Handling Desires

From the material on Desire in the Ananda Online Class: Inner Peace -

"When desires plague you it’s good to immediately short-circuit them. As soon as you
become aware that you’re starting to wish for something, that there is a longing feeling in your mind, mentally cut the energy off from it, and turn your mind in a different, positive direction. Do this by thinking of all you already have that makes you happy. It may also help to take a few deep breaths and visualize your exhalations carrying away the desire.

Affirm contentment. Look up the affirmation on Contentment in Prayers and
Affirmations for Self Healing, one of the companion books to this course. Repeat the
affirmation often.

Desires are energy. It’s important to positively channel our energy, not suppress it. Therefore when you have a strong longing that stays with you, transmute and expand it beyond your own self. Fulfill the desire by doing something that will also benefit others."