A lot of people think spirituality means that monks who renounce everything are the most spiritual, and the rest of us are doomed to suffering. I myself have found great peace in letting go of possessions and bad habits. I have discovered the freedom that comes from practicing minimalism and asceticism.

But don’t get me wrong, I love all the pleasures and comforts of life. I used to love them too much. I used to spend literally all my time indulging in pleasures, thinking about pleasures, and working to acquire pleasures. I worked hard to make sure I always had a steady stable of pleasures at my disposal: alcohol, smoking, TV, gaming, internet, food, travel and caffeine. I even fell for the alluring pride of workaholism. (What is the best way to achieve in life, through competition or cooperation? Alone or together? I answer these questions and more here.)

Today, I no longer use any of these things to excess, and some things like drinking and smoking I have let go of completely. Here is what I learned during my journey to health and balance: there is nothing wrong with pleasures. Pleasures only become problems when they unconsciously become a means to escape the discomfort of our own thoughts.

All addictions stem from a need to distract ourselves from our true thoughts and feelings. When we’d rather not feel something, we often turn to something that will numb us, intoxicate us, or entrance us. Very quickly, these pleasures can become crutches that weaken our inner strength and ability to deal with discomfort. Soon, our ability to cope with life diminishes, our tolerance to these pleasures goes up, and we need more and more pleasures to avoid ourselves.

So notice how these pleasures take over our thoughts with insatiable cravings. Notice the constant need for more. And associate the withdrawal/come down with the pleasure itself, as opposed to being a reason for more pleasure. (Why do some people feel depressed after practicing introspection, and how can we avoid that depression trap? Answers in my latest podcast episode.)

As long as we are conscious of these pleasures, as long as we are aware of the real reasons we are using them, and as long as they don’t become a replacement for unlocking the true source of peace and happiness within, then we can enjoy them freely. As soon as pleasures become an unconscious attempt to achieve lasting happiness, then we are no longer free. (In order to find out how to be truly happy, we must first find out what makes us unhappy. Here I explore the causes of our unhappiness and how to eliminate them from our life.)

First realize the deep peace and bliss of presence, then you can enjoy everything in this miraculous universe that aligns with your deepest intentions and highest self. If you want to turn to pleasures to feel better, turn within first.

Much love,

Todd

P.S. If you have read Grief and Spiritual Healing, don’t forget to go to Amazon and leave a review. Your feedback will help others find these uplifting teachings. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.