Recently I indulged in a fabulous play about a love affair with chocolate. A friend and I returned to Bothell High’s campus, our former stomping ground, to see “Chocolate Confessions” at the Northshore Performing Arts Center. In this charming and whimsical one-woman show, Joan Freed sings the plight of characterized women seeking to satisfy their insatiable desire for chocolate.

While for many characters, the love of chocolate was simple and sweet. For other characters, the pleasure found in chocolate was just a sampling of a greater hunger in their life. Beyond the laughter and after the perfect piece of chocolate had been unwrapped, a more significant desire remained. As my thoughts drifted off-stage, I felt this extensional and timeless question debut — what are we really hungry for?

Not long ago, I sat in conversation with a young woman who used cocaine after months of sobriety. As we talked, it was evident she had a deep longing for another way of feeling in her life. She was not seduced by a mere powder or the sensation of inhaling chemicals, but rather the feeling which followed. She found numbness from pain and self-doubt and a brief glimpse of confidence and bliss. For a moment, she was no longer craving.

As our community and our nation continue to feel the effects of our challenged economy, we again see how the longing for possessions and the accrual of wealth have not been satisfying to touch a deeper longing in our lives. In vein attempts to achieve and accomplish, we have found ourselves bankrupt and in search of greater fulfillment. Money has not been enough to satisfy and sustain our lives.

Our present generation of young people are saddled with the experience of being our most unhealthy and obese generation to date. For the first time in history, many of this generation will not outlive their own parents. As we learn more about this health crisis, we discover that consuming more and more food does not ensure satisfying our nutritional needs. When our bodies do not receive adequate nutrition through empty calories, we will continue to feel hungry.

There is a theme emerging. When these elements of our culture come together, there is a lesson to heed and wisdom to seek. Where there is insatiable craving or dangerous addiction, where there is the thirst for financial indulgence or eating beyond its designed purpose, there is a greater hunger being expressed.

I would never be so bold as to suggest we push the love of chocolate or other pleasures aside, yet I do find a deep sense of value in allowing us to be honest about the greater and more profound desires emerging in our life. As you move throughout your week, I encourage you to notice the moments you are wanting. Take note of the objects of your desire. Ask of yourself — what else do I seek in my life?

Spend time reflecting at Bothell Landing or bundle up for a walk in your neighborhood this week. Head downtown to Alexa’s Café. Wherever you find yourself, reflect upon the following questions: What is the greatest sense of joy in my life? When do I most feel peace and contentment? When does love feel most fulfilling when given and received? Where am I deeply satisfied and thankful? When do I notice frustration arise? When do I feel restless and desire more? What do I use to seek temporary fulfillment? Where is my deepest hunger?

The answers seldom arise quickly or with simplicity. Take time to slowly allow revelations to come and trust in the certainly they will. In the meantime, journey with others asking similar questions of themselves. Whether traveling alone or together as you quest for deeper satisfaction, I might suggest breaking out the chocolate too!

Shannon Renae West is a licensed family therapist working with adolescents and young adults in Bothell. For information, visit www.ShannonRenae.com.