True Desire
Desire is a fascinating concept in spirituality. On one end, the Buddha states, and other teachings echo, that desire leads to suffering, and the path out of suffering is letting them go.
On the other end of the spectrum is the New Age doctrine of letting yourself have all your desires and claiming them as your God-given right.
My issue with the former is that it leads to a "Buddhist beige"—a soft-spoken, dull engagement with the world that lacks vitality.
The trouble with having all your desires should be obvious. "You can have whatever you want" sells better. However, when we do get what we want, we realize it's inherently unsatisfying.
Is there a middle way?
I believe we have everything we need for ultimate peace, love, and joy, and I believe our desires can help us use that love in service of something greater.
In his book Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity, David Whyte explains that the root of desire is the Latin "de-sider," which means "of the stars."
How beautiful.
True Desire connects us to the cosmos.
True Desire gives us meaning & direction.
True Desire gives us purpose and helps us channel our innate wholeness into fulfilling work.
Some traditions even note that we are Stardust, so a desire points to something in the universe that is also in us.
I find this a healthy way to embrace desires and unapologetically work toward them.
It's ok if your desire seems selfish or egoic.
Our ego is the vehicle for Spirit to move through.
Many of my desires are glaringly egoic—New York Times Bestselling author, millions of books sold, speaking in front of thousands, etc. My ego loves attention.
I can try to suppress my ego in the name of enlightenment, or I can stay conscious and use it for a positive impact.
Of course, if I get attached to fame/money/power/insert the many ways humans who start with good intentions go astray—I will fail.
Yet, if I let my desire be "of the stars," they can guide me as long as I don't feel I need them to be satisfied.
Desires are a map.
They are our north star, directing our life toward meaningful work.
So to you, Soul friend. Consider your True Desires as what can help you find your place in the cosmos.
Follow them.
But don't mistake thinking they will complete you.
You already have everything you need.
I am rooting for you.