Wanting it bad enough (whatever IT is) leads to relentless practice – nutty, irrational tenacity. You want what you want so badly that you don’t stop pursuing it every which way you can.
You may take breaks. You may question yourself, your sanity, the practicality of your desire in the world, but you can’t not pursue it. It’s just too compelling.
Sound obsessive? Some would define it that way. But there’s a critical difference between Sacred Desire and delusion addiction. Here it is …
Sacred desire burns a road through impassable terrain the moment you say ‘yes’ to it.
And as long as you keep saying ‘Yes’, it’ll carry you through obstacles and challenges that stop others in their tracks.
Sacred Desire is at the heart of every worthy venture and value. Every time sheer force of will seemed to win the day against impossible odds? Sacred Desire lived at its heart, feeding the herculean momentum.
The only condition I would impose or distinction I would make here? Make sure your desire is, indeed, a sacred one. What do I mean by ‘sacred’? Here are some official definitions:
- Devoted or dedicated to a deity or some religious purpose; consecrated
- Regarded with reverence
- Secured against violation, infringement, etc., as by reverence or sense of right
So let me be crystal clear here: I’m not talking about your average, run-of-the-mill want.
I’m talking about something that has a set apart meaning or higher purpose in your life and Soul. Something that kindles your devotion almost outside of your own choosing. Something that will drive you relentlessly forward and forward … just for the privilege of living in its shadow.
Because you’re compelled by an inner compulsion that borders on holy fanaticism. Yet this inspiration doesn’t have to come in an epic form. It just has an epic source and impulse – an epic effect on how life unfolds for you.
Like for me. One madness is writing. I’ve pretty much always done it .. it seems to come out of nowhere .. there usually isn’t a ‘plan’ … and I can’t stop doing it.
I just write. Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, downloaded guidance, essays, at least one song, memes, social media posts, blog posts, copy writing, ghostwriting, countless scraps of paper scrawls, one-word mantras in Sharpie … it doesn’t matter. I just have to write. I will never NOT write.
It’s in the blood, the bones … but like all Sacred Desire, it’s born from the Soul. And I know that because:
- I don’t have to motivate myself to do it in its raw form – and –
- Because I don’t care if I’m ever a recognized ‘success’ at it.
And because, when I envision a zombie apocalypse? Right after water and food come pencils and paper. Because I have to capture the flow when it strikes. And it strikes CONTINUALLY.
I do it to honor the lively current electrocuting through me, quickening me, purging me. Making me useful and contributing to the flow of Life. Because as important as the words are, the real deal for me is the INTELLIGENCE and intention coming through the words. It comes from a higher place.
This is the essence of Sacred Desire. And if you give yourself over to whatever that experience is for you, it will teach you (remember the definitions?) how to live like itself: “… devoted, consecrated and secured against infringement …” of all that may appear worthwhile, but ultimately doesn’t lead to Life.
Catalyst Questions to Journal or Ponder
What is something you find yourself compulsively doing?
However small, seemingly insignificant or off-the-wall? For ex: I can’t take a walk without bringing home some little rock, twig, or leaf. I don’t what this is exactly, but it’s a true compulsion … and it’s consistent. (I think it’s pushing me to make some kind of art.)
What is something you’ve always wanted to do or experience that’s never gone away?
Examples: travel, playing the piano, singing, riding a horse, flying a kite. Find a way to work it into your life … or just to walk toward it. Don’t try to justify or analyze the sacred desire, just start giving it the place it’s asking for and observe. Small steps count.
Napoleon Hill said that “weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat.” So what does a strong desire bring? ALCHEMICAL FIRE.
So blow those embers and see what ignites.
In Deep Desire for the Light,