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What does it mean to truly live in your purpose? For many, this question can feel elusive, shrouded in societal expectations, and tangled in self-doubt. But the path to uncovering your purpose doesn’t need to be complicated. By turning to archetypes—the universal roles and energies that are already inside of us—and grounding yourself in embodiment practices, you can begin to uncover your inner calling in a deeply aligned and intuitive way.
What Are Archetypes?
At their core, archetypes are timeless, universal patterns that shape our lives, thoughts, and actions. They show up in culture, mythology, and stories, often embodied by the characters we see in pop culture or the ones we read about in ancient texts. Archetypes are not something we have to strive to become; they’re part of who we already are. They’re energies we embody—or can embody—that guide us towards our purpose.
Think of them like mirrors reflecting the qualities within you—your strengths, your lessons, your potential. For example, the Creator archetype is all about innovation and expression. It’s the energy that drives us to manifest ideas and make them real, whether in art, music, or a meaningful project. And the Warrior archetype is about resilience and strength, the courage to stand firm in the face of challenges.
What’s powerful is that these archetypes are already within us. They’re not external ideals we have to reach for. They’re energies we can tap into as we get clearer about our unique gifts and the impact we’re meant to make.
Archetypes in Everyday Life
As I mentioned earlier, archetypes show up everywhere. Perhaps you see the Hero archetype in your favorite superhero or the Sage in a wise elder. When we explore why certain archetypes resonate with us, we uncover the qualities we’re meant to embrace or cultivate in ourselves.
When I first stepped into my role as a meditation facilitator and wellness coach, imposter syndrome made me question whether I truly belonged in the spaces I was entering. Navigating this challenge has been an ongoing journey, but it’s one that has deepened my sense of purpose and trust in my unique contribution.
In my exploration of archetypes, I connected with the Nurturer and the Bridge archetypes—roles that help others transition from one state of being to another. These energies mirrored my work as a conduit for healing and empowerment, guiding others to remember their own inner wisdom and strength. Recognizing these archetypes within myself gave me clarity and confidence, allowing me to step into my role with a deeper trust in my purpose.
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The Power of Embodiment Practices
While archetypes provide a framework for understanding who we are, embodiment practices help us integrate these insights into our daily lives. Embodiment practices bring the abstract into the tangible, helping us align our mind, body, and spirit with the truths we uncover.
Here are three embodiment practices to deepen your connection with archetypes and purpose:
1. Intuitive Movement
Movement is a powerful way to embody archetypal energy. Consider which archetype you want to explore and use movement to channel its qualities. If you’re working with the Warrior, you might practice strong, intentional movements like yoga poses or martial arts. If the Creator is your focus, dance or free-form movement might help you tap into your flow and creativity.
For me, intuitive movement such as yoga is a way to reconnect with my inner wisdom during times when I feel disconnected from my body. By allowing myself to move freely without judgment, I feel more aligned with my purpose and clearer about the energy I wanted to bring into my work.
2. Breathwork
Breathwork is another tool for tuning into archetypal energy. Different breath patterns can activate or soothe specific aspects of ourselves. For example, practicing strong, energizing breaths can invoke the Warrior’s courage, while slow, calming breaths might align you with the Nurturer’s gentle, compassionate energy.
Set aside time to focus on your breath and imagine yourself embodying the qualities of an archetype. How does it feel in your body? What emotions arise? Breathwork creates a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, allowing you to embody archetypes on a deeper level.
3. Journaling
Journaling is a way to reflect, process, and integrate the insights you receive from archetypes. When I journal, I like to ask myself questions like: What does this archetype teach me? How does it show up in my life right now? What actions can I take to embody this energy more fully? Through journaling, I’ve been able to turn the wisdom of the archetypes into actionable steps.
I sometimes reflect on the Bridge archetype in my journaling practice. I’ll write about how I can intentionally create spaces for others to experience transformation, or how I can build on my own journey of self-discovery. This helps me align my actions with my purpose.
Blending Archetypes and Embodiment for Self-Discovery
Archetypes and embodiment practices work together to offer a holistic approach to self-discovery. Archetypes give us a framework for understanding who we are, while embodiment practices root that understanding in our lived experience. By blending these tools, we can align with our inner wisdom and purpose in a grounded, empowering way.
Living in purpose isn’t about finding a single path or definitive answer. It’s about embracing the journey of self-discovery, leaning into your natural strengths, and trusting that the unique energy you bring to the world is needed. The archetypes you resonate with are guideposts, pointing you toward your calling.
So I invite you to take a moment to reflect: Which archetype feels most alive in you right now? How can you embody its energy in your daily life? As you explore these questions, you may find that the answers you seek are already within you and they’re only waiting to be uncovered. By embracing the wisdom of archetypes and anchoring yourself in embodiment practices, you can uncover your purpose and make the unique impact only you are meant to make.
Steph R. Long is a Chopra-certified Ayurvedic health educator, meditation instructor, and well-being coach. She’s also the founder of holistic wellness and coaching company SRL Well-Being and the former Deputy Director of Enterprise for Refinery29 Unbothered, where she oversaw health, wellness, and spirituality content. For more wellness tips, follow her on Instagram and YouTube, and subscribe to her podcast.
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