Reclaim Intimacy with Life: The Power of Doing Things for Their Own Sake
In our achievement-oriented world, we can find ourselves driven by objectives—seeking to achieve goals, check boxes, and accomplish tasks. But what happens when this constant striving for future outcomes distances us from the present moment? When we focus solely on the end result, we create a subtle but significant rift between ourselves and the reality we're living in. This can be seen as a "rift of intimacy" with life itself.
Marc Gafni, in his teachings on "lishmah", beautifully illuminates this idea. “Lishmah” is a Hebrew word that refers to doing something for its own sake, as opposed to doing it to achieve a result or gain a reward. This concept is deeply embedded in the idea of bringing pure intention into everything we do, whether it's prayer, work, or relationships. When we approach life in this way, we are no longer using actions as mere vehicles to obtain something else. Instead, we are fully engaging in the present moment and restoring intimacy with the experience itself.
The Rift of Objective-Based Living
When our actions are driven by external objectives—whether it's financial success, status, or validation—we lose touch with the immediacy of our lived experience. Life becomes a series of transactions, and we become distanced from the richness of the present. Each moment becomes a means to an end, and in doing so, we create a divide between ourselves and the fullness of life.
This can manifest in various ways: working solely for a paycheck without engaging meaningfully with the work itself, socializing to network rather than to connect, or pursuing hobbies for accolades instead of enjoyment. The result is often a feeling of emptiness or disconnection, even if we achieve the goals we set out to attain. The question then becomes, “Is this really living?”
Living "Lishmah" – For the Sake of Itself
Lishmah is not just about intention; it’s about entering into a state of pure engagement with what is. When we do something for its own sake, we stop measuring success by outcomes and start experiencing the inherent value of the activity itself. This can be as simple as immersing ourselves in a conversation without thinking about how it benefits us, or engaging in work purely for the love of creation, not for the promotion or recognition it might bring.
Philosophically, this idea resonates across many spiritual traditions. In Zen Buddhism, practitioners focus on “just sitting” during meditation—simply being with the practice, with no goal beyond the act itself. Similarly, in Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita teaches Karma Yoga, the practice of acting without attachment to the fruits of the action. By giving ourselves fully to the present moment without clinging to outcomes, we release ourselves from the anxiety of the future and reclaim our connection to the present.
Restoring Intimacy with Reality
When we live in a state of pure engagement, we begin to reestablish intimacy with life itself. This intimacy is the deep connection to the world as it is, rather than as a means to an end. We begin to feel more aligned with our own inner rhythm and the flow of life around us.
Imagine sitting down to create a piece of art, not because you hope to sell it or get praise, but because the act of creating brings you joy. Music producer Rick Rubin, in his book The Creative Act: A Way of Being, echoes this sentiment by emphasizing that true creativity comes from engaging in the process for its own sake, without the need for external validation or outcomes, as "the act of creating itself is the reward." Or consider taking a walk in nature, not for the sake of reaching a destination, but simply to enjoy the experience of walking, feeling the earth beneath your feet and the air in your lungs. When we do things for their own sake, life becomes more vivid, more alive, and more intimate.
This intimacy with the present moment allows us to reconnect with ourselves in a profound way. As we engage fully with our activities, we also start to notice the subtle textures of our own internal experience—our emotions, thoughts, and sensations. This awareness brings us closer to ourselves and to the world we inhabit.
Asking the Right Question
A simple yet transformative practice is to pause and ask: *Am I doing this to achieve something else, or am I doing it for its own sake?* This question invites you to examine your intentions behind your actions. You may find that much of your life is organized around external objectives, and that’s okay. The awareness itself is a powerful starting point for change.
As you begin to shift more of your activities toward those that are engaged purely for their own sake, you’ll likely discover that life gets richer. Your relationships may become more meaningful, your work more fulfilling, and your overall experience of reality deeper and more intimate. This is the essence of returning to a state of *lishmah*—living in alignment with the present, without the need for anything beyond it.
Conclusion: The Gift of Pure Engagement
By reclaiming intimacy with the present moment and shifting from objective-driven actions to activities done for their own sake, we can transform our lives. This is not about giving up goals or ambition but about infusing our actions with presence and authenticity. When we stop striving for future outcomes and start experiencing the richness of the now, we restore a deeper connection with reality—and, ultimately, with ourselves.
As you move through your day, consider how you might bring this practice into your life. Whether it's work, relationships, or even the simplest tasks, see if you can engage for the sheer experience of the act. In doing so, you might just find that intimacy with life begins to flourish in ways you never expected.
