Living our values

I couldn't think of a better title for this post. But anyway, one observation I've made recently is how I really value the Hindu idea of being above and beyond earthly, material things, and being emotionally detached from actions, so as to do the best work I can without being tied to the results. At the same time, I am a human being, and realize that certain attachments are reasonable. So, I don't know how to reconcile the two right now. I've been trying to meditate more, but find it easier and more pleasurable to start my day off with a cup of coffee instead. I try to sit down and read to grow my mind, but find it easier and more fun to think about a guy I have a crush on instead. And because I'm trying to detach myself from such things, I get irritated with myself. How much do I really value escaping these earthly things if I find myself getting caught up in them?

A friend of mine who has devoted himself to a quiet life of meditation, ironically, said that we are already spiritual beings having a human experience. So based on that, it seems that we wouldn't have to try to deprive ourselves of earthly pleasures; our souls have come onto earth to simply experience this life. It's not like we're just humans trying to reach more, to be better.

So the sense I make of the two ideas is that though I value releasing my soul from the cycle of birth and death, it is not yet ready. There are more human experiences it needs to have before it feels satisfied and ready to move on.