Having vs Wanting to Do Things

Life goes at a frantic pace, so how do we slow down? One way of slowing down is to realize that nothing really needs doing most of the time. Most of the things that we want to do, are really only wants. I sometimes have the anxiety that unless I keep on the move, I will simply slide into lethargy and won't bother to pick up at a later time. The truth is, however, that one should always ask themselves sincerely whether something is a "want" or is in fact a need. It is in investigating the difference between wants and needs that we may be able to let go of what we don't need to do right away.

Going back to my previous entry, if we believe in the idea of cause and conditions, we can recognize that a house never gets built in a single day. Many factors are required, and it takes sustained effort that happens over a long time. During the three day retreat, Ven. GuoYen reminded the participants that it is better not to become so impatient or consumed in wanting to progress in practice that we lose energy. A tense mind hardly gets us farther down the road, so we should find other ways to be content with what has been done and let the rest be completed at a later time or phase. Another way of looking at this is to allow a plan to fold naturally rather than trying too hard to achieve in one go. Trying to do everything at once can not only pressure yourself but also those around you too.

Having to do things always comes with a hidden question: what do I stand to gain or lose in doing this? Can it wait or does it need to happen right away? Reflecting on these questions can also dovetail with the theme of having few needs.