10 Important Things You Don't Know You Want

Summary

In this thought-provoking episode, Leo from Actualised.org challenges the audience to reassess their deepest desires, suggesting that many of our pursuits are misguided. He introduces ten 'authentic wants' that people are often unaware of, such as seeking a magical existence, effortless living, and a dispassionate mind. Leo argues that conventional goals like wealth or status are distractions from these more profound aspirations, which are essential for true self-actualization. He encourages a reevaluation of life strategies based on a deeper understanding of what truly fulfills.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The mind can deceive us into pursuing goals that aren't genuinely aligned with our deep desires, often leading to dissatisfaction.
• 🤔 Most people are unaware of their true wants, often mistaking superficial desires for deep-seated ones, which can misguide their life strategies.
• 🌱 We innately desire to recapture the magic and wonder of existence as we experienced in childhood, but societal conditioning often dulls this sense of awe.
• 💫 There's a yearning for a life that feels effortless and seamless, where actions and decisions flow naturally without internal conflict or external resistance.
• 👁️ The authentic self is often hidden behind layers of inauthenticity; people deeply want to express themselves genuinely and spontaneously.
• 🧘 A dispassionate mind, which treats all experiences equally without attachment, is a counterintuitive but profound desire that many are unaware they have.
• 🌿 The desire to be 'nobody' in terms of shedding societal identities and expectations is a deep-seated yearning that contrasts with the common pursuit of identity validation.
• 🕊️ Samadhi, or the experience of becoming one with the object of perception, represents a profound form of unity and reality that many unknowingly seek.
• 🔍 The search for 'Truth' with a capital T is a fundamental pursuit, representing the ultimate reality beyond beliefs, ideologies, and personal biases.
• 🌎 Becoming a benevolent force in the world, contributing positively to society and reality, is a core desire that aligns with the concept of finding one's life purpose.
• 🏡 A simple and natural lifestyle, free from the complications and distractions of modern life, is deeply appealing and represents a return to a more fundamental way of being.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Leo's discussion in this episode?

The main topic is about the deep, often unconscious desires that people have, which they may not be aware of, and how these desires can impact their lives and self-improvement efforts.

What does Leo suggest is the problem with most people's understanding of their desires?

Leo suggests that most people are not aware of their deep desires and instead focus on superficial wants, leading to misguided life strategies and a lack of fulfillment.

Why does Leo believe that pursuing things like money, relationships, or success might not lead to true happiness?

Leo believes these things are distractions from the core desires that truly matter, and pursuing them can lead people far off track from what would genuinely fulfill them.

What does Leo mean by wanting 'existence to feel magical again'?

This refers to the desire to regain the sense of wonder and amazement towards life that one might have felt as a child, before becoming jaded or accustomed to the mundane aspects of reality.

What is the significance of having an 'effortless' life according to Leo?

An effortless life means that everything flows naturally without resistance or struggle, which is a state of being that many people deeply desire but are not consciously aware of.

Why does Leo emphasize the importance of authenticity?

Authenticity is important because it allows one to act, speak, and think in a genuine and uninhibited way, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life experience.

What does Leo mean by a 'dispassionate mind'?

A dispassionate mind is one that does not cling or need anything, treating all aspects of reality with equanimity, and not being overly attached to pleasure or averse to pain.

Why does Leo suggest that people might not be aware of their true desires?

Leo suggests that people's minds are often tricked by societal conditioning and distractions, leading them to focus on superficial wants and overlook their deeper, more authentic desires.

What is the role of 'truth' in the context of Leo's discussion?

Truth, with a capital T, refers to the ultimate reality or the essence of what is genuinely real and important. Leo posits that people deeply desire to live in alignment with this truth, although they may not recognize it.

How does Leo define 'Samadhi' and why is it significant?

Samadhi is a state of deep meditation or consciousness where one becomes one with the object of observation. It is significant because it represents a profound experience of unity and reality that goes beyond intellectual understanding.

What does Leo mean by 'becoming a benevolent force in the world'?

Becoming a benevolent force means being a positive and compassionate influence in the world, contributing to the well-being of others and society without being driven by self-interest.

Why does Leo argue that a simple, natural lifestyle is something people deeply desire but may not realize?

A simple, natural lifestyle is appealing because it allows for a deeper connection with life's essentials, free from the distractions and complications of modern society, leading to a more peaceful and meaningful existence.

What is the challenge Leo identifies in the pursuit of self-actualization and personal growth?

The challenge is recognizing and understanding one's true desires, which are often counterintuitive and hidden beneath layers of societal conditioning and personal delusion.

What does Leo offer as a solution to help people realign their goals with their true desires?

Leo offers his philosophy and teachings as a means to help people question their current desires and strategies, and to start understanding the deeper, more authentic desires that can lead to true fulfillment.