Hello Everyone,
This week we read the rest of the 5 Precepts and began reading about the Hindrances. We read about desire and talked about our addictions to phones, food, sex and exercise.
Here's an idea to contemplate: "If we explore with mindfulness the feeling of desire, we'll discover that desire itself is somewhat unpleasant, even when it's simply a minor wish." p112
Have you had this experience or awareness around desire's unpleasantness? Or what do you think of it now? Can you see how this is true?
I know that when I'm desiring something, it is usually just a way to get away from whatever is happening right now, or what I need to be doing, which is unpleasant and unsatisfying. I can't say that giving in to desire has ever really been a good experience because it always ends too soon and then I'm left with the consequences. This is definitely my experience in regards to food...when I give in to my desire, I'm done in minutes (if that) and then what? Now I need the next thing to eat. That's why mindfulness of the desire arising is the place where I need to stop. I am still a work in progress, but I'm better than I used to be.
What about you? Can you see the unpleasantness of desire?
I used to give in to my desires without thought of consequences. Today I sit with it before I indulge. I ask myself questions to see if I need to give in. I am mindful regarding desires today. Great meeting.