Youth Corner – by Sajith Meepe

Passions

Source:Brisbane 4EB Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – February 2022

Passion is a phenomenon which many try to interpret through psychological, spiritual or a behavioural lens. It is something we as humans all understand, but there is still so much which goes unknown. Where does passion come from? Does it feel the same for everybody? And why do many of us need passion to be a component of our careers?

As a 22-year-old who has just graduated from university, I have come to understand the complex nature of passions. Through a variety of conversations, I have realised that some people are able to pursue the same passions that they had when they were children and turn this into a career. While others, like myself, often reach a point in their life, where they don’t have the same passions that they used to have and find themselves searching and trying to understand what they are passionate about. I personally find this a particularly interesting concept. If passion is such a strong emotion, why don’t we know exactly what ours is?

Growing up, I was passionate about one thing and one thing only: Cricket. All I wanted to do was to someday play for Sri Lanka. As a young boy, I could push through the toughest of training sessions, matches and setbacks, because I was passionate about achieving my goal. But as I grew older, this passion wore off.

This led me to a time in my life where I couldn’t find a clear passion. While I certainly found a lot of happiness in my day-to-day life through family, friends, hobbies, and (sometimes) my studies, I was still searching for that deep emotional connection towards something, to give me some sense of purpose.

Over the next few years of studying, I came across many people with clear and strong passions. A lot of university students are there pursuing their passions, which I think highlights a key aspect. Passions enable us to apply ourselves whole heartedly through struggles, to achieve an overarching goal. Are students passionate about staying
up until 3am studying for exams? Or writing 10,000-word papers? No. But a medical student for example, is passionate about saving lives, so they will be willing to acquire the knowledge even though that process can often be very challenging.

For me personally, I came to realise my passion through a volunteer trip to Cambodia. We did very basic work – aiding in simple construction & refurbishment, teaching English, feeding animals etc. But the most significant part of that trip was being able to experience the purest form of gratitude on a daily basis. That’s when I understood
my passion. Helping people.

The gratitude that is felt when one is helped by someone with pure intention, and the joy that is brought upon by helping someone with pure intention is something very special to me. It makes me think that it is deeply rooted in our existence as human beings and is how we are supposed to live our lives. Applying this passion, however, can be somewhat complicated.

When you look at it, almost every occupation involves helping someone at some level. Whether it be your co workers, boss, your community, or the greater society. Currently, I am trying to fathom out the best method of applying this passion in my career. I think it is something that many people face throughout their lives. The world is constantly changing, perspectives are always challenged, and finding clarity in your passion can often point you in the direction you need.

Sajith Meepe