Ways to Support your Desire to Stop Wanting More (a.k.a. Detachment or Non-Attachment)

Wanting is not a bad thing. In fact, our souls wanted to be incarnated, and so we came into existence. Many of us wanted to create or be a part of something bigger in these incarnations; we wanted to make a difference or bring an intention to planet Earth. Yet, wanting can lead us down a path of more wanting. We can feel empty and unsatisfied with what we have or where we are in our lives. Our desires can feel like insatiable dragons always needing more.

Do we need more?

At this time in our lives, we do need more. We need more simplicity, more time for ourselves, more nothingness to feel the void (not fill it) so we can experience the essence of who we are. Our souls are calling for us to become who we really are… now.

How do we become more of who we are?

One way to connect with who we really are is to rid ourselves of what we think we want or need; we can practice non-attachment. When we release our desires for having more, we have more opportunities to experience who we are and where we are in our lives (good or bad). We become more present with what is… now.

How do we release our desires for more?

As a consumer-driven society, our entire environment is bombarded with pressures to do, have and be more. We do our best to keep up, acquire and become who we think we are supposed to be. Unfortunately, we often fall short of societal and self-approval.

“MORE!”  We press onward in our desire to feel better about ourselves and our lives.

Though not an exhausted list, here are a few suggestions for taming the dragon of desire:

1. Stop watching TV. When we are exposed to commercials, mainstream TV shows and even “how to” channels, we can feel as if what we have isn’t enough. There will always be a better something-or-another out there, and buying it won’t make you any happier.
2. Reduce computer time. Like TV, we can be lured away from our e-tasks or social interactions and into a gauntlet of pop-ups, promises for a better you and a world wide web of more, more, more.
3. Avoid trashy or “how to better your home/life/body” magazines. Even the most inspirational magazines are filled with advertisements of goods, garments and gadgets you must have. Save these magazine splurges for visits to the doctor or salon.
4. Minimize shopping. Do the least amount of shopping possible. Groceries are good, of course, and there are always those necessities. Malls, stores and outlets spend millions of dollars on creating ways to get you to want what they have.
5. Begin to appreciate what you have now. Look at where you live, what you own, who’s in your life and notice how blessed you are! Sure there may be people out there who have more, but there are far too many who have less as well.
6. Slow down. Reclaim your time and choose a slower pace. Life doesn’t need to be a “put all you can into the shopping cart before the bell rings” game. It can be a leisurely stroll through the meadow, if you wish.
7. Connect with down-to-earth, authentic people. This is not a judgment about people, rather a suggestion to evaluate who you spend your time with; perhaps its time to make changes that align with your values.
8. Give. Look at all the things that you don’t need, love or want and give them away. Give your time to others who have greater needs than yours.
9. Meditate. Spend a small amount of time in quiet solitude. This allows the emptiness to get used to being empty. Meditation is actually one way to practice non-attachment.
10. Simplify your life. Amazingly, by clearing the extras out of your home, schedule and life, you will find you actually have more. Simplifying offers you more time, more room, and – more importantly – more appreciation for what you have and who you are.

---