what we have now
is what we once hoped for
I remember sitting across from esteemed Ayurvedic practitioner Pratima before the end of 2015 with a curious skin conundrum, confused by what was causing this discomfort despite my evolving clean and healthy lifestyle.
She observed my tongue under a magnifying glass, took my pulse and said, "You are very angry. What are you angry about?" I had a deer-in-headlights moment and finally responded, "...What?!"
Pratima then began a brief yet bold chat on desires. In summary, she explained that desires are natural part of the human experience; they drive us to do amazing things and, if we act on them appropriately, have the ability to keep us wonderfully connected to our core values.
If, however, we continually and feverishly chase one desire after the next, we are linked to them in a way that perpetuates stress - which she referred to as my diagnosed "anger" - and anxiety.
This state of distraction not only causes inflammation - which manifested into the skin and gut condition I went to Pratima with - it also scarcely allows us to rest in the present moment; to witness our incredible Selves and achievements as we/they exist here and now.
Epicurus' quote keeps it simple: look around and notice that some or even all of what we have now, however big or small, is what we once hoped for. Desires do not have to control or plague our ability to find contentment in the moment, whether a sliver of gratitude or a tidal wave of peace.
We can all learn how to live in a way that reflects our deepest desires while remaining both easeful and ambitious, inquisitive and brave. Here are four ways to try it out for yourself when the truth of the present moment is clouded by uncertainty and expectations.
What does landing in your body and current experience mean to you, and how can you keep learning to bring your attention back to your Self?
Read on for my baked pumpkin quinoa recipe, music, and wellness happenings.
Photo: sunset warriors on Punta Inda beach, retreating at Rayos Del Sol, Costa Rica.
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