Desire

By definition, we can only desire that which we do not already posses.

When we attain one state in a continuum, it is natural to begin desiring the other state.  For example, you may hear tall people say they wish they could be short, or vice versa.  This is natural, because we cannot desire that which we already posses.

We can, of course, appreciate these things.

Can we also appreciate what we have at the same time as we desire something else?


I believe so.

Duality and Balance

Humans are most often motivated by conflicting forces:

• The desire to be part of a group of people versus being an individual.
• The desire to posses wealth versus humility.
• The desire to be popular versus avoiding scrutiny.

It Is What It Is

The bottom line for any issue is "it is what it is".  This is the nature of Zen: realizing that the universe is as it is, and that our thoughts only bias our understanding of the universe.

Focus

Behavior is driven by focus.

If you are focusing on the possible pain of an action, you will avoid it. If you focus on the potential pleasure of an action, you will take it.

The ability to control your focus is powerful: by deciding on an outcome, you can focus on the potential pleasure of success and the possible pain of not taking action.

Threefold Path

Faith can be replaced with three, more basic states.

1. Calm.
2. Acceptance.
3. Appreciation.

My Motto

Appreciate everything you can. Calmly accept everything else.

Motivation

People are motivated by one of two things:

1. Avoiding pain.
2. Trying to gain pleasure.

Of the two, the first is a stronger motivator.