Want

[labelwench]

Wanting too much can be quite damaging, because there's a lot to want and the probability of getting everything is quite small. This can lead to suffering.

Originally posted by Mr. Ignorant

Sometimes the sheer variety of 'wants' can be overwhelming when we stop to contemplate them.

Once upon a time, I had a 'want' for a new saddle for my horse that I felt would satisfy a purpose that I had in mind. An opportunity for travel presented and I was able to walk into a gigantic store that catered to the needs of horse and rider.

There was over 200 saddles on display! Which one should I select?

Enter the list of priorities.........once I had screened the selection by style ( Western, to suit the purpose), the type of tree (Semi-QH bars,to fit the horse), the size of seat ( 15", to fit the rider), I had narrowed my options from over 200 to 5.

At that point I was able to refine further by other criteria such as materials used, color, optional trim and price. While the example used pertains to a specific want, the process of applying criteria is useful for any application of 'want', in my experience.

When we examine any of our wants from a number of angles as to why we want such-and-such, we may find that our 'want' was merely an expression of quite another need.

[melanie]

There is a saying that goes something to the effect of "I was envious of the person who had new shoes until the day I encountered a person with no legs....."

Many persons face extreme challenges merely in maintaining life from hour to hour, while many others are not cognizant of the blessings and potential that surrounds this experience of existence.

The following I post because it exemplifies the beauty of what is possible by a remarkable individual who rose above a challenge she was born to and because it also demonstrates the profound sensitivity of my favorite species and the interactions possible between us.

http://horseandman.com/people-and-pl...se-fabuleax-5/

Pearls of Wisdom LW thanks.

Special thanks for the link you provide about the girl with no arms. It was what i needed to see, as i've been feeling a bit sorry for myself lately because of a knee injury.
I still can't walk properly after 5 months off work.

Your post made me want to rethink my whole life and it certainly put everything into perspective for me. What a truly courageous and inspiring girl.

Hello Mohan from India

[melanie]

How necessary is it to 'want'? Do we all see the same world or do we all just 'want' to? ...

Its an open discussion, all views accepted ...

The world will always be the same, but I don't think we all see the same world.

Just as snow will always be snow. No two snowflakes are ever the same.

So we should never be shy of our uniqueness. We're all unique, everything is unique.
Some people are afraid of their own uniqueness, what nonsense.Every one of us is an original.

How we feel inside will be reflected in our world.

What I personally want is to stand out, and walk alone because I am an original not a clone.

I have to live with myself and so I want to be fit for myself.

I want to be able to always look myself straight in the eye.

I never can hide myself from me. I see what others may never see.
I know what others may never know, I never can fool myself and so, whatever happens I want to be self respecting and conscience free.

I want to be myself.

Right now I can't walk properly. I don't want to be like this, but I have to want what I have, because its what I have whether I want it or not.

[labelwench]

Pearls of Wisdom LW thanks.

Special thanks for the link you provide about the girl with no arms. It was what i needed to see, as i've been feeling a bit sorry for myself lately because of a knee injury.
I still can't walk properly after 5 months off work.

Your post made me want to rethink my whole life and it certainly put everything into perspective for me. What a truly courageous and inspiring girl.

Hello Mohan from India

To be well and wholly able to function should be sufficient want for any of us, as becomes apparent very soon when we are restricted by any means. We are such busy and curious beings that we seem to quite take for granted the gift of life and health, as we dash wildly off in pursuit of other 'wants' from cradle to grave.

After a long winter this year, I observed that the horses were content merely to stand in the sun, soaking up rays. Now that the ice is melted and the ground is becoming dry, they are delighted to be able to run and kick up their heels, as for too long they could only walk because of the ice and treacherous footing. It is a joy to watch them enjoy these simple wants. Watching the snow melt and the seeds that I have started come to life and grow greatly aids me in keeping perspective.

