Last weekend Cornel and I went for a hike. Initially I thought it was going to be a "walk", but it definitely turned into a "hike". We took nowhere near enough water with. It was around midday, full heat of the sun - African summer.

We were trekking up quite a steep hill and stopped for a break. I suddenly realized just how thirsty I was. I thought to myself that I have, in fact, never felt that thirsty in my life before. This was just a mini-hike. I wondered how those left for days without water manage?

Then I recalled the story of the monk who was seeking enlightenment. He approached the Master and asked: "How do I become enlightened?" The Master grabbed the monk and held his head under water. After a minute or so he released the struggling monk. Then the Master said to him: "Only when you desire enlightenment as much as you now desired air, will you find what you seek."

Of course this developed my thoughts further and I began to wonder what I am truly desiring in life and desiring it like I need air (or water).

I think that sometimes when you are too involved and busy in your life you can't see clearly what it is that you want. Either you haven't a clue because your desires and beliefs have been clouded by society, or, it's there but you don't realize it until it is taken away.

Looking at the former, I have (and probably still do to an extent) struggle with this greatly. From childhood I was boxed in the field of "sciences" - hence I became an engineer and was miserable in that type of work. I preferred "the Arts", but was "told" that that was not my strength. To uncover my passion with writing and artistic creativity, required a significant amount of work, and to change my limiting beliefs is a process that I am still forging through. By desiring it enough, I shall overcome the huge fears I face.

Considering the latter (i.e. what you want is there, but you don't realize it until it is taken away), for a while now I've been wondering where I am going spiritually (the definition of this will vary from person-to-person). I feel that I have been in limbo with this area of my life - that I haven't been working on it and that I am a little lost. But, with this holiday time, there has been a halt in my yoga lessons and I have had a couple of weeks without any yoga in my life. I am craving it. My body is craving the energy, my mind is craving the focus and my spirit is craving the balance and unity. Now I realize that I have in fact been working on my spirit, I simply didn't see it until it was taken away. By desiring it enough, I shall move to higher levels of freedom.

What are you thirsting for? Do you know? Is the desire large enough for you to attain it?

Further reading:
What Are You Denying Yourself?
Personal Development Pains
Remember Not To Forget Your Vision
15 Ways to Celebrate Life

