Sunday, January 27, 2013

Desire moving us foward


This is desire’s secret agenda, to alert us to the gap between our expectations and the way things actually are. In so doing, it shows us that there is something more interesting than success or failure, more compelling than having complete control.


Epstein, M (2005) Open to Desire: The Truth About What the Buddha Taught
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The adage: One drink is too many, and 1000 drinks aren’t enough illustrate the need for many in recovery to focus on abstinence. When coping with desire, this either-or approach fails. Desire by plan creates us in us a yearning and is never completely satisfied. To cope with this tension, many in recovery “shut” off and avoid desire. Recovery may become an avoidance of desire (including sexuality, intimacy, and relationships) or a new addiction in its own right (such as sexual compulsivity, “love and relationship addiction”).

Monday, January 21, 2013

Desire as Sacred


Even when it degenerates into addiction, there is something salvageable from the original impulse that can only be described as sacred.

Epstein, Mark (2006-01-05). Open to Desire: The Truth About What the Buddha Taught (Kindle Locations 161-162). Penguin Group. Kindle Edition. 


One of my areas of specialty is Sex, Drugs and Recovery (sounds like a great book title).  I am struck by Epstein’s affirming the core energy of desire as healthy and sacred.  In my opinion, the goal of therapy for those in recovery for substance use and sexual compulsivity is the task of rediscovering the sacredness of desire.  It is good.  It is VERY good!