Relapse Happens In Your Mind Before It Happens Outside

hey friends,

Just responded to a friend on here and I thought to share it here.

Remember that porn blocks and all the external tools to keep us from PMO is helpful but the real battle is in our mind.

We first have the thought, then we act on the thought. So by the time we type the porn site address on the web browser, we are already in relapse mode, thinking about acting out.

The better approach is to be vigilant and to be honest, from the very start of a temptation or lustful imagination, drop it immediately.

I find that if i do that and not play with the fire, I save myself ALOT of suffering.

Otherwise, it seems like a harmless play, fun, to just imagine stuff and think weird fantasies, and they seem under control, but as the teachings tell us "There is no fire like lust" that means its like a fire.

A little flame, if not put out right away, can burn the whole house, the same way lustful imaginations not put out by the light of wisdom it will result in a relapse.

What I find helpful is...

The minute I have a lustful thought, reconnect to your reason why you are stopping, think about the girl as your sister, mother, friend, etc. Remind yourself, your happiness is not from outside of you, but from within you.

If the temptations persist then it means the mind is being a naughty little brat. So it needs discipline and to be put in its place.

This is when we can practice renunciation and willingly do something that makes us uncomfortable.

Giving up meat for 24 hours. Full 24-hour juice fast. Silence day. Meditation. Cold shower, are examples of the things you can do to tame the mind.

Also, remember there is a direct relationship between the tongue and our sexual organ.

If our tongue is not disciplined and we are giving in to all our food cravings, it will eventually turn into lustful cravings.

This is why it's very important to never overeat at night specially after 6-7 pm. Ideally sticking to fruits and vegetables. Or better yet go full vegan for a month.