Desire And Scratching An Itch

Root Suffering Attachment Buddha

We all know what it’s like to have an itch that we really want to scratch. Maybe you’re washing the dishes wearing rubber gloves, and suddenly the end of your nose begins to itch (this often happens to me), or you’re meditating and wanting so badly to scratch your head and find relief – for now.

But inevitably that itch returns, perhaps some place else, but it’s still an itch you want to scratch (hands up if you are suddenly feeling itchy right now – grin)  and what on earth does this have to do with desire?

Desire is that itch – and it never stops!

Is Desire A Bad Thing?

Some would say yes. Many spiritual traditions make part of the search the elimination of desire, but this is not possible because wanting to get rid of desire is just another desire.

But what if you upgrade your desire? Instead of desiring what you haven’t got, you desire what you have got instead?

Is this still desire? I’m not so sure any more.

Running from One Door To The Next

In my book ‘When Everyone Shines But You‘ something became very clear to me. So many people are running from one desire door to the next, not even spending enough time to embrace where they are and what they have received. The emphasis always being on the ‘more will be better’ experience. One itch to scratch after another.


Time To Let Yourself Itch Without Scratching

I remember reading once that if you can meditate and let yourself feel that itch, without scratching it, it will pass. And it’s so true. So can we do the same with desires?

Yes we can.

Out of all the techniques and tools I have practised over the years, mindfulness is the one way I have found to keep my desires in check. Desires can feel such a pain when we are attached to them, especially when they appear not to manifest, but becoming more mindful and allowing the feel of the desire without ‘trying’ to fulfil it can bring a real sense of stillness within.

I’m not saying your desires will disappear, but you will realise that you are more than those desires – they are no different from ships passing in the night, they come and they go.

 

Do you think you are ready to let the itch be?
 
Or is it hard to trust the present moment?
 
I look forward to your comments below.
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Kelly Martin
Kelly Martin

Kelly Martin, author of ‘When Everyone Shines But You’ is a dedicated writer and blogger who fearlessly explores life’s deepest questions. Faced with a decade of profound anxiety and grief following the loss of her father and her best friend Michael, Kelly embarked on a transformative journey guided by mindfulness, and she hasn’t looked back since. Through her insightful writing, engaging podcasts, and inspiring You Tube channel Kelly empowers others to unearth the hidden treasures within their pain, embracing the profound truth that they are ‘enough’ exactly as they are.

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