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	Karl Staib - Work Happy Now 1/10/2009 1:53:12 PM
	I've been working on my spirit too. It's funny how we think we are going for one goal when all along we were going for something in a different category, all at the same time. I'm thirsting to start my own business and the closer I get the thirstier I get. I'm not ready to launch yet, but each day makes me stronger and more determined. I know that there are many goals wrapped up in starting my own business. It's fun watching them all unwrap the closer I get.
	Lance 1/10/2009 8:14:24 PM
	Hi Juliet, Hey, I'm an engineer by degree - and I love to write - I knew there was something that made us similar! The first one is the one that gets me that I can think of - I get wrapped up in life, and in the past haven't taken the time to understand fully understand what makes me "tick". I'm getting there now, and it feels great. I think that is very cool, Juliet, about what yoga means to you spiritually. And, it's a wonderful example of what we sometimes don't realize until it's taken away. Anyway, I love this idea of bringing out your spiritual sie through yoga...
	Daphne 1/11/2009 12:36:50 AM
	Juliet, I liked the story of your walk and how that made you think more deeply. For myself I think I'm craving daily exercise. I used to jog everday but stopped because of knee problems. Maybe that's why I've been feeling listless. By the way, I studied "the Arts" because the opportunity then was there, though I love science and perhaps should have been a scientist! Does that make us kindred opposites? :) In any case, for both of us, we'll never know what alternative paths we could have taken in life, but we can certainly decide better when the next fork comes!
	J.D. Meier 1/11/2009 1:47:03 AM
	I like the story of your hike and of the monk. There's a few things that come to mind: - when the student's ready the master appears - you never really know what you got, until it's gone - you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. If you don't know what you want, it's easy for a bunch of things to cloud your life. when you know what you want, you can get very specific and very focused, and find the things that matter.
	LifeMadeGreat | Juliet 1/11/2009 10:34:41 AM
	Hi Karl Sounds so exciting. Glad you having fun - that is what it is all about. Wish you all the best. Hi Lance Finding out what makes one tick is not easy! I've also battled along with that...and I'm sure there is more to learn. Hi Daphne I think it makes us complimentary ;) I'm sure that if you start exercising - any form of exercising - you'll feel better. I went through a patch of doing nothing and I feel much stronger now that I am back being physically active. "but we can certainly decide better when the next fork comes! " So well put. I've noticed that you always have such a postivie contribution! Hi JD I like all of the phrases that came to your mind. Great extensions to the discussion. Cheers everyone...and great comments! Juliet
	Liara Covert 1/11/2009 12:07:38 PM
	Another way to evole though this post is to realize you already have what you desire. There is no need to thirst for anything.
	Giovanna Garcia 1/11/2009 12:18:31 PM
	Hi Juliet That is fantastic that you now know how much yoga means to you and your spirit :-) My desire is to spread the message of Imperfect Action is better than No Action. And in doing so, it will free people to move forward with their lives and empower them. Currently I write my daily blog on the matter and I am begining on my porcess with the book. @JD I love the 3 things you said, my faborite are you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. :-) Giovanna Garcia Giovanna Garcia
	Stacey / Create a Balance 1/11/2009 6:43:59 PM
	I have been thinking a lot about DESIRE recently (since I started reading Think and Grow Rich). I think my desires are currently thought out at a high level and feel compelled to identify more short term measurable desires. The more I can identify my specific DESIRE, the more I can turn that DESIRE into reality.
	Believe Achieve - Hugo and Roxanne 1/11/2009 11:07:52 PM
	Hi Juliet, It can be easy to lose focus of goals and desires due to outside sources. But, it's moments like your "walk" which can bring out some inspiration and a clear mind in getting refocused. Stepping away to nature always works for us, too. We enjoyed the story about the monk seeking enlightenment. When we have "a burning desire to be, and to do is the starting point from which the dreamer must take off." -Napoleon Hill A wonderful quote to remind us to find what we are "thristy" for and truly believe in it. In believing, we can achieve anything. We're passionate "thirsty" for many things which include helping others discover their true potential (Believe Achieve), creating more products to help families of children who are g-tube fed, supporting parents of preemie babies and helping organizations like Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) in changing the lives of the children and families they see everyday. We're proud to say we do what we most desire and are passionate about everyday! Your desire for Yoga, physical activity and your love for nature may just be your calling. Have you thought about that? Thanks for your thought-provoking post. We always enjoy stopping by. :-) Many Blessings.... Roxanne and Hugo ~ Believe Achieve ~
	LifeMadeGreat | Juliet 1/12/2009 4:03:50 AM
