Is It Okay to Want More in Life? A Spiritual Perspective on Desire
Many people feel conflicted about desire – torn between being grateful for what they have and wanting something greater. But the truth is, the desire for more is not a flaw. It is one of the driving forces behind growth, progress, and purpose.
The real question isn’t whether you should want more – but whether what you want is truly aligned with who you are.
“Desire” and “wanting more” has been a part of human nature since the dawn of time, without which there would have been no progress, improvement or development in our lives. Without the “desire” to improve things, we would simply have been satisfied with and accepted a lack of sanitation or a high infant mortality rate, just to list some examples. It was the human “desire” to not be satisfied with the status quo, to believe in better and to take the actions required to make things better that did lead to things becoming better.
With this in mind, it is clear that “wanting more” and “desiring better” are traits that can lead to great progression for humanity. Yet, in modern times, human desire has been viewed at once with fear on the one hand and with confusion on the other, without a clear understanding of how to accept that “wanting more” is a good thing and harnessing that desire to create something that is good for all.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with human desire and wanting more. It is a good thing to have desire and to want more. The questions however are:
1. Is the “more” truly something you want?
2. Is the “more” truly for highest good?
In other words, is this the right “more” for you?
Yet, humanity’s engagement with desire has not been a balanced one and there is a gap between simply wanting everything that others have without a clear reason why other than to stoke an insecurity or the ego (which needs healing and not stoking) and repression of desire or suspicion of those who express desires out of a fear of change or a need to control (yet, again stemming from insecurity that needs healing and not enabling).
How did we get here? To the point of dumbing down the very trait that has led to the greatest inventions humans have seen?
So, Is it Okay to want more in life? The answer depends on alignment, not suppression. Many people worry that wanting more in life is selfish but in reality, it often comes from a desire to grow and contribute.
Let’s debunk some myths.
Can You Be Grateful and Still Want More?
How often have we heard the phrase “Be satisfied with what you have”. “Learn to be content”. In themselves, these are not bad sentiments. However, they are incomplete and have been misunderstood. These statements are meant to remind us of the need to be grateful for what we already have or have achieved. They are not meant to tell us to stay small, stay in the box or to fail failure.
Without gratitude, we do not have the ability to create in purity. Without appreciation, all achievement will inevitably be distorted. Yes, we absolutely need to practice gratitude and make it a part of life. But we can be grateful and still want more. These are not mutually exclusive.
Be grateful for what you have been given and achieved and those who have helped you on the path to success and use that as a platform to make things even better. Create abundance from your gratitude!
Does Wanting More Make You a Bad Person?
This is a big fat lie! Dumbing down your talents does not make you a good person at all. Sure it might make you seem “nice” to others. But what does being “nice” even really mean?
Being nice does not mean you are a good person. It simply means that you do not trigger the insecurities of others, that you stay small in order to “keep the peace”. Being “nice” in this way is can actually be deeply harmful because you are depriving the world of your talents out of fear, enabling others to stay in their comfort zone instead of improving or healing and contributing to a lack of progress. Or, you could be using this as an excuse not to change and to stay in the comfort zone.
Being a nice person and being a good person is not the same thing. Definitely something to reflect on.
The path of least resistance is at best an excuse and at worst, the road to hell. It is anti-growth and anti-progression.
Why Fear of Failure Stops You From Wanting More
This is a big one and not one that we are always ready to see and face. Sometimes we convince ourselves that we are satisfied when in reality, it is a fear of failure that keeps us trapped. We are stuck, not satisfied!
Often, this isn’t even your fear but an inherited or projected one from family members or those around you. Stay small, so that you do not attract jealousy. Stay small so that you can never fail.
But is this truly you or a distorted version of yourself?
In the mystery school traditions, all who walk the path are tasked with knowing themselves and chiefly to know themselves as an expression of the divine. We are all divine beings and therefore, success is our birthright.
What is Success?
Success is to know your divine purpose and to fulfil it. Sure, there might be obstacles to navigate but these challenges are signposts to success, the training ground to make us worthy of the success that we will undoubtedly get.
