Living without Desire

I imagined what it would be like to let go of desire. Would I be just as productive, and more importantly, would I be less stressed and happier? I decided to test it. I call the excess of what is required to stay alive “desire.” So, essential functions such as eating, sleeping, maintaining health, reproductive activities, working, contributing to society, and so forth are not included in “desire,” as I describe here.

With desire, I want to do my tasks as efficiently as possible, striving for recognition, money, fame, acceptance, satisfaction, etc. This constant desire for more creates stress, and I find myself constantly exhausted from keeping up with it. But what if I perform work, tasks, etc., without this desire? Surprisingly, my mind is clearer and solely focused on the tasks. I am not bothered by “what if this or that.”  The result is that I do better at whatever I do, I am undoubtedly less stressed, and I feel more focused and in control. I am happier and more peaceful, and the fear of living without desire was unfounded and false!