I love these insights about addictions, and could not agree more. I identified the link years ago (with drinking) , I knew it was about killing a part of my brain so I could soar higher. And for that reason I justified and celebrated the drinking. It took me decades to reach the second revelation - it was counterproductive. Better late than never!
Rob this is genius and leads me to fantasize if this column was widely used in recovery programs. I almost died of my addiction to alcohol and being sober now for 46 years w/o AA- thank you will power self respect and spiritual longing)…the inner hunger of my ally found other places like too much sugar that led to a health crisis that led me to finding true sweetness in life. Your words made me cry. Thank you
Your addiction dares you to get strong. It says: 'You think you’re committed to your path? Prove it. You think you want enlightenment? Show me you want it more than you want this moment of escape or this familiar pattern of self-soothing.'"
As a lifelong compulsive overeater, I found this quote incredibly resonant. Throughout decades of cycling between recovery and relapse, I have often sought enlightenment, yet I have equally craved a "soft comfort" that doesn't require the constant rigor and energy of abstinence. When life feels heavy, I find myself needing soothing more than spiritual growth; in those moments, eating acts as an ally. I am still exploring what it is I seek in the long term that food provides so effectively in the short term.
Hello, Rob, and thank you again for your beautiful, perceptive, and enlightening writing!
I observe that you left out that nasty little bugger, smoking 🙁 The soother of all discontents, both major and minor.
As a multiply addicted person since the age of 16, now 73, I have left most but not all in the dust. As a person with Neptune conjunct Saturn conjunct my ascendant, I am quite proud of the "left behind" list. Yet this one (stupidly, I know) clings. I have multiple clues, maintain gratitude for its friendship, am deeply aware of how it has entwined itself in my patterns, have struggled with it and continue this effort.
Might you have anything to add on this particular issue?
This is so good. Thank you!! I’ve been addicted, or at least have indulged in, every single one of those things! Maybe my primary addiction right now is comfort seeking. I’m tired. I want rest and comfort. Also scrolling social media. That’s a compulsion. I really want to reclaim my time from that.
Maybe the authentic desire under scrolling is the desire for connection with other people.
"Life is Addiction" one says. Some are addicted to transcendence, truth, lies, risk, love, food, a scent, everything, nothing. A wonderful exposure of addiction as a human experience. Chapeau! (excess is best in moderation, but obsession will become us in our excess or moderation). Hey, got a smoke?
Magnificent - I’m high on the insights. Thank you so much Rob for all the ways you make the mind blowing wonder of life understandable and our enhanced appreciation and full relishing of it actionable.
I love these insights about addictions, and could not agree more. I identified the link years ago (with drinking) , I knew it was about killing a part of my brain so I could soar higher. And for that reason I justified and celebrated the drinking. It took me decades to reach the second revelation - it was counterproductive. Better late than never!
Rob this is genius and leads me to fantasize if this column was widely used in recovery programs. I almost died of my addiction to alcohol and being sober now for 46 years w/o AA- thank you will power self respect and spiritual longing)…the inner hunger of my ally found other places like too much sugar that led to a health crisis that led me to finding true sweetness in life. Your words made me cry. Thank you
Right?! This is what harm reduction looks like as an integrated practice ✨
Me and my 12H placements are appreciating these tips 📋
Your addiction dares you to get strong. It says: 'You think you’re committed to your path? Prove it. You think you want enlightenment? Show me you want it more than you want this moment of escape or this familiar pattern of self-soothing.'"
As a lifelong compulsive overeater, I found this quote incredibly resonant. Throughout decades of cycling between recovery and relapse, I have often sought enlightenment, yet I have equally craved a "soft comfort" that doesn't require the constant rigor and energy of abstinence. When life feels heavy, I find myself needing soothing more than spiritual growth; in those moments, eating acts as an ally. I am still exploring what it is I seek in the long term that food provides so effectively in the short term.
I can so relate to this!! The "which do I want more" does seem, all by itself, to fluctuate wildly but sincerely between poles 🫤
Hello, Rob, and thank you again for your beautiful, perceptive, and enlightening writing!
I observe that you left out that nasty little bugger, smoking 🙁 The soother of all discontents, both major and minor.
As a multiply addicted person since the age of 16, now 73, I have left most but not all in the dust. As a person with Neptune conjunct Saturn conjunct my ascendant, I am quite proud of the "left behind" list. Yet this one (stupidly, I know) clings. I have multiple clues, maintain gratitude for its friendship, am deeply aware of how it has entwined itself in my patterns, have struggled with it and continue this effort.
Might you have anything to add on this particular issue?
Again, blessings and thanks! ☀️
This is so beautifully written and so eloquently expressed. Thank you Rob<3
thank you
Your timing always hits💐
This is so good. Thank you!! I’ve been addicted, or at least have indulged in, every single one of those things! Maybe my primary addiction right now is comfort seeking. I’m tired. I want rest and comfort. Also scrolling social media. That’s a compulsion. I really want to reclaim my time from that.
Maybe the authentic desire under scrolling is the desire for connection with other people.
"Life is Addiction" one says. Some are addicted to transcendence, truth, lies, risk, love, food, a scent, everything, nothing. A wonderful exposure of addiction as a human experience. Chapeau! (excess is best in moderation, but obsession will become us in our excess or moderation). Hey, got a smoke?
I couldn't agree more. I have long thought that my addiction was my ally. Exploring still...
I so agree with all the above comments! Grateful to have found out these truths for myself 💕
Magnificent - I’m high on the insights. Thank you so much Rob for all the ways you make the mind blowing wonder of life understandable and our enhanced appreciation and full relishing of it actionable.
Thank you for this beautiful insightful piece 🙏🏼
Incredibly insightful , interesting & illuminating. Thanks
Another brilliant piece Rob! Literally all we need to know to navigate this beautifully messy incarnation!🙏💜