When the mind wants something – it acquires an intention, a planned task.
There is now agitation. One cannot be calm as there is now a planned task and one wants to – at some stage – execute. Human action to attempt to complete this task.
It also acquires conditioning. If the task is completed and successful – one may experience pleasant feelings of accomplishment. These feelings are fleeting and do not last. The mind will eventually ask…”What is next?”.
If the task is not completed and was unsuccessful. Negative feelings arise of the failure. If one could simply let it go that would be easier. Failure is seen as a disease by some and there may be ruminations about this failure – about this past action.
If the task is not attempted – one is left with agitation. As soon as the mind is reminded of this want – the not yet attempted task details and planning arise. One cannot be content with this task still sitting on the to do list.
The outcomes in all cases – are discontentment. A negative outcome.
The want owns and controls the mind – robbing one of peace and contentment to simply be as one is.
The ability to let go of wants – is the ability to let go of the eventual negative outcome. It is a skill to be developed.
Simply be good – generous and virtuous – without thinking of a self. That is all.