Uncover your Desires.
There have been times in our lives when many of us have felt stuck and uncertain about what we truly desire. At that moment, many of us tell ourselves one of the most pervasive lies in our society. When asked what we want, we will say, “I don’t know.” It is a common sentiment often at the root of our paralysis, and it is a lie. Think about it: if we do not know what we want, who does know?
Deep down, buried beneath layers of doubt and uncertainty, lies the knowledge of our true desires. It’s in there. We may believe we are clueless, but it is more accurate to say that we are not fully conscious of our desires. When asked what we want, our minds might draw a blank, but when we continue to conclude that we “do not know,” we are simply surrendering without taking the time to look beyond the assumption.
The premise that suggests that we do not know what we want is a false notion that can be eradicated when we consider answering an alternate question: what do you NOT want (what can you no longer tolerate)? Most of us can easily respond with a laundry list of grievances. This is the key. If we know what we do not want, then (at some level) we know what we do want as well. We can begin by playing opposites: “If I don’t want this, what do I want?” Knowing what we don’t want serves as a compass, pointing us in the direction of what we truly desire.
Take a moment to think about the aspects of your life that are contributing to your unhappiness. Maybe it is your job, your relationship, or your living situation. What is it about these situations that do not sit right with you? What would like to experience instead? By pinpointing these discomforts, we are opening the door to greater clarity and putting ourselves on the path to discovering our true desires.
If we are feeling stuck, there are some steps that we can take to unlock those hidden aspirations.
First, we are going to need to carve out some time for introspection. We can find a place, free from distractions and reflect on our life. Begin by noting the things that you no longer want. Once the list is complete, go back and (for each corresponding item) write what you WOULD LIKE instead. This can be easily accomplished by thinking in opposites. For example: If I no longer wish to work alone, that means that I want to work with other people. We can refine our list of desires by getting into greater detail later. We can go even deeper by journaling our responses to thoughtful questions such as, “What brings me joy?” “When do I feel the most fulfilled?” Note your thoughts without judgment, allowing your desires to flow freely and comfortably to the surface.
Second, we can further explore our passions. What activities make your heart sing? When do you feel the most alive? Whether it’s painting, cooking, or hiking in nature, pay attention to the things that ignite your passion. Our interests are a clue to our deeper desires. We should not be afraid to pursue our passions further to see where they may lead.
Third, close your eyes and visualize your perfect day. Where are you? Where do you live? Who are you with? What are you doing? How are you spending your time? Visualization is a potent technique for manifesting your desires. The more vividly we can imagine our ideal life, the more likely we are to create it. Take it a step further, add this perfect day to your journal, and be as detailed as possible. Read and revisit it throughout the day.
Surround yourself with inspiration. Read books, listen to podcasts, and watch documentaries that resonate with you. Hearing about other people’s journeys will inspire and provide us with greater insight into our desires. Pay attention to what resonates and why.
During this exploratory process, pay close attention to your intuition. Subtle nudges and gut feelings hold valuable insights into our heart’s desires.
As we gain greater clarity, we should set clear intentions for what we want to manifest in our lives. Write them down and affirm them regularly. Setting intentions helps align our actions with our desires, making them more likely to materialize.
Finally, we must be willing to embrace change. Our desires will evolve as we grow and experience new things, so we must allow ourselves to adapt and flow in harmony with the current of life.
Uncovering our desires is in many respects an archeological dig. It is an ongoing process, not a single destination. If we do the work, remaining patient with ourselves and trusting that the answers will reveal themselves, we will be rewarded with greater clarity. The most difficult part is acknowledging what we truly want.
Success or sabotage? Success can only be achieved if it is defined.
Is this going to be an incredible day? Dig deep, explore your passions, and listen to your intuition, knowing your desires await your discovery.
If you are feeling confused, uncertain, or paralyzed in the process of discovery (uncovering your true desires) and the steps required to bring them to fruition, contact me. I am happy to help!
CONTACT: Mark@AskMarkWard.com