DESIRE

We go about life furiously. It is stressful yet exciting, and it feels like a rush towards the finish line. There is an obsession with doing things a little better than others and searing jealousy against those who have what we want.

Log

125 out of 1000

Life view

We have to have it, and if we don't, we'll get disappointed in ourselves or our life. There is an inner dissatisfaction about life. Nothing is ever enough. The next high is all there is, and then the one following after that.

Emotions

Craving, Lust, Pleasure, Need, Infatuation, Jealousy

God/higher power-View

We feel cheated about the things we desire. Society, people, or God/higher power are denying us what we need to be happy.

Process

Getting that thing we want is all we live for. Life is a race to the finish line, and whoever has the most wins. We are slaves of our craving.

Primary drive

There's not enough. I have to get my share. They need to give me what I want. I got to have it.

Rate of happiness

10%

Mode

We don't give up on things we want that easily.

How it feels

We go about life furiously. It is stressful yet exciting, and it feels like a rush towards the finish line. There is an obsession with doing things a little better than others and searing jealousy against those who have what we want.

Actions

We compare, cheat and manipulate to get things the way we want them. We obsess over details and are meticulous about how we or our surrounding looks. God/higher power forbid that they would show any weakness in our smooth facade.

Warning

Desire can drain our life energy quickly because there will always be a new thing to want after acquiring the present one. If we're not careful, we slip into fear by protecting all the things we now acquired.

Good news

Being at the level of desire, we've developed a zest for life. It is fun to acquire things, and if we just let go of the deep craving we feel for them, we'll quickly move up the scale towards an even more pleasurable existence.

Origins of Desire 

According to Dr. Hawkins, desire has evolutionary roots. Early humans desired food, shelter, and safety. As society advanced, desires became more complex, encompassing wealth, status, relationships, and more. At its foundation, desire seeks to satisfy unmet needs, whether real or perceived.

Recognizing the Triggers

Hawkins emphasized the role of societal conditioning and the media in shaping our desires. Constant exposure to advertisement, peer comparisons, and cultural expectations can magnify our longing for material possessions, success, or even abstract ideas like love and acceptance.

Desire and Its Impact on Health

Persistent and intense desire can lead to chronic stress, as one's well-being becomes contingent upon acquiring what is desired. This relentless pursuit can impact sleep, eating habits, and lead to anxiety or depression. Dr. Hawkins pointed out that a life dominated by unchecked desire can result in burnout, both mentally and physically.

Moving Beyond Desire

To transcend the energy level of desire, Dr. Hawkins provided the following insights:

1. Self-awareness:

Regular self-reflection can help one understand the core of their desires. By understanding the underlying needs or voids one is trying to fill, more wholesome solutions can be found.

2. Gratitude:

Instead of constantly seeking more, focus on appreciating what you already have. A daily gratitude practice can shift the focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in life.

3. Mindful Consumption:

Being selective and mindful of media consumption can help in reducing external triggers that fuel unnecessary desires.

4. Spiritual Practices:

Engaging in spiritual or meditative practices can help in detaching from materialistic desires and seeking contentment from within.

5. Healthy Outlets:

Instead of being consumed by desires, channel that energy into creative or constructive outlets. For example, instead of obsessing over material possessions, one could focus on personal growth, hobbies, or helping others.

6. Set Realistic Goals:

While it's essential to have aspirations, it's equally crucial to set attainable goals. Celebrate small achievements and understand that happiness isn't just about the end goal but also the journey.

7. Seek Support:

Sharing one's struggles with desires can offer new perspectives.Whether it's friends, family, or therapists, getting an external view can be enlightening.

Dr. Hawkins believed that desires, in moderation, could be motivating and drive individuals towards growth and achievement. However, when they become all-consuming, they can detract from the genuine joys of life. The key is to strike a balance, understanding what drives our desires and finding healthier ways to fulfill them.