Need Disease

Summary

The text reflects on the journey of finding inner peace and healing through mindful awareness and the realization that material possessions and constant consumption do not lead to true fulfillment.

Abstract

The poem titled "Need Disease" delves into the author's personal revelation about the emptiness of chasing material wealth and the false promise of joy through consumption. It highlights the struggle with a "thing-need disease," a metaphorical illness that represents the insatiable desire for more, which only serves to enslave the soul. Through mindfulness, the author discovers that true fullness is not found in the endless pursuit of worldly riches or the distraction of constant scrolling and swiping through digital content. Instead, it is found in a state of being that is stripped of excess, where the soul is enlightened and at peace in its quiet emptiness, leading to genuine awareness and contentment.

Opinions

The author suggests that the pursuit of material possessions is akin to a sickness that imprisons rather than liberates the soul.
There is a critique of the modern habit of endlessly consuming digital content as a way to satisfy an inner void.
The poem conveys that true fulfillment comes from a place of inner quietude and mindfulness, not from external sources.
The author emphasizes the importance of being present and aware, as opposed to being preoccupied with the superficial gratification of acquiring things or digital validation.
The text implies that society's definition of wealth and success is misguided and that real richness is found in a soul that is aware and at peace with simplicity.

On mindful awareness

I never imagined that empty is where I’d find myself healing and kneeling in prayer

As though, void of all the things I’ve been chasing my body and mind is slowly erasing —

the need to assume that consuming somehow, would fill me with joys I’ve been missing,

but now…

Unoccupied by the world and its riches, I’m mindful of that which disguises —

A sickness

A thing-need disease, nearly brought to my knees, when realized did I, that it captures, not frees…

…enslaving the soul, I could never be whole when craving the sating of one final scroll

Or swipe

Left or right, how many a night I struggled with feeding this need appetite —

for fullness is neither of belly or mind or endless pursuing the plight of mankind

No!

Fullness is found in a soul stripped and bare enlightened and quiet empty — aware

Steph Thompson 2021