What do we really like?

It is not hard to name an activity we like. "I like to play sports", "I like to sing", "I like to watch movies", "I like to read books" and so on. But do we really like those activities or are those just mere distractions for the mind?

Well, if we really liked something in its purity, if it wasn't an escape from mental insecurities and boredom, we would never be tired of it. But when we think of activities we like, how many of those things could we continue for years and years? Can we watch we movies for years or read books for months and months? We only like things in the proportions that our mind is habituated with; there is no intrinsic value in those actions but rather it's sole purpose is to satisfy the demands of the mind. People spend years and years in trying to satisfy this mind without ever observing the root cause of these pursuits. As a result, they create a complicated set of likes and dislikes that destroy the peace and balance of every moment.

Each and every day, there are many moments when we see ourselves blindly satisfying the whims of our minds whether it surfaces as complaining about the lack of time for hobbies or pursuing stock market gains or boasting of one's accomplishments or anything else; but when we catch ourselves and stop giving in to its underlying desires, we are taking a step to free our minds and experience the fullness of each moment. While we often sit and meditate, this is meditation in action.