Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery? To unlock the deepest desires of your heart and let them guide your life? Ready to redefine success by aligning it with your core feelings? Dive in to explore the power of emotions, the magic of desires, and the art of setting intentions over rigid goals.

The Desire Map

Desire, often underestimated, is the most creative force in the universe. It drives us to explore ourselves, others, and the world around us, propelling us towards evolution and enlightenment. Tibetan yogi Padmasambhava describes desire as boundless light, and it can lead us to extraordinary actions, even though it sometimes leads to madness or doubt. 

Danielle LaPorte shares her journey of understanding desire. She recounts her correspondence with a Tibetan lama, Lama M, after a transformative Buddhist workshop. She questions her intense yearning for enlightenment and whether such striving is the correct approach. Lama M responds by affirming the importance of desire in liberation, advising that while we cannot eliminate desire, we should keep it free from emotional overtones and avoid harming ourselves or others in its pursuit.

Desire is a complex teacher, revealing both the purity and darkness within. It compels us to evolve, and as we examine our desires, we get closer to understanding our true nature and potential. Danielle lists her own desires, recognizing that they all aim to make her feel good. This exploration leads to a healthier relationship with desire, emphasizing surrender and clarity.

Desire is integral to our existence, and examining it can highlight our current reality and potential. When we embrace our desires without guilt or clinging, we can see what is divine about them. Ultimately, behind every desire is a feeling, and understanding these feelings can lead us to our soul. Danielle encourages us to engage in desire analysis, whether through psychotherapy or soul diving, to better understand how we want to feel and to align our desires with our true selves. 

In a collection of responses, people express their desired feelings—alive, inspired, powerful, and free—highlighting the universal quest for fulfillment and joy. In the end, it's about feeling good and living with purpose, fully embracing the desires that make us human.

Can Desire Truly Lead Us to Enlightenment?

Imagine a life where emotions guide our decisions, leading us toward a stream of joy, flexibility, and clarity. Abraham-Hicks suggests that by focusing on how we feel, we align ourselves with Source Energy—the birthplace of all good ideas and balance. 

Our actions, choices, and dreams are often driven by the desire to feel a certain way. We might redefine what "feeling good" means, from mere survival to a profound connection with life. At times, even negative emotions, familiar and comforting, can be a part of this journey.

Our hearts, according to Dr. Rollin McCraty, generate a powerful electromagnetic field, far stronger than our brains. Emotions reside in this heart space, from love to grief, and acknowledging them is crucial. Yet, society often encourages us to suppress feelings for the sake of practicality.

Feelings are personal reality indicators, not necessarily facts of shared reality. They shape our perception and inform how we live. Despite societal norms often discrediting the intelligence of feelings, choosing positivity over negativity can transform lives. A university student, choosing finance for money over passion, exemplifies the disconnect that can occur when we ignore our true feelings.

Choosing fulfillment over societal expectations can change history. Activists throughout time have followed their desire for liberation, revolutionizing society. Your core desired feelings, once identified, can guide you through life's decisions and challenges. They are more reliable than fleeting emotions and align with your deeper self.

The process of revelation, as described in The Desire Map, is about unveiling what's already there. It's about coming home to oneself. Sometimes, we deceive ourselves into thinking certain achievements will bring happiness, only to realize we've been driven by fear. Redefining success to align with our core feelings can lead to true joy.

Our feelings, magnetic in nature, attract corresponding realities. Love begets love; anger can draw more anger. By focusing on life-affirming feelings, we create the experiences we desire. It's about deliberate action—choosing positivity over negativity, even in the face of life's challenges.

Life-affirming discipline, as exemplified by Nelson Mandela, is about choosing positivity even in adversity. It's about letting joy guide our discipline, ensuring hard work leads to fulfilling outcomes. Your soul, the essence of who you are, is guided by your feelings. Being aware of this connection allows you to choose your feelings, regardless of external circumstances.

Feelings and emotions, though often conflated, are distinct. Emotions involve mental components, while feelings are direct energetic responses. Embracing the full range of emotions, both positive and negative, is essential for growth. Negative emotions can be stepping stones to positive states, serving as wake-up calls to our true nature.

Finally, knowing how we feel is a journey of self-discovery. We may numb ourselves to avoid discomfort, but opening up to all our emotions leads to healing and holistic living. Observing others and engaging with art can catalyze this reconnection to our emotions. The power of empathy, as Meryl Streep suggests, is a human gift that helps us feel again.

