The net bottom line on why there are addictions is that a long time ago, one of our ancestors had negative thoughts, acted upon them, and passed that negativity to another person. Alternatively, everyone initially experienced happiness until life's inevitable challenges, or what could be described as nature's traumas, provoked negative reactions in certain individuals. This negativity cascaded down generations, reaching our ancestral children who perpetuated it. Over the millennia, environmental disasters, warfare, attacks from wild animals, disease, famine, hard luck, panic, ignorance, fear, and violence have all played a part. In this wide chain of cause and effect, we arrive today, with difficult childhood emotions, incomplete personality development, the development of character defects and defenses, warped realities, mental illnesses, brain damage, and genetics. Now, in the 21st century and beyond, you are reading our book—a creation of the collective consciousness.
Once we are exposed to the effects of historical negative patterns in humanity, we are born into a world where addiction is the norm. Our societies are rife with every type of addictive personality, with some common addictions shared among us. We have become addicted to addiction itself and to the false reality created by our pain and suffering.
This is no laughing matter, and it's not time to judge. This has been an ongoing human problem for quite some time, always related to the shortcomings in our developmental years. While genetics play a role, they are no match for the power of human consciousness to manipulate our experiences and perceptions, which in turn create physical changes in our genes.
Addiction originates from emotional, mental, or physical pain and suffering, coupled with the chronic anxiety that ensues when we struggle to find a healthy and productive form of relief. The addiction may serve as a temporary solution or escape, despite the destructive consequences it brings. Unaddressed pain can intensify in our psyche, creating a tormenting experience akin to hell. This pain leads to enduring anxiety, which in turn can trigger various obsessions. When these obsessions and anxiety become overwhelming, we seek solace in anything that offers momentary respite and helps drown out the cacophony in our minds.
Addiction can be viewed as a response to adversity, albeit an ineffective one. Psychologists refer to such behaviors as "maladaptive behaviors," a term that carries less judgment than labeling them as "shitty behavior." Anxiety and fear are closely related, often appearing as two sides of the same coin. The persistent lack of effective relief for our unrelenting anxiety serves as the breeding ground for maladaptive behaviors, with addiction standing out as one of the most prevalent and destructive manifestations.
An addiction encompasses any repetitive behavior that can be harmful to our mental and physical well-being, as well as detrimental to the world around us. It is crucial to recognize that we are predominantly creatures of habit rather than creatures solely driven by instinct. Simply engaging in habitual actions does not equate to addiction; only behaviors that have a negative impact on us warrant genuine concern.
As humans, we are innately inclined to seek pleasure and well-being. This pursuit begins at birth, where we instinctively cry to alleviate discomfort and are comforted with nourishment, affection, and gentle touch by caregivers.
Throughout our 20-year journey of life and self-discovery following birth, we strive to find comfort and make sense of the world. However, our development can be hindered if we encounter discord, mistreatment, or neglect during this formative period. In such cases, our natural coping mechanisms may falter, leading us to respond inadequately to our feelings of anxiety. Our unwise reactions will inevitably lead to repercussions. We may become attached to unhealthy pursuits, behave inappropriately, lose touch with reality, wander into unproductive territories, indulge in addictive tendencies, and ultimately experience suffering.
Nevertheless, this does not