Excerpt form my book, Meditation
The most comprehensive books on mental health aim to cover as much ground as possible to ensure the teachings are complete, but it can never truly be complete. There will always be more to add, more chapters to write. This particular chapter is important.
In my book on addiction, I talk about sex addiction, which, like any addiction, is a major distraction triggered by a lack of ease. When we reach a point where it's difficult to regulate our central nervous system and find peace and relaxation, it’s a sign that we can’t continue down that path for the next decade. We have the power to stop, freeze, and take a moment to evaluate our lives. We can say, "Okay, I need to stop these seven behaviors right now."
Sometimes, this means fasting from certain habits or even spending money only on the most basic necessities. There may be moments in life when we deliberately choose celibacy to reset and understand what we truly need. Can this be done in a healthy, loving relationship? Probably not right away, but over time, short periods of celibacy—especially when openly discussed with your partner—can help address underlying issues. The key is to recognize that at certain points in our lives, holding back from our passions and desires may be a valuable practice. We can always return to them when the time is right. (Pardon the pun.)
While this idea may feel incomplete, it brings us back to the core of the matter: philosophy is meaningless if it doesn’t direct our attention to anxiety and its release. Compassion and non-harm are essential for clearing the mind, allowing us to navigate our lives with clarity. We need to care about money only as a tool to help our society live well