Detach from Wants

SAGe (Self-Actualized Genius)—Learn More

Here is this week’s installment of Sunday SAGe, an email communication that shares wellness inspiration from The Wellness Ethic to help people thrive during the coming week and beyond.

Detach from Wants

An excerpt from The Wellness Ethic:

A Stoic wants stuff just like everyone else. They don’t necessarily desire a spartan existence. However, the wisdom in a Stoic’s approach to “wants” is that they restrict their desires to what is within their control to attain, and they temper their wants, understanding that they already have everything they need.

Think not so much of what you lack as to what you have: but of the things you have, select the best, and then reflect how eagerly you would have sought them if you did not have them.

—Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor, Stoic philosopher

What It Means

The Stoic sees good all around them. They appreciate their blessings and don’t take anything for granted. They avoid the fool’s folly of desiring something excessive or out of reach. They know that’s not the path to happiness; it’s the path to disappointment and sometimes despair.

Your Call to Action

Take a moment and select three of your favorite possessions. Walk up to each one and mindfully engage. Notice the nuance. Reconnect with the joy you felt when you first obtained it. Isn’t it a blessing that you have it in your life?

Now think about things that you desire. Are any of those wants excessive or out-of-reach? If so, focus on what you have versus what you don’t have. Usually, you’ll find that you already have everything you need to be happy and fulfilled.

Have a wonderful week!