Transforming Desires

Everything in the universe is energy, including our desires, which can be understood as a form of internal energy. Scientists have suggested that diseases may result from imbalances in this energy. This perspective offers flexibility, as working on an energetic level might be easier than addressing physical symptoms directly.

For instance, when I see my favorite sweet, I feel a surge of energy urging me to reach for it and savor its taste again. This urge stems from a previous experience that left a powerful impression on my mind or body. I find it easier to address this influence on my mental state rather than the physical craving.

Initially, the desire feels overwhelming and hard to resist. However, with repeated observation, its intensity diminishes to a manageable level. Instead of giving in, I choose to observe the urge without acting on it. By doing so, new thoughts emerge—some encouraging me to eat the sweet and others advising against it—and I observe these thoughts as well. Over time, the energy driving my craving dissipates. In my view, this process transformed it into a new behavioral pattern (a kind of stored energy pattern) that helps me recognize the futility of indulging unnecessarily (e.g., eating when I’m not hungry).

This transformation extends beyond sweets to other areas of life. Just as learning to ride a bicycle makes it easier to learn other vehicles like scooters or cars, this pattern influences my decisions in various contexts. For example, when considering dining out, I now observe my impulses more carefully and often choose healthier alternatives, like seasonal fruits. Similarly, this pattern guides me in making thoughtful decisions about purchases like mobile phones or cars by adding an extra layer of observation and discernment.

Point to Ponder:

When dealing with chronic diseases, it’s worth paying attention to recurring patterns of energy within you—such as anger, jealousy, agony, or pain. Harboring these negative emotions over time may contribute to chronic illnesses. By actively observing and transforming these emotions, you might reduce their impact on your health or even promote healing. Many examples illustrate this idea—for instance, Mark Nepo’s journey through cancer or Anitha Margani’s transformative experiences.