When we are attached to an idea, we may grasp onto it and try to prove it is the best idea.
Qualities of clinging and grasping are what Buddhists call "wanting mind."
According to Ronald A. Alexander, Ph.D., the problem is that wanting mind is rooted in the incorrect belief that something outside of ourselves is the key to lasting happiness.*
Wanting mind has the qualities of:
- longing, wishing, pining, yearning
- hunger or cravings
- sexual desires, cravings, or addictions
- greed, emptiness, and constant wanting
- envy or jealousy, competitiveness
- resentment
- an aversion to losing control and having to surrender the will of the ego
What we truly need in order to quiet the wanting mind is unconditional love for ourselves and self-acceptance.
We all have wanting mind. Remembering that happiness cannot be found outside of ourselves but only within is vital.
How do you work with your wanting mind? What do you do that gives you satisfaction in spite of wanting mind? How do you love yourself?
Please let me know by email or go to the comment section.
The next blog post will be June 2, 2015.
*Ronald A. Alexander, Ph. D., Wise Mind, Open Mind (2008).
Image received when visiting Iowa Acupuncture Clinic.
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