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Words are Spells: How "Desire" Sets You Free

Writer's picture: Liz CouceanLiz Coucean
Happy couple symbolizing the connection between energy and manifestation. The image evokes feelings of intimacy, harmony, presence and the journey toward aligning with one's future self and desires.

Can you feel the difference between saying you want something, versus saying you desire it? Wanting keeps you anchored in a state of "not having," attached to what’s absent. Desire, however, is a potent force that fills your being and awakens possibility.


Let’s break it down.


The Energetic Difference Between Wanting and Desire


Wanting, at its root, means "to leave, abandon, or give out." It reflects a sense of emptiness, a void that craves to be filled. Desire, however, comes from something much more expansive. The word desire traces back to the Latin desiderare, meaning "await what the stars will bring." It connects you to the cosmos, to divine timing, to the forces that guide your heart toward fulfillment. When you desire, you align with the natural flow of creation—waiting, yes, but in a state of sweet anticipation, not lack.


Desire as a Path of Awakening


Desire ignites a flame within us, awakening sensations, fuelling our heart's longings and connecting us to the body’s truth. This is why desire is often seen as a powerful force in both spiritual and sensual practices—it leads you toward what you’re meant to experience, embody, and manifest.


The Tantric Path of Desire teaches us that desire itself is not our enemy. As Richard Rudd, author of the Gene Keys, explains, desire becomes a transformative force when we invite it in, allow it to move through us, and give it the space to stay or leave on its own terms. By sitting with our desires without attachment or judgment, we purify our nature. In this way, desire becomes fuel for a higher purpose, feeding our soul’s growth and aligning us with our destiny.


Words Are Spells: The Power of Language


As I often say, words are spells. We shape our reality through language. The words you speak reflect the vibration you are embodying in each moment. So, the next time you find yourself yearning for something, pay attention to the words you use. Feel the subtle change in energy when you shift from "I want" to "I desire."


Desire as a Somatic Experience


Desire isn’t just a mental construct; it’s a full-body experience. This is the beauty of somatic inquiry—the practice of tuning into your body and listening to its sensations. Your body knows the truth of what you desire before your mind can even articulate it. Feel into that space. When you desire something, notice how your body reacts. Does it expand? Does your heart beat faster? Does it light up with excitement? Desire pulls us deeper into our physicality, reminding us that our body is a compass, always guiding us toward our truth.


Somatic alchemy begins when we acknowledge that our desires are sacred. The sensations they stir within us are not distractions, but doorways to greater understanding, healing and fulfillment.


Embracing the Truth of Desire


Ultimately, desire is an invitation to connect to your authentic self. By allowing desire to flow freely—without trying to control or suppress it—you step into a more empowered relationship with life. You no longer view desire as a fleeting emotion, but as a force that can guide, uplift, and shape your reality.


The next time you feel a deep longing, ask yourself: Is this a desire that brings me closer to my truth? If so, let it be your guide. Let it move you.


Desire isn’t about what’s missing, but about what’s on its way.


(Image credits: unknown artist)





© 2023 by Liz Coucean

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