“The desire for more positive experience is itself a negative experience. And, paradoxically, the acceptance of one’s negative experience is itself a positive experience. “ Mark Manson
I’ve been thinking a lot about my struggles and your struggles in life. Let’s face it–life is really hard.
No matter where you are in life, no matter how much success or health or love and friendship we’re wired to want more.
Not only that, you and I are wired not to want to lose what we have!
Nevertheless, when you really look at the core fundamental problem it’s very simple… Desire.
For example, I was anxious the other day about giving a talk at one of my mastermind events. I couldn’t shake it. No amount of meditation, exercise or cold plunges was relieving my anxiety.
It wasn’t until I clearly saw the problem I got relief. It was my desire for these strangers’ approval. It was my desire to look smart and competent. It was my desire to provide value.
Once I saw how silly my desire was I just let it go. All I could control was doing my best work and preparing.
I had absolutely no control over how people would react to my talk. I had no control if they would like me or not and certainly if they thought I was smart.
It was like a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and I slept great that night knowing I had prepared to the best of my abilities and that was good enough.
If you’re anxious, angry, frustrated, or have any negative state of mind about anything, look for what your desire may be. Then, see how you feel after you articulate the desire to yourself.
I know if you’re reading this, you probably desire more passive income or time freedom. Maybe you feel like you should be farther ahead than you are. It’s normal, but once you see it for what it is you can let it go and save yourself oceans of energy!
"The Buddha never intended to make desire itself the problem. When he said craving causes suffering, he was referring not to our natural inclination as living beings to have wants and needs, but to our habit of clinging to experience that must, by nature, pass away.” - Author: Tara Brach
