In each of us lies a powerful source of life, from which our true desires emerge and our unique essence is formed.

The Deep Well of Desire and Identity

In each of us lies a powerful source of life, from which our true desires emerge and our unique essence is formed. In the depths of our hearts are not merely fleeting impulses, but long-term aspirations that define who we are and what we strive for. It is inner self-observation that helps us recognize these impulses without succumbing to superficial, momentary thoughts or external influences.

When we explore our inner space, we understand that our true desires are not abstract dreams but deep impulses capable of guiding us and setting the tone for our entire existence. These are aspirations that come from the very heart of the individual, reaching back to the origins of his life energy. They are so powerful that they shape our personality, allowing us to remain true to our convictions even when the surrounding world dictates otherwise.

At the same time, self-awareness and self-determination are the foundations upon which our inner integrity is built. The true essence does not require external validation; it exists on its own, autonomous and independent from the judgments of others. When we embrace our deep desires, we gain confidence in who we are, enabling us to harmoniously connect our inner truth with the external manifestation of our being.

Thus, immersing oneself in the world of inner depth opens up the opportunity to rethink the meanings of life. Our desires, as a life-giving force, allow us not only to dream of something better but also to build our lives in accordance with genuine values, thereby forming a unique and original personality.

How do you define your true desires and your essence?

When defining our true desires and the essence of who we are, it is important to rely on our inner depth and self-observation, where our aspirations are not limited to fleeting thoughts or external influences. Our true desires originate from the heart and, being deeper than ordinary imagination and intellect, they form our unique personality. In other words, within us are embedded aspirations that define not only what we want but also who we truly are.

As noted in one source:
"We desire a paradise where there is neither death nor boredom; we cannot imagine it. How is it possible to desire something that one cannot even conceive? Our desires are much deeper than imagination or thought; the heart is deeper than the mind. 'Above all, guard your heart, for out of it flow the springs of life'... We are not only what we are, but also what we desire." (source: link txt)

Similarly, our essence is defined as something autonomous and self-determining, existing in its internal wholeness without the need for external validation. This means that true essence does not merely reflect existence but, in itself, is an independent, self-determined basis of our existence. As stated in another source:
"These three dialectical moments. However, the essence of life lies in self-awareness, in self-relation, in being-for-itself. If this is so, then it is clear that the three moments we have mentioned (with subsequent modifications) speak only of mere being of essence, of being in itself and for itself. Yet it is necessary for them to also serve as moments of being-for-itself, i.e., that the essence of the word is reconciled with itself..." (source: link txt, page: 100)

Thus, for me, true desires are the inner, deep impulses originating from the heart that determine not only our aspirations but also lay the foundation for forming our unique essence. This essence, in turn, is something independent and self-determining that does not require external recognition for its affirmation, but exists in complete harmony with the inner truth of being.

Supporting citation(s):
"We desire a paradise where there is neither death nor boredom; we cannot imagine it. How can we desire something that cannot even be conceived? Our desires are much deeper than imagination or thought; the heart is deeper than the mind. 'Above all, guard your heart, for out of it flow the springs of life,' says Solomon (Prov 4:23). The heart is our nucleus, our root, from which everything we do originates. It is there that we decide the meaning of our life, for our deepest desires form us and establish our unique identity. We are not only what we are, but also what we desire." (source: link txt)

"These three dialectical moments. However, the essence of life lies in self-awareness, in self-relation, in being-for-itself. If this is so, then it is clear that the three moments we have noted (with subsequent modifications) speak only of the mere being of essence, of being in itself. Yet it is necessary for them to also be moments of being-for-itself, i.e., that the essence of the word is reconciled with itself..." (source: link txt, page: 100)