Without a sense that there is more and better available, we could only settle for what we have until it is stale and flat and so boring we are ready to die.
Appetite is an essential vital force, what connects us to the infinite, diverse and abundant nature of the Creation. It underlies our ability to challenge, to create, to deepen intimacy, to broaden our perspective. Appetite is the vacuum that nature abhors and is compelled to fill.
Unattended, appetite means chronic dissatisfaction, vampirish tendencies, a deep sense of pointlessness. When indulged adequately however, appetite keeps us curious, propelled, compelled to devour life, nourish our souls with unrelenting faith that the world is on offer for us to revel in.
Constant change requires us to keep our eyes open for what comes next, alternatives, inspirations.
This impetus keeps us light and focused on what matters; where our light needs to shine. Then we know to share what we have with the world while it's there.
From there we keep shining brighter - that is, as long as we keep our feet on the ground.
The most delightful, awe inspiring features of this world can grow stale if we come to depend on them for entertainment.
It is our curiosity -or desire- that makes the value of what we seek, not the object itself.
When we focus on the object and fail to nurture our soul from the experience, the hunger that could propel us into a full life turns into a liability, an insatiable predator, ungrateful and envious.
Instead if we choose to enjoy and say thank you, we are available to welcome to next thrill.
Appetite is a driving force, powered by inspiration, curiosity, hope, readiness for change. It would be plain betrayal to the nature of appetite to go in with a specific goal in mind, a controlled way to feed the soul, mouth or actions to pre-define where this exploration is going to lead us. Nourishing oneself for a specific endgame is a little bit like landscaping an unexplored territory. It is spiteful, and misses out on the surprise and potential.
Appearance seems like a lot of what matters - with ‘seems’ being the operative word.
When we turn ‘what we look like’ into a life purpose, we turn ourselves into a closed loop, we dismiss any impetus to actually be and contribute, we forget to feed our soul, often by way of starving our body.
Appetite for life is about substance, inner journey, going through the pains of trying and feeling. Outward focus only makes of life an illusion.
We don't need to hide our needs and desires from others anymore than we need to impose them.
Life is considerably harder when we keep our intentions secret, our stance low-key, our power bridled. Hiding only keeps our support or answers away and looking for us.
The exposure of what we want, lack, and dream of, doesn't have to be a demand. It can be an invitation, a manifestation, a contagious love of life.
As we grow and become fuller, we need to adapt.
Just like the diet for a sportsman is not the same as for a sedentary man, we up the game, see what works and what doesn't.
It is not about radical experiments, or taking risks, it is about adjusting, seeking the most supportive, nurturing ways to go and be.
We nurture into readiness, until we are full enough to take risks and do we are meant to do.
It is tempting to always want to be a little readier, there is always more we could learn, prepare for, but it becomes less and less effective to get more in.
Knowing where the gaps still are is helpful, we get in with open eyes and make the whole experience worthwhile.
Nourishment
The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment)
Hunger