Do we just want the ‘wanting’

Have you noticed how excited your mind becomes when something new appears in your life? A new phone, a new car, a new job, or even a new relationship? Anything ‘new’ feels thrilling.

The thought of having it fills us with energy and anticipation. But strangely, once we finally have it, the excitement begins to fade. It makes us wonder: Was it really about the thing, or was it about the wanting?

ADDICTION TO DESIRE

The mind enjoys imagining more than possessing. When we desire something, we picture how happy, successful, or fulfilled we will feel once it becomes ours. That imagination creates a rush — almost like a drug.

For example, think of buying a new car. For months before purchasing it, you feel excited. You imagine driving it, showing it to others, and enjoying the pride it brings. But after buying it, how long does the excitement truly last? A few days? Maybe a week? Soon, it becomes just another asset/responsibility of daily life. The mind thrives on what it does not have. The moment something shifts from “I want” to “I have,” it loses its charm. Excitement is of ‘wanting’, not in ‘having’.

EXCITEMENT VERSUS JOY

Do you confuse excitement with joy? Excitement is intense but unstable. It rises quickly, like a sharp peak, and falls just as fast. It demands constant newness to survive. Therefore, we keep searching — for new achievements, new relationships, new experiences.

Joy and peace, however, are different. They are steady and stable. They do not seek newness or extraordinary happenings. When we depend on new possessions or achievements to feel good about ourselves, we may feel validated for a moment. But soon we realize we are still the same person within. The new object did not truly change us. And when we lose what we once had, the pain of losing is severer than the happiness it ever gave us. How ironic that we miss what we never enjoyed having!

CHOOSE PEACE OVER THE LOOP

Life often becomes a cycle: excitement then achievement, bereavement then disappointment and misery. In this endless loop, contentment is nowhere to be found. The truth is simple: contentment does not necessarily come with achieving things. Possessions may boost the ego, but they cannot provide lasting peace. Everything we own today will one day leave us. If our happiness depends on temporary things, misery is certain.

When we stop feeding the constant hunger for “what’s next”, a quiet contentment slowly enters. Excitement may be loud and attractive, but peace is deeper and more fulfilling. When we understand the difference, we naturally choose peace — and in that choice, life becomes sweet and harmonious.

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Centre, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditation.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_meditation_jamaica