Desire Less

One secret to contentment is to desire fewer things. When we struggle to keep everything our head wants, we end up with a lot of things. Then the problem is how to maintain, store, and use each to its fullest potential. When we don’t say no to every whim and wish, we end up with a cluttered life — and also a cluttered mind.

It’s not right or wrong to desire things, but the things we choose to desire determine the quality of our lives. If our desires never go beyond material things, then we live a shallow life. If our desires go beyond accumulating things for ourselves to helping those around us, our lives tend to be more satisfying.

If our desires go beyond the material to the spiritual areas of life, we find our lives are full and meaningful. There is nothing wrong with wanting material possessions — for us or for others. It is good to want to live a more spiritually-centered life, but in all circumstances a balance can bring us the greatest joy. Having material things is neither good nor bad. Don’t feel guilty for having too much, or for too little, but remember, when we feel as if we have lost our joy, sometimes it helps to remember to desire less and to be content — and grateful — for what we have.