desire image What can I say after writing the equation above? The words may speak for themselves, kind  of like one of those duh statements we hear now and then. However, let me digress for a few  moments.

We all have cravings. After starting Deepak Chopra’s new book What Are You Hungry For? I  realize that my gaining twelve pounds over the last two years has now created a strong  ambition to lose it so that I can fit once again into my summer clothes.  STRONG desire!  Chopra has helped me reach deeper into an awareness of why I have been gaining weight through the years.

Desire, in some fashion, has been with us since the beginning of time and it comes to all of us, sometimes unbidden, stealthily approaching until our brains are diffused with wanting something we don’t already have. My grandson’s present quest is to earn piles of money this summer before he starts college again in the fall. Some of my coaching clients have aspirations to create successful businesses. A good friend wants to divest herself of all possessions and travel the world.

The aspiration to succeed in some facet is the main topic of everyone I coach.  My job is to listen carefully and become aware of these wants and needs, to ask challenging questions, to guide others to dig beneath the surface …to create awareness about what is driving their pilgrimage to fulfillment.

When I begin conversations with new clients, it’s not long before I address being aware. If we want to make a change and we keep on doing the same things out of habit, there is not much chance of modifying our behavior. But if we are mindful about our actions and consciously understand what has made us repeat the same negative idiosyncrasies, then we can begin transforming elements that will lead us to the contentment we seek.

During the past fifteen years, I have used many different methods to help clients seek a deeper understanding of what makes them tick. The exercise in Part Two is particularly helpful and usually creates successful results…even if it’s not the specific outcome that someone expected. That’s the thing about tuning in to yourself—all  kinds of surprises can materialize. Part Two will explain briefly the story of a client who was hungering for change and contentment.

In the meantime, if you are looking for passion, clarity or focus in your life — right now — take a look at my new retreat being offered at the end of September in the beautiful and peaceful San Juan Islands of Washington. You can find information at http://www.sharonhooper.com/retreats/