In the end, acknowledging and respecting your feelings, both the light and the dark, is a path to wholeness and true fulfillment.

Unlocking Fulfillment: Insights from Abraham-Hicks and Meryl Streep

Goals. Some people relish setting them, while others loathe the commitment they signify. For Danielle personally, goals have always been a mixed bag. She's seldom hit her targets on schedule, and sometimes she even alters them mid-course. 

The journey often guides her to more rewarding outcomes than the original goal. She's learned that feeling good is the principal intent. As Ayn Rand declared, "A desire presupposes the possibility of action to achieve it."

Danielle doesn't have set goals anymore. Instead, she concentrates on intentions that resonate with her core feelings. Her business operates on crafting things that feel good to create. She desires to be useful, esteemed, and affluent, but only if the process feels significant. 

Feeling good not only makes the journey pleasant but also enhances flexibility, resilience, and effectiveness. When Danielle remains true to her intentions, even strenuous work becomes joyous. She's had to decline opportunities that didn't feel right, and it has always paid off. 

Goals can be liberating but pursuing them rigidly can stifle creativity and self-esteem. It's crucial to remember the principal aim of goals: to feel the way we aspire to feel. Abandoning goals that no longer serve us liberates energy for new, more aligned ventures.

Ultimately, it's about manifesting a life that feels good most of the time. Choose intentions over rigid goals, and let your desires steer you toward a fulfilling life.

Are Intentions More Powerful Than Goals in Achieving a Fulfilling Life?

Trust yourself. Create the kind of self you want to live with. Nietzsche's idea that "Everything matters. Nothing’s important," aligns with the powerful yet paradoxical concept of focused determination combined with detachment from outcomes. This balance, a relaxed determination, can work wonders for achieving goals. 

First, you need focused determination. Like a lioness hunting or a laser beam, channel all your energy into your intention. Behavioral scientists emphasize the power of focus over multitasking, as split-focus can erode creative output. Here are three ways to get focused:

1. Know your meaningful why. Anchor into the deeper reasons behind your goals, such as improving others' lives or spreading love.
2. Recognize your hunger. Understand what your accomplishment will feed—freedom, strength, or transformation.
3. Be realistic about what it will take. Dream big but plan for the hard work and sacrifices needed to achieve your goals.

Next, ease up on expectations. Focusing on desires while releasing the grip on the future can make you more present and sincere. A personal anecdote about a high-stakes magazine meeting illustrates the importance of showing up authentically without being weighed down by expectations.

Resistance is a sign that your system is reconfiguring itself toward success. Todd Herman, a sports psychology coach, explains that initial excitement for a new habit can wane as your neurotransmitters normalize. This resistance means changes are happening in your body. Embrace the resistance and push through it to gain momentum.

Todd Herman’s five techniques for riding out resistance include:
1. Breathe through resistance.
2. Grip your power-thought, which encapsulates why you’re making a change.
3. Remind yourself, "I’m changing."
4. Rehearse your performance ahead of time.
5. Keep drafting, making small corrections daily.

Desire fuels human greatness. The cosmos doesn’t measure effort but responds to emotion. Simplifying your efforts can lead to better results. Trust is essential; it anchors you in the present and boosts your confidence. Create a "What I Trust" list to remind yourself of the positives in your life.

Prayer and attunement can help align your desires with the universe. Shift from asking to declaring your desires. Your desire is your prayer, connecting you with the universe.

Affirmations should be truthful. Instead of false optimism, affirm your desires, recall your successes, and state your intentions honestly. This approach keeps you in integrity with yourself and helps build confidence.

You are worthy of your desires. Understanding your worth can prevent self-sabotage and help you manifest your dreams. Focus on creating your core desired feelings to feel increasingly worthy of life's richness. Valuing yourself helps you value others, reinforcing the belief that there's enough to go around for everyone.

Open wide to what you want. Express your desires clearly and vulnerably. This openness can lead to profound connection and fulfillment, even if it comes with the risk of getting hurt. Embrace your desires and the process of pursuing them with courage and authenticity.

Mastering Goals with Nietzsche and Todd Herman's Wisdom

Welcome to the heart of your journey with The Desire Map Workbook. We're diving into the essential life areas: Livelihood & Lifestyle, Body & Wellness, Creativity & Learning, Relationships & Society, and Essence & Spirituality. This process is about reflecting on your life, identifying what you're grateful for, and recognizing what's not working. You'll explore your core desired feelings and set intentions to manifest those feelings in your daily life.

