38. Velleity: The Gap Between Desire and Action

We're loving this 17th‑century word: Velleity — a wish so faint it never moves toward action. We talk about how that tiny, hovering longing shows up in our lives: the dreams we tuck away (moving cities, learning a language, writing a book, mending a relationship) and the reasons why we don’t go after them — fear, timing, tenderness, the cost of grief, or simply not wanting to give something up. We riff on whether these whispers are nudges toward your dharma or soft fantasies that keep you comfortable. Sometimes a velleity is a useful filter; other times it’s a signal pointing at fear or shame or a value you’ve unconsciously chosen to protect. We get into the messy middle — the gap between longing and action — and how to tell if a desire wants to be lived, needs grieving, or could become a future promise. Practically, we explore questions that helped us: What would you do if you weren’t afraid? What would your deathbed self wish you had tried? Which small side quests are blocking your main quest? We talk timing, building capacity, pseudo-actions (the busywork that pretends to be progress), and how naming these desires can free you to choose more consciously. If this episode strikes something in you, bring it home: name your longings, sort them into ‘try now’, ‘try later’, and ‘let go’, and be gentle with the work of grieving the ones you won’t pursue.  Connect with Us: Sarah Koch: @radintimacy | radintimacy.com Bryan Russell: @sadhanayogaschool | sadhanayoga.com Yoga Earth & Soul: Instagram | Facebook | yogaearthsoul.com Suggest a topic: DM us or email [email protected] Subscribe & Share: If this episode moved you, subscribe wherever you listen and share it with someone who might love it too. Let’s grow this beautiful, curious, intimate community—together. 💛