Motivation, Will and Desire

[Jitendra Hydonus]

I have been pondering on this quite a bit recently. What is it that stops us from being a couch potato? What is it that gets us out of the doldrums?

Even if we have ego it is better than being lazy. Desire at least motivates people. Where does motivation come from? Even pain is a good motivation if it helps make an effort to rid ourselves of it. Often we need the drive and motivation to exercise and meditate. So developing the will is important in life. I believe that is a main reason Paramahansa Yogananda developed the energization exercises; to develop will power. Others may have other ways of giving them drive and motivation but when as spiritual aspirants we are attempting to rid ourselves of ego and desire - in a misguided attempt to do so - we shouldn’t become lazy and indolent.