	Hi Liara Very interesting point. I think I shall ponder that. Probably not quite the same, but it makes me think of Demartini's theory that we have everything all the time; it just may not be in the form we wish Hi Giovanna I enjoy your blog - so please keep that up. And, a book! I'd love you to let me know how that progresses. Hi Stacey Yes, it is sometimes difficult to pin down a goal / desire and get some sense of the next steps. I find it needs quite a bit of writing. Sometimes only thinking about things leaves it all up there in the air and circling. Hi Hugo and Roxanne "We're proud to say we do what we most desire and are passionate about everyday!" That is a wonderful attitude. How easy it is to forget the present! Mm, your suggestion on my calling...no, I hadn't thought about that. Interesting suggestion - thank you. (We do plan to move out of the city which will be wonderful!) Glad you enjoy your time here. Cheers everybody Juliet
	Ian Peatey 1/12/2009 7:33:34 AM
	Hi Juliet. I struggle with these two types of desire and I get greater clarity by recognising them as different (and naming them differently too). To use your 'air' example - I 'need' oxygen, air is one way to get it (I call it a 'strategy'). It's not the best example, because there aren't many other strategies available .. though I could get it from a bottle or a machine. As I go to 'higher level' needs (for example, beauty, meaning or freedom) then the number of strategies become much, much greater. So for spiritual needs .. well, tomorrow I start a meditation retreat. Yoga could also do it. Or prayer. Or a hike in the mountains. Etc. etc. Needs are always there and always ebbing and flowing. The less I'm looking after them .. the more 'thirsty' I get. Right now I'm not thirsty ... tomorrow that may change in an instant. Is this making any sense or am I just rambling? Ian
	Mark 1/12/2009 8:24:35 AM
	Interesting how your real physical thirst inspired you to look deeper at your spiritual thirst. It is great that you realized what you were missing and that hunger became apparent and that you are now more aware. Your awareness will help to chart your next steps in your spiritual pilgrimage.
	Amanda Linehan 1/12/2009 5:53:14 PM
	It take some reflection to know what we desire in life. Like you said, if we are too busy we'll never have the chance to really think about what we want.
	Evelyn Lim 1/12/2009 6:24:52 PM
	I have been starving of an intensive meditation practice. I had wanted to go on a long retreat last year but did not have a chance to. While meditation is something that I do on a pretty regular basis, I believe that I am all ready to look into myself more deeply. It is difficult to do so while at home. Most certainly, I detect a thirst there!! I'm glad to know that you are going back to your yoga classes. I have not been able to do so with mine, since the year started. I will need to look into my schedule once again to make space for yoga. Thanks for the reminder!
	Your Happiness Power 1/12/2009 8:23:19 PM
	You've been awarded the "I Love Your Blog" award. Visit: http://www.yourhappinesspower.com/2009/01/12/happiness-is-getting-an-award/ for more info.
	LifeMadeGreat | Juliet 1/12/2009 10:24:54 PM
	Hi Ian No, you not rambling ;) Good point about how "thirst" for desires can change daily depending on whether you are on the path or strayed away (so to speak). It's basically having a warning mechanism for whether you are following your purpose or not. Hi Mark Yes, awareness is key. I find it can become lost so quickly! Hi Amanda Great that you take the time. It is often something that gets "procrastinated" Hi Evelyn Meditation is fantastic. Hectic home is a problem. I suppose one needs to find a quite space somewhere - a park or garden or room at work, or when everyone is out... Not easy because then you can also end up with an irregular Practice. Glad I reminded you of yoga ;) Hi "Your Happiness Power" I am honoured. Thank you Thanks for all of the great comments you guys! I really appreciate and enjoy it. Juliet
	Tess The Bold Life 1/13/2009 8:23:56 AM
	I'm desiring and creating more simplicity and joy. I find myself giving up time being with friends and a few other things for more time on my blog and computer. Not good. I've become a fan of Stacey's at CreataBalnce because of this and it has helped!
	Vered - MomGrind 1/13/2009 7:22:24 PM
	I think we're twins. :) I was gently but firmly directed into the legal profession by my very loving parents. I hated every minute. I am now discovering my creative side and am having so much fun doing so.
	LifeMadeGreat | Juliet 1/13/2009 10:09:00 PM
	Hi Tess I agree that it is not good to move away from friends and other interests. Glad you are seeing the way with this! Hi Vered Great that you are enjoying your creative side...you certainly are good at it! Juliet
	Giovanan Garcia 1/14/2009 12:41:23 AM
	Hi Juliet I will tell you more about my book a little later :-) I want to tell you how much your support to my blog means to me! Thank You from the bottom of my heart! Giovanna Garcia
	LifeMadeGreat | Juliet 1/14/2009 10:39:44 AM
	Hi Giovanna It's a pleasure! Juliet
	Jay 1/15/2009 8:02:24 AM
	I love the story of the monk. I think it is a great way to stress that desire is key to our success. If we want something with only a lukewarm desire, we probably will not get it. Thanks Juliet- your writing is always so beautiful!
	LifeMadeGreat | Juliet 1/15/2009 12:00:55 PM
	Hi Jay Thank you for your compliment ;) Juliet
	Arswino 1/17/2009 12:34:56 AM
	Hi Juliet, Nice reflection and I like the story of the monk. I got the point, if we don't have a strong desire and a strong belief, we won't achieve anything we want. Thanks for sharing.
	LifeMadeGreat | Juliet 1/17/2009 8:57:28 AM
	Hi Arswino Sure ;) Juliet