Desire
The Engine of Motivation
Desire represents the vibrational frequency where motivation and ambition emerge in human consciousness. At this level, individuals are driven by wants, aspirations, and the pursuit of goals. While more evolved than apathy or grief, desire still keeps us focused on external fulfillment rather than inner peace.
Dr. David Hawkins describes this level as "the level of materialism and consumerism." Desire fuels our economic systems, personal ambitions, and much of human activity. It's the energy behind goal-setting, acquisition, and achievement.
This level is characterized by:
- Strong motivation toward specific outcomes
- Goal-oriented thinking and behavior
- Acquisition of money, fame, possessions
- Pleasure-seeking and comfort orientation
- Ambition and competitive drive
- Temporary satisfaction upon goal achievement
In the Map of Consciousness, desire represents an important transitional stage between the lower levels (which lack motivation) and the higher levels (which transcend material motivation). While desire can lead to achievement, it often creates an endless cycle of wanting more.
Key Characteristics of Desire
Goal Orientation
Individuals at this level are highly focused on achieving specific outcomes, whether material possessions, status, relationships, or experiences.
Competitive Drive
There's often a strong desire to compare favorably with others and "win" in various domains of life (career, relationships, appearance).
Consumer Mentality
Life is approached with a mindset of acquisition - wanting more, better, or different experiences, objects, or status symbols.
Future Focus
Attention is primarily directed toward future fulfillment ("I'll be happy when...") rather than present-moment contentment.
Passion and Enthusiasm
When pursuing desired outcomes, individuals can experience intense excitement and energy, though this often fades after achievement.
Temporary Satisfaction
Fulfillment of desires brings only short-term happiness before new desires emerge, creating an endless cycle.
Real-World Examples
Material Aspirations
Someone working long hours to buy their dream car or house, believing this acquisition will bring lasting happiness. The temporary joy of achievement soon gives way to new desires.
Consciousness Shift: This cycle can eventually lead to questioning whether external objects truly bring fulfillment, potentially moving toward higher levels.
Relationship Pursuits
Dating with a strong focus on finding "the perfect partner" who will complete them, often projecting fantasies onto potential partners rather than seeing them authentically.
Consciousness Shift: Repeated disappointments may lead to understanding that true fulfillment comes from within rather than from others.
Career Ambition
An employee relentlessly pursuing promotions and higher salaries, believing each new achievement will finally bring satisfaction, only to find the goalposts keep moving.
Consciousness Shift: Some eventually realize meaningful work and contribution provide deeper fulfillment than status or salary alone.
Entrepreneurial Drive
A startup founder working obsessively to build a successful company, often at the expense of health and relationships, driven by visions of wealth and recognition.
Consciousness Shift: Successful entrepreneurs often transition from pure desire to more purposeful motivations as they mature.
Consumer Culture
Black Friday shopping frenzies where people camp out for deals, driven by intense desire for discounted products they may not even need.
Consciousness Shift: Some participants eventually recognize the emptiness of compulsive consumption and seek more meaningful ways to live.
Social Media Influence
The pursuit of followers, likes, and viral fame as markers of success and validation, often leading to constant comparison and dissatisfaction.
Consciousness Shift: Many eventually realize authentic connection is more valuable than metrics of popularity.
The Science of Desire
Neuroscience Findings
Dopamine, the "wanting" neurotransmitter, drives desire by creating anticipation of reward. The nucleus accumbens lights up when we desire something, often more than when we actually obtain it.
Research shows desire and satisfaction activate different brain circuits, explaining why the chase often feels better than the catch.
Psychological Research
Studies on the "hedonic treadmill" demonstrate how people quickly adapt to new possessions or achievements, returning to baseline happiness levels and desiring more.
Goal-setting theory shows that while goals motivate action, intrinsic goals (personal growth) provide more lasting satisfaction than extrinsic ones (money, fame).
Physiological Effects
Chronic desire creates sustained low-level stress as the body remains in a state of anticipation. This can lead to:
- Elevated cortisol levels
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Reduced immune function
- Increased inflammation
Working With Desire
Conscious Desire Mapping
Identify your core desires and examine their roots. Ask: Is this truly my desire or society's? Will fulfillment bring lasting satisfaction or temporary pleasure?
Exercise: List your top 5 desires. For each, note why you want it and how you'll feel once obtained. Imagine having it - does the feeling last?
Channel Desire Constructively
Redirect desire energy toward growth-oriented goals. The same motivational energy can fuel learning, creativity, or service rather than just material acquisition.
Exercise: Choose one desire and reframe it as a personal growth opportunity (e.g., from "wanting a promotion" to "developing leadership skills").
Practice Delayed Gratification
Build willpower by consciously delaying immediate desires. This strengthens prefrontal cortex regulation over impulsive wanting.
Exercise: Identify one small desire you can delay each day (e.g., checking phone, snacking). Observe the mental patterns that arise.
Cultivate Non-Attachment
Learn to experience desires without being controlled by them. Notice wants as they arise without automatically acting on them.
Exercise: When a strong desire arises, pause for 5 minutes before acting. Observe how the intensity changes.
Balance Striving and Appreciation
Counteract the future-focus of desire with present-moment gratitude. Regularly acknowledge what you already have.
Exercise: Each morning, list 3 things you appreciate about your current life before focusing on new goals.
Transformations Through Desire
"I spent years chasing promotions and luxury purchases, convinced the next achievement would finally make me happy. After getting my dream job and still feeling empty, I realized I'd been climbing the wrong ladder. Now I use that same drive to cultivate meaningful relationships and personal growth - the fulfillment is so much deeper."
"As an entrepreneur, desire fueled my success but also my burnout. I achieved financial goals but felt constantly unsatisfied. Learning to channel that energy into service rather than just profit transformed my business and my life. Now I desire to make a difference rather than just make money."
Resources for Growth
"The Power vs. Force" by David R. Hawkins
Explains desire's role in the Map of Consciousness and how to evolve beyond its limitations.
Learn more →"The Map Of Consciousness" All level
Examines why achieving our desires often fails to bring lasting happiness.
Learn Here →Ready to Work With Desire Consciously?
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