My progression toward descent occurred in stages.
I want. I had a strong desire for something at the core of my being. I could not articulate what I wanted, but I could explain the many things I believed would give it to me. I grew and refined my dreams, steering away from those things I thought would hinder me.
I cannot find what I want. Sex, love, relationships, possessions, achievement, approval. I got some of what I wanted, but it never satisfied that deep yearning I had. I accelerated my search, imagining an evermore magnificent future of wealth, achievement, and status.
I accept that what I want is not out here. Eventually, I accept that what I wanted was not out here, and I began looking inward. I withdrew from relationships, places, and aspirations that once accompanied my dreams.
I rediscover my original desire. In the process of looking inward, I opened to what I truly wanted and it came to me: peace. It was peace I sought. But what was peace? Another pursuit began, but this time to define ‘peace’. Was it god? What was god?
I discover descent. My contemplation begins to yield practical answers to my questions. I can clearly see what I want; I only have to figure out how to get there. Every day brings new insights as I peel away the layers of reality to expose my true desire and the path toward it.
Descentism has helped me to uncover and pursue the inner desire that has always driven me. Where once I was distracted and undisciplined, I am now focused and clear.