Why Doing the Same Thing Won’t Lead to Success
This is something that is also often misunderstood. We often hear that we need to keep trying in order to succeed. While that is true, it doesn’t mean that we keep trying the same way. Doing the same things but not receiving the desired results does not mean that the goal was wrong or not meant to be. It simply means that you may have to think outside the box and have a go at it from a different way. What other way can you try to navigate the obstacle? Is this an obstacle you face head on? Is it one you go around? What is the right different way?
This goes to discernment – what is the right way for you? And again, this goes back to “Know Thyself”.
Are You Settling Because You Don’t Want To Do the Work
To achieve a goal will often necessitate hard work and sacrifice, something which we are not prepared to do. So, we settle for less because we are unwilling to do what it takes to achieve what we desire.
And that’s fine. It is self-aware and it is honest.
However, when it becomes a distortion when we lie to ourselves by using the “be content” shield as an excuse to not put in the effort that is required.
It is important to get clear.
Is ‘It’s Not Meant to Be” Just an Excuse?
This is another unfortunate excuse that has become pervasive in the new age.
Sayings like “what is meant to be yours will not pass you by” are feel good statements that mean nothing. Things will most certainly pass you by if you do not take any action to get them.
If you want something, the first step is to do something about it.
This is where some of the distortion and misunderstanding about manifestation and the law of attraction comes into play. In the new age, there is a misguided belief that if you imagine and feel the success, success will be yours.
Learn more in our guide to Demystifying the Law of Attraction.
While visualisation is a great tool to utilise as a starting point, physical action is still needed for anything to be created in this physical reality and that is where the mainstream law of attraction theories are incomplete.
Imagination serves as great inspiration but it will not come to pass if it remains just within your imagination.
The need for physical action is not a bad thing. It is actually something that helps us to create with intention, purpose and purity as opposed to just manifesting for the sake of it. The need for physical action requires us to really inquire as to our intentions. Why do we want this? Why will this serve us and humanity? Is this part of fulfilling my purpose? Does it make things better etc etc.
That way, we are creating with purity and purpose as opposed to projection, insecurity or jealousy.
It helps us to know ourselves better.
What Happens When You Stop Believing That Better Is Possible
This is something that does make me feel sad – that someone has been disappointed and let down so much that they no longer believe that better is possible.
This is not a lack of desire but rather resignation and repression. They have given up!
However, this is when “Know Thyself” becomes all the more important. .
How Can Meditation Help You Know Yourself?
Meditation is a great way to connect to who you truly are. It stills the mind and trains you, with regular practice not to engage with your thoughts and helps you go to your own quiet pond. The place where you are connected to your own higher wisdom without the distraction of the world around you.
While there are many types of meditation, the Sanctuary Meditation is an excellent way to truly connect with your higher self.
Is it Okay to Want More in Life? Final Thoughts
So, is it okay to want more in life? The answer is a resounding yes! After all:
● Desire is natural
● Fear Distorts it
● Alignment is Key
● Action is Required
● Meditation provides Clarity
● Sanctuary Meditation provides Focus
If you are ready to gain clarity and align with your true purpose, join our Sanctuary Meditation class in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it wrong to want more in life?
No. Wanting more is natural—what matters is whether it aligns with your true purpose.
Why do I feel guilty for wanting more?
This often comes from conditioning, fear, or comparison—not truth.
Can you be content and still want more?
Yes. Gratitude and growth can coexist
Sanctuary Meditation Class in London
Join our Sanctuary Meditation class in London on 7 June, Saturday from 2pm to 4pm at INCENTRE London, 124 Wigmore Street W1.
During this class, you will learn the ancient techniques to connect with your Higher Self and how to do it safely and effortlessly by yourself.
Here you will receive answers to your questions and guidance from within.
This will build a foundation for all and any spiritual practice.
Come discover your Sanctuary ~ the place to cultivate your power & intuition.
Join this fascinating meditation session handed down by the Mystery School tradition for thousands of years. You will learn to access and work with your higher self, from whom you can regularly obtain answers to simple, everyday questions, guidance, and assistance with life’s challenges and difficult decisions. This is a crucial tool to master as it allows you to steer your ship and become a master of your destiny!
No meditation experience is required! This meditation class in central London is suitable for all levels from beginners to those looking to deepen their spiritual practice.
In my work with meditation students, I often see an increase in the ability to relax and unwind, providing students with the space to access their higher wisdom! Try it!
