The concept of the “Self” lies at the core of many spiritual and philosophical traditions. It is often described as the most fundamental aspect of our being, the true essence of who we are. However, the Self is not something we can easily grasp through our usual means of understanding, like thought, perception, or intellect. It transcends our physical, mental, and emotional experiences, yet it is ever-present and underlies all of them. In this chapter, we will explore what the Self is, how it differs from the ego or personality, and why understanding the Self is key to realizing true reality. The Self as Pure Consciousness At its essence, the Self is pure consciousness. It is the awareness that observes all experiences, but it is not limited by or attached to those experiences. It is the unchanging witness of all that arises in life—the thoughts, emotions, sensations, and perceptions we experience daily. To grasp this concept, think about a movie screen. The screen remains ...
#Obsession and #fallinginlove can be seen as types of #addiction,
with similar patterns of behavior and neurochemical responses as those
seen in substance addiction. Like substance addiction, obsession and
falling in love can be difficult to overcome without effective treatment
and support.
From a #spiritual
perspective, addiction is often seen as a manifestation of a deeper
spiritual malady or disconnect from a higher power. In this view,
addiction is not only a physical or psychological problem but also a
spiritual one that requires a #holistic approach to treatment.
The #psychoanalytic
perspective also emphasizes the role of underlying psychological issues
in the development of addiction. For example, addiction may arise as a
way to cope with unresolved trauma or emotional pain. Psychoanalytic
therapy can help individuals explore and resolve these underlying
issues, which can be critical in achieving long-term recovery.
Cascade
replacing one addiction with a new one is a common phenomenon observed
in addiction recovery. This occurs when individuals replace one
addictive behavior with another, such as quitting alcohol and replacing
it with compulsive exercise. While this can be a step in the right
direction, it is important to address the root causes of addiction
rather than simply shifting from one addiction to another.
A more
effective solution to addiction involves gathering all fixed ideas with
a focus on the "Love of God." This approach recognizes that addiction
is a manifestation of a deeper spiritual emptiness or disconnect and
that #truehealing requires a reconnection with a higher power.
The Love of God refers to a deep #spiritualconnection and sense of purpose that can be cultivated through #prayer, #meditation, and other #spiritualpractices. By focusing on this higher power and cultivating a sense of #love and #connection
with something greater than themselves, individuals can find the
strength and support needed to overcome addiction and achieve lasting
recovery.
Overall, addiction can be a complex and challenging
issue to overcome. However, by addressing the underlying psychological
and spiritual issues that contribute to addiction, individuals can find
the support and resources needed to achieve long-term recovery and live a
#fulfilling, addiction-free life.