Gratitude and Desire: Untangling Our Inner Conflict
Gratitude and desire are two powerful forces that shape our human experience. On one hand, we yearn for more—more success, more joy, more connection. On the other, we feel the pull of gratitude, urging us to appreciate what we already have. This duality often creates a messy inner conflict: we want more, feel ungrateful for what we lack, and then wrestle with guilt for not being thankful enough.
It’s a confusing and uncomfortable cycle, but it’s one we can untangle.
Understanding Desire
First, let's acknowledge that desire is a natural part of being alive. Whether it’s the instinct to grow, evolve, or thrive, our desires drive us forward. Nature itself is a testament to this: everything around us—plants, animals, humans—exhibits a longing to expand and progress. Wanting more isn’t just normal; it’s vital.
Yet many of us carry guilt around our desires. We’ve been conditioned to believe that wanting more is greedy or gluttonous. But here’s the truth: there’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to grow or to strive for something better. I invite you to give yourself permission to want more, to shed that guilt, and embrace your desires as an integral part of your life.
The Role of Gratitude
Now, let’s shift to gratitude. At its core, gratitude is about recognizing and appreciating what we have. It anchors us in the present, helping us to find stillness amidst our yearning for more. While desire points us toward future aspirations, gratitude reminds us to acknowledge our current circumstances.
However, it can be challenging to feel grateful when we’re dissatisfied with where we are. This tension often leads us to believe that we should be grateful for what we have, even if it doesn’t resonate with us. But here’s a crucial insight: you cannot lie to yourself. Trying to force gratitude for something you don’t appreciate only compounds your feelings of frustration.
Embracing Both
So how do we navigate this duality of desire and gratitude? The key is to find a balance between the two. It's perfectly okay to strive for more while also appreciating the present moment. The trick lies in recognizing what you can genuinely be grateful for.
Often, the things we take for granted are the most precious. We become so accustomed to our everyday blessings that we overlook them entirely. This is where the practice of gratitude comes in—it’s about resurrecting appreciation for the little things we often forget.
Consider the warmth of the sun on your skin, the sound of laughter from loved ones, or the comfort of a cozy home. These simple joys can bring profound gratitude if we take the time to notice them.
Shifting Your Focus
To cultivate gratitude, we need to shift our focus away from what we lack and towards what we already possess. This doesn’t mean ignoring your desires; rather, it’s about recognizing that both can coexist.
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting, but remember: absence makes the heart grow fonder. Sometimes, we need distance from our comforts to fully appreciate them. Reflect on what you may have taken for granted and actively acknowledge these gifts.
Navigating the interplay between gratitude and desire is an essential aspect of the human experience. Embrace your desires—they are a natural part of your growth. Simultaneously, practice gratitude by recognizing and appreciating the abundance already in your life.
By finding harmony between these two forces, you can cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy in your journey. Remember, it’s all about perspective: the more you focus on what you have, the richer your experience becomes. So, give yourself permission to want more, and cherish the beautiful moments that already surround you.
The Earth Collection: Bringing the Outdoors In, with Nature Inspired Art
We can’t always get into nature to ground ourselves, but we can replicate that tranquil energy inside our homes by incorporating natural elements.
Decorating with earthy colors, indoor plants, natural textures, and nature-inspired artwork can help bring the soothing energy of nature indoors. Choosing paintings and prints that depict aspects of nature will not only add visual interest, but also serve as a constant reminder of our connection to Earth’s grounding energy.
The Earth Collection is a series of original paintings by abstract artist Christina Contaldi. This collection highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings and the balance in embracing Earth’s wisdom. Each composition intricately weaves a journey into nature’s embrace, celebrating the soil, its life-giving organisms, and the oxygen it provides. The artwork evokes a primal connection to Earth’s rhythms, acting as conduits for viewers to tap into their own grounding energy.
View the full collection online: The Earth Collection
Fine Art Prints of this collection now available.
The Earth Collection: Highlights
Meet Me in the Meadow
40 x 30”, mixed media on canvas.
Original painting, signed and sealed. Maple frame included.
Meet Me in the Meadow encapsulates the boundless spirit of nature’s vast open spaces. The whirlwind of brushstrokes and kaleidoscope of colors illustrate the profound sense of liberation and infinite possibilities that come with spaciousness. The meadow invites you to leave behind the concrete confines of life and lose yourself in the dance of freedom and creativity.
Click here to purchase.
Fine Art Prints now available.
Weeping Willow
40 x 30”, mixed media on canvas.
Original painting, signed and sealed. Maple frame included.
Weeping Willow is a portal to childhood, when time seemed infinite and nature was a realm of wonder. Sitting under the cascading branches of a willow tree was a safe sanctuary for imagination. Its canopy was fertile ground for dreams, waiting to be woven by a child's heart.
Click here to purchase original painting.
Fine Art Prints now available.
About the Artist
Christina Contaldi is an American artist based out of New Jersey. She describes herself as multi-passionate, which is reflected in her artwork. She is inspired by both the simplicity and complexity of nature, and layers in parallel nuances from the human experience. Themes like environment, internal worlds, memories, emotions, and spirituality are integrated into her art. She has met many iterations of herself, and is always evolving, as is her exploratory creative expression.
View Christina’s recent work at www.christinacontaldi.com
Email inquiries to info@christinacontaldi.com
Follow her creative process and story on Instagram @christinacontaldiart