The 'Desired State' Trap

One of the biggest traps I see that even (or maybe even especially) long-term spiritual seekers fall into is the ‘desired state’ trap. Having experienced moments of freedom from the suffocating personal self, a natural longing arises to want to return to that ‘state’ (it is not a state. It is the ever present and inherent ground of your own being/the one-being-in-all). Attention becomes focused on “I’ve got it”, “I’ve lost it”, “I want it”, “ I can’t get it back”.

This is precisely what is standing in your way. Attention can either be caught up like this (in thought, feeling, sensation) in an endless, exhausting loop, OR be turned inwards – a very simple, non mystical turning – allowing attention to rest inside.

An interesting thing happens when we do this: attention seems to meet itself. When attention (or ‘awareness’) meets itself (becomes aware of itself) there is a miraculous consequence. Suddenly the confining walls of the personal self fall away and we find we are exactly where we have longed to be. At home in our natural, ever-present being, complete and at peace.

We have made our life on the upper surface of our being: busy with the Ten Thousand Things of this world and our personal world of thoughts, feelings and sensations (what we call ’myself’). Our attention is usually trapped here on the surface and only very occasionally do we taste the inner freedom of our own nature. Those moments are always our most treasured and memorable and for good reason. Finally, we experience ourselves as we truly are: open, spacious, calm and fulfilled with nothing missing. No wonder we are so obsessed with finding our way back. Somewhere we KNOW this is the truth of who we are.

Just don’t fall into the ‘desired state’ trap. Temporarily (at first) release yourself from the usual, habitual distractions, redirect your attention inwards, and let attention show you the way.