Here is a picture of the radishes, now consumed and a second batch started, that I grew on the windowsill. Yesterday, I picked a few leaves of lettuce for my sandwich and there is still snow in the yard outside.

May your body and spirit be soon restored to you, my friend, that you can more fully enjoy all that each day has to offer.

[melanie]

Thanks for the well wishes LW

And for the lovely inspiring post as usual.

I will post some pictures of my garden on a new thread, when i get a round to it.

Btw, did you know that two horses died in this years Grand National in England?

I don't agree with it myself, i think its cruel. Horse have always been our faithful servants, its sad to see them flogged on that racecourse.

[labelwench]

Btw, did you know that two horses died in this years Grand National in England?

I don't agree with it myself, i think its cruel. Horse have always been our faithful servants, its sad to see them flogged on that racecourse.

I was not aware of that Melanie, but I do know that animals are lost in racing, rodeo, and many competitive events. Having been a competitor in the past, and losing a sled dog while on the Quest, I have mixed feelings on these matters. I had raised the dog from a pup and the breed lives to run, my job being only to provide direction and good care.

The vet exam determined that the dog died of an aneurism and would have died at home, sitting in the yard when the weak vessel burst. A few years later, I had a dog expire in the yard. It was the mother of the dog that I had lost in the race and the same cause, so likely a genetic thing.

I don't believe in flogging an animal to improve it's performance but it might be equally cruel to breed an animal to run and jump and then deny it an opportunity. IDK.....you raise an interesting point, as always.

[melanie]

It was reported that there were too many horses in the race, and they were fighting for space as they approached the fences.
One of the fences is renowned particularly for its ridiculous height, and as the horses approached that fence, they were so tightly bunched together, that 2 of the horses simply crumpled head first into the ground.

All for the chance of winning some money, and entertainment.It sickens me.

[labelwench]

It was reported that there were too many horses in the race, and they were fighting for space as they approached the fences.
One of the fences is renowned particularly for its ridiculous height, and as the horses approached that fence, they were so tightly bunched together, that 2 of the horses simply crumpled head first into the ground.

All for the chance of winning some money, and entertainment.It sickens me.

My introduction to the Grand National was the movie, National Velvet, which even in that era portrays the race as the toughest of it's kind because of the length of course and the height of the obstacles.

The following excerpts from one of the articles I looked up after you brought this to my attention are indeed a reason for concern. It is quite possible to have a thrilling event without putting so many horses and riders at risk, would be my thoughts as one who has been both a participant and a regulator at other events involving animal welfare and human safety. A very sad tale indeed.

Two horses, Dooneys Gate and Ornais, suffered fatal injuries, while Ballabriggs was too exhausted to be ridden into the winner's enclosure.

Forty horses faced the starter, with 19 completing the course. There were 10 fallers, while four horses unseated their riders, two more were brought down by other fallers and five were pulled up.

There was a sting in the tail for the winning rider, who was banned for five days for using his whip with excessive frequency.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011...011-two-deaths

My 'want' from this experience would be for persons to learn and appreciate the risk and danger to the horses and riders and seek a means to retain the excitement and minimize the risks. Reassess the course and jumps and perhaps run the event in several heats of smaller fields with either a follow-up race or decide the winners on time, just some thoughts that come to mind.

Oh........and no whips should be needed as horses love to run and will always give the best they are capable of on any given day.

Even then, with speed there is always the element of risk, but it can be lessened.

[mkirkpatrick]

As my dear old grandfather used to say,"what you want and what you get are two different things" how right he was,I will never really have all I want,for that is well nigh impossible,but I will always have all that I need,my task among many these past forty odd years is to realise this,and minimise my wants,and see that sometimes they actually overlap one another and my needs and wants are the same,then there is peace within,what do I want today? Nothing at all,I already have all I need and that is more than enough.

regards michael.

[Mohan.C]

I just want to be human ... I wonder when I'll know, I am !!! :P :P ...