continually asking ourselves the big questions and refining our understanding of who we are, what we’re here to do, and what brings our lives meaning.

There are many lenses and tools we can use to navigate this intersection: introspection, philosophy, spirituality, psychology, the arts and humanities, relationships, and dialogue with others. The key is staying curious, open, and committed to the process.

Ultimately, I believe the more we can align our identity, purpose, and search for meaning, the more authentic, fulfilling, and impactful our lives can be. It’s a worthy endeavour that lies at the heart of the human quest to make sense of ourselves and the world around us.