How to live your fullest while still having desires

When you are in the search for happiness and peace and are on a spiritual journey, you may have encountered two parallel teachings. One, from Eastern religions, suggests that desires are the root cause of suffering and must be eliminated to experience Nirvana and true happiness. On the other hand, Western spiritual teachings, such as the Law of Attraction, emphasize the importance of desires, urging you to follow, manifest, and attract them.

If you're on a spiritual path, it can be confusing to reconcile these seemingly contradictory teachings. How can you be happy and fulfilled while still having and manifesting desires? In today's world, where you have ambitions and creative goals, how can you make life magical while also being liberated from suffering?

For a long time, I struggled with this tension, trying to figure out how to balance both teachings. In this podcast, I want to share how you can feel fulfilled and live life fully, truly basking in the present moment, while also holding desires in your heart. How can you navigate life without being burdened by your desires but instead feel even more excited about life?

First, let's acknowledge that both spiritual teachings hold truth. For those who are just starting their spiritual awakening and want to know more about themselves, desires can be a powerful tool for discovering your capabilities and the limitless nature of the Universe. Law of Attraction teachings are valid and can help you realize that creation is happening every moment.

However, it's also true that desires, especially attachments, can be the root of suffering, as taught by Buddhism. Once you achieve your goals and receive your desires, the happiness they bring can be fleeting. You will continue to desire more, and this cycle never ends. True happiness and peace come from within, not from external achievements.

Understanding why desires cause suffering is key. Desires can be divided into different types, such as creative, physiological, and monetary desires. There are desires of the mind and desires of the heart. Desires from the ego, rooted in the mind, often create more suffering. These desires are not true to our essence but are programmed into us through our lives, leading us to believe we need to achieve them to be happy.

For example, I once thought my desire was to fly on a private jet and own several mansions. I pursued this goal but found the path gruelling and unfulfilling. The motivation came from my ego, seeking to prove something to the world. Ego-driven desires often involve creating an image or identity to gain recognition and validation from others. This motivation is unsustainable and leads to burnout.

In contrast, desires from the heart, such as my desire for time and location freedom to enjoy nature, are true to who I am. These desires bring joy and fulfillment because they are not about proving anything to others but about experiencing life for myself. True desires are connected to our essence and bring genuine happiness.

To live fully while having desires, recognize that suffering often stems from false, ego-driven desires. Life will show us when our desires are not authentic, and we may feel exhausted and unfulfilled. When you ask yourself what you truly want, you tap into your heart and discover your authentic desires.

True desires feel fulfilling because they are connected to your body and heart, not just your mind. The happiness from these desires is more sustainable. It's also important to understand that life is not a static image but a constantly moving and evolving experience. Social media often promotes the idea that achieving a perfect image will bring happiness, but real life is about the ongoing journey and experiences.

Rather than fixating on big milestones, break down your desires into small, achievable steps. For instance, if you want 10,000 monthly visitors on your blog, focus on writing and sharing content regularly. This approach makes the journey more enjoyable and fulfilling because you see progress and feel satisfaction in the present moment.

Your big desires are available to you right now. You don't have to wait to feel fulfilled. Ask yourself how you can embody and experience your desires in small ways today. Embrace the journey, not just the destination.

Finally, understand that your desires are like a compass, guiding you on your path. Just because you haven't reached your destination doesn't mean you can't enjoy “the view” around you. Think of it like traveling on a ship across the Atlantic Ocean. You wouldn't ignore the beautiful landscape along the way, focusing only on reaching your destination. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and you only get this ONE present moment.

In conclusion, live your life fully by embracing your desires while staying connected to the present moment. Recognize that true happiness comes from within and that your desires can guide you without becoming burdensome. Enjoy the journey, and appreciate the beauty of each moment as it unfolds.