Creating a sacred space for this journey is crucial. Whether it's lighting a beeswax candle or sneaking in moments between meetings, find what works for you. The sacredness is in your intention, not the setting. This journey is flexible, it can take a few hours or a few weeks. Pause when needed, especially after identifying your core desired feelings.

You may choose to undertake this process solo or with a partner. The categories provided are merely guidelines; feel free to adapt them to fit your lifestyle. Begin with some inner yoga, reflecting on your pleasures, despairs, and everything in between. This warm-up will loosen up your intellect and get you closer to your heart.

Remember, there's no rush. This is deep work meant to bring meaningful insights. Engage your spirit and let your consciousness flow. Questions may seem abstract, but they're designed to nudge you towards your truth. Take your time, answer impulsively, and let your heart lead.

Reflecting on gratitude is a powerful tool. Specificity deepens the sensation of appreciation. Instead of general statements, focus on detailed moments that bring joy. Shawn Achor's "The Happiness Advantage" suggests that detailed gratitude lists create a deeper sense of appreciation.

Equally important is acknowledging what's not working in your life. Briefly identify these negatives to make space for transformation. This isn't about dwelling on problems but about recognizing them to refocus on the positives.

Ultimately, this journey is about discovering your core desired feelings and setting intentions to live them daily. It's a dynamic, personal process, so embrace it fully and let your truth unfold.

Are You Ready to Transform Your Life?

Discovering your core desired feelings is a beautiful journey, a way to understand the deepest longings of your heart. Imagine tuning into the hum of your psyche, listening to what it truly wants. Start by identifying how you wish to feel in key areas of your life. This process requires an open mind and a focused heart. 

Begin with what feels easy. Dive into the sections that appeal to you first, whether it's wellness, relationships, or another area. This can be an energizing and fluid process. You might find yourself making declarations like, "I’m going deep with grace, and I’m coming out with plenty of liberating illumination." 

Sometimes, finding clarity involves some friction. You might experience moments of frustration or even tears, but this is part of the journey towards understanding your core desires. Tools like a dictionary, thesaurus, colored pens, and even a cup of herbal tea can aid in this process.

Words hold immense power. Each word is a universe, vibrating with meaning. Honoring these words can help you hone in on the feelings that resonate most with you. This isn’t an exam but a playground for your aspirations. If you're struggling, think about times when you felt the way you didn’t want to and aim for the opposite.

Next, look up the definitions of the words you wrote down. Words might take on new meanings, and this deeper understanding can help you narrow down your feelings. Circle the words that resonate the most with you, and try to select about ten or fewer. Ask yourself questions to explore your relationship with each word, like, “What does it feel like to be [insert word]?”

You may notice some words repeating themselves across different areas of your life. This is good. It means you’re zeroing in on your core desires. Aim to choose three to five core desired feelings, the ones that feel most electric and empowering to you.

Be mindful of words that might depend on external validation. For example, "I want to feel loved" versus "I want to feel love." The former relies on others, while the latter is centered and empowering. Also, watch out for words that keep you in a do-mode if you tend to overgive.

Finally, make your picks and write down your core desired feelings. This is your moment to shine. Revisit these feelings often, write them out multiple times, and integrate them into your daily life. This practice is fluid and evolving, so be open to change and refinement over time.

Take a break to let your ideas percolate. You've done some deep soul-searching. When you're ready, come back and continue weaving your inner awareness into your action plans.

Unlocking Your Core Desires: A Journey to Self-Discovery

We all have core desired feelings that guide our lives uniquely. As someone who developed the desire mapping practice, Danielle has refined it to its most effective form. A blend of neuroticism, analysis, and spiritual idealism has driven her quest for the perfect words that resonate with her psyche. Here’s her journey.

Initially, Danielle set aside her desire mapping, focusing instead on traditional goals. This led to a life filled with tasks and projects that didn't truly light her up. Despite success in her career and personal life, she felt a persistent strain, like driving a faulty old station wagon on the right path.

One night, as she stared at her overflowing inbox with cold tea in hand, she realized, “This is not how I want to feel.” She revisited her core desired feelings: divinely feminine, connected, innovative, and affluent. These feelings guided her choices for four years, helping her make some of the best decisions in her life.

However, a few years later, Danielle felt the need to recalibrate. Affirmative phrases like “I am affluent” felt better than “I want to feel affluent.” Experimenting with nouns, affluence and The Divine Feminine felt even closer. “Innovative” evolved to “creative,” aligning better with her more relaxed and feminine approach to work. “Connected” transformed into “in communion,” feeling more sacred and intimate.

In her quest, Danielle realized joy was her deepest desire. Joy, she believes, is our true essence. During tough times, her mantra was, “I will do whatever it takes to feel joy,” leading to profound happiness and growth. Committing to joy meant declaring herself worthy of all she wanted.

Now, Danielle uses her core desired feelings to guide what she wants to do, have, and experience. This process involves aligning her actions with her feelings, working from the inside out. For example, instead of aiming for a traditional goal like owning a house, she focuses on what truly brings her vitality, connection, and prosperity.

As we navigate our desires, it’s essential to ask, “What do I need to do to feel the way I want to feel?” This question is the heart of desire mapping. By focusing on positive and inspiring thoughts, and acknowledging our fears and past failures, we can eclipse fear and rev up our journey towards fulfillment.

Can Desire Mapping Transform Your Life Like It Did for Danielle?

Sometimes we overlook just how much we already have. Life often gives us our desires in unexpected forms, hidden in plain sight. Take a moment to reflect on your wants—laughter with loved ones, financial ease, time in nature, a confidant for your dreams. You might find you're already receiving these in subtle ways.

For instance, you crave more laughter with your partner, but maybe friends like Sally and Jack are already your daily dose of joy. Focus on this existing laughter, appreciate it, and you'll lighten up. Or, you want an extra $500 each pay period? Look closer—you might already be saving or receiving that amount through different channels.

Now, let's talk action. Choose just three or four major goals for the year. Focus is key. It might be tough to set some desires aside, but dedicating yourself to a few significant intentions will yield more satisfaction than spreading yourself thin. Ask yourself, "What am I most excited about?" Enthusiasm is powerful—let it guide you.

Break down your goals into monthly and weekly actions, always steering by your core desired feelings. This method isn't about being loosey-goosey; it's about feeling good every step of the way. Plan your week with your desired feelings in mind, and remind yourself of them daily.

When things get tough, fully accept the situation. This might sound impossible, but presence can dissolve negativity faster. Even in challenging times, affirm your future feelings: "I’m really looking forward to feeling…" This practice grounds you and shifts your mindset.

Share your journey with others. Form a group or join one, whether in person or virtually. Support each other, discuss your progress, and keep the focus on feelings over actions. This collective effort can transform your approach to life.

Remember, you are more than your achievements. Embrace your true nature, fall in love with life, and be what feels good. You are vast, beyond just your name or DNA. Desire peace, love, and realize your expansive potential.

Unlock Hidden Joys: A Guide to Embracing Life’s Subtle Blessings

Desire is a powerful force that drives us toward exploration and evolution. It can lead to extraordinary actions and a deeper understanding of ourselves, although it sometimes brings challenges like madness or doubt. The key to managing desire is to keep it free from harmful emotional overtones.

Understanding our desires helps us recognize our true nature and potential, leading to healthier relationships with our wants. By examining our desires, we can align them with our true selves and live more purposefully.

Our emotions play a crucial role in guiding our decisions and actions. Emotions generate a powerful electromagnetic field, influencing our perception and reality. Society often encourages us to suppress our feelings, but acknowledging them is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.

Feelings are indicators of our personal reality and can guide us through life's decisions. Positive emotions attract positive realities, and focusing on life-affirming feelings can lead to desired experiences. Embracing both positive and negative emotions is vital for holistic living.

Goal setting can be both motivating and challenging. It's essential to align goals with our core desired feelings and remain flexible. Focused determination combined with detachment from outcomes can enhance creativity and effectiveness. Trusting ourselves and our journey is crucial for achieving fulfillment.

Ultimately, understanding and respecting our feelings leads to true wholeness and fulfillment. Engaging in desire analysis and setting intentions aligned with our core feelings can create a life that feels good most of the time. Trusting our desires and pursuing them authentically can lead to profound connection and joy.

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The Desire Map

Danielle LaPorte

9 Key ideas

23 MINS

4.5 (855)

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery?

To unlock the deepest desires of your heart and let them guide your life?

Ready to redefine success by aligning it with your core feelings?

Dive in to explore the power of emotions, the magic of desires, and the art of setting intentions over rigid goals.

Key Ideas

#1