Are you absolutely sure you want it?

We’ve all had the thought “I want it”.

Accompanied by the belief “I don’t care if I’m full and if it will make me sick, I’m eating anyways”.

But is that what you really want?

Are you absolutely sure?

How do you react when you believe you want it (food, or anything, honestly)….

….AND notice whether or not you also have the belief “I should not eat it”. (Often these two beliefs come in a pair).

Notice if you are thirsty and you want water….do you battle within yourself about acquiring the water, or stopping when full? Usually not.

What else happens when you believe you want it (and you shouldn’t)?

Who would you be without the belief you want that food?

Especially when you keep eating it–interesting to acknowledge the first bite when you’re hungry is relaxing and pleasurable, but several bites in, the belief has naturally changed.

“You want it” when you are no longer hungry–is that really true?

Who would you be without this belief? You might notice you actually DO NOT BELIEVE this thought already!

You’re overriding your own truth.

You want something else, you want to stop, you don’t want to feel sick, you want to release anxiety….but you don’t want “it” (eating this item, in this moment).

Turn the thought around: I do NOT want it.

Is this truer?

I want my thoughts about it, not the actual eating of it.

What feels true about that?

Why would you want to tell yourself you want something that you don’t actually want? Is there something frightening about noticing you don’t want it? Do you think you might be left with other wants that can’t be resolved, or are too scary to be resolved, or require discomfort?

Sit with this inquiry, using your imagination to wonder who you are without this thought.
Ahhhhhh. The end of war.
Much love,
Grace
P.S. Retreat at Breitenbush Hotsprings June 12-16 has a few spots left. Come join me and the wonderful Tom Compton to soak in inquiry and peace. Call Breitenbush to make reservations 503-854-3320.
Other upcoming events:
  • June 27th East West Books evening 7-9 pm.
  • June 12-16, 2019 Breitenbush Retreat with Tom Compton
  • Summer Camp for The Mind Online Inquiry
  • Divorce Is Hell 8 week course Aug 18-October 13, 2019 Sundays 11 am PT/ 7 pm UK with Nadine Ferris France
  • Year of Inquiry begins Sept 8, 2019–a whole year of monthly topics in The Work, and sharing inquiry together
  • always free: First Friday inquiry power hour (90 mins) 7:45am PT

4 Replies to “Are you absolutely sure you want it?”

  1. Hello Grace! This post has me missing you! Remembering how effective and gentle your work is!!
    Would love to come to Breitenbush this year but school gets out and we are with boys then. Maybe next year. Much love,

    1. Oh my dearest…so sweet to think of you, see your face and remember you being on retreat, and your powerful inquiry, always. So much love, Grace

  2. A valuable and insightful post, Grace. Since reading it a few days ago I keep catching myself doing exactly what you described — believing “I want it” when, in fact, I no longer do.

    One of these days perhaps I’ll catch myself before I eat the food item!

    1. So lovely just to notice…the awareness itself I find exciting! –Grace

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