The nature of addiction

[Guest guest]

I thought this message worthwhile to forward since all of us share some form

of addiction in common. As John writes below, "The basic nature of

addiction is a desire not to face oneself."

 

I am reminded of the work of Caroline Myss. She points out that addictive

behavior in any form is the result of a disconnection between personal will

and divine guidance. That is, we are unable to manage our power of choice

with all its creative and spiritual implications and so we become "addicts."

To manage one's power of choice is the essence of human experience. All

spiritual teachings are directed toward inspiring us to recognize that the

power to make choices is the dynamic that converts our spirit into matter

and our words into flesh. Choice is creation itself.

 

The nature of "wise choosing" is less about what we choose. Rather, our

power to influence an outcome lies in our REASONS for making a particular

choice. Learn what motivates us to make the choices we make and we learn

about the content of our spirits. Every choice we make contains the energy

of faith or fear, and the outcome reflects the same. This dynamic of choice

guarantees that we cannot run away from ourselves or our decisions.

 

How very clever to see that our addictions prevent us from becoming more of

who we really are and, paradoxically, from creating what we really want.

When we come to know our deepest values and how we allow their violation,

we discover what we really want and who we are becoming.

 

So, fellow addicts, blessings to all of us. May we choose to face ourselves

more completely with forgiveness and become even more loving spirits. Deb

****************************************************************************

 

Sunday, October 07, 2001 6:13 AM

Thought for the Day

 

 

Someone in the throes of an addiction cannot give you their full attention,

love, or performance. Always, a part of them is in service to their

obsession.

 

Addiction is a wide path, covering many variations. Even in sexual addiction

you will be denied access to that love. Whatever it is that the addict wants

will always come between you and him.

 

And, of course, if you are the addict, you know what it is to sacrifice

those you love for your obsession.

 

The simplest form is the starting of disagreements, fights when anyone comes

between the addict and his obsession.

 

So it is basically hopeless until the addict makes a decision to change. If

anyone else tries to change him he will take no prisoners.

 

The basic nature of addiction is a desire not to face oneself. So the drug

of choice can be work, booze, pot, cigarettes, sex, anything in which the

addict can escape from his inner demons. Even religion can be a drug.

 

The only solution is a spiritual awakening and a realization that one must

face fears. Otherwise, the addict is always a fraction of himself and you

are only an obstacle, no matter how it appears.

 

The solution for the codependent is the same as for the addict only the

codependent's drug is the addict himself.

 

Here's the kicker: The drug will never give satisfaction, just self

destruction.

 

Gambling, even the news can be your drug, whatever is between you and the

divine.

 

An addict can't sit still. It's that simple. He may appear to, but he is

really just waiting for the chance to break away and get his drug.

 

If you can't be still, how can you truly love?

 

 

Eman8tions

2001 by John MacEnulty

10/07/2001, St. Louis, MO

 

Web sites:

http://hometown.aol.com/eman8tions/myhomepage/business.html

http://www.geocities.com/eman8tions

 

Please feel free to forward Eman8tions

to anyone you think will enjoy it or benefit from it.

If you are receiving Eman8tions as a forward

please feel free to for yourself.

 

Subscription is free. Email your request to

Eman8tions (AT) aol (DOT) com

 

Donations are very much appreciated

and may be sent to

John MacEnulty

PO Box 1925

St. Louis MO 63118