Anam Thubten, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher and founder of the Dharmata Foundation, offers insight on self-discovery in this talk: asking ourselves what we want most. He says that what we think we know, that “everybody wants happiness,” is not entirely true.
A note from Sean
I once asked myself what a successful life would be. I thought of people I had met who were deeply present, compassionate, and resilient. When I felt that in them, I started craving it, and my business plans flew out the window. That is partly why I became a monk.
Try this today. Take one quiet minute with a hand on your chest or belly. Ask slowly: What do I want most? Don’t answer right away. Wait through five breaths and notice what shows up, whether a word, an image, or a feeling in the body. Write down the first thing, even if it surprises you. Look at it again tomorrow.
Keep going: Identifying Personal Values and Aligning With Your Purpose.
This suits anyone at a crossroads, or tired of running on autopilot. If the question brings up grief or pressure, go gently. Stop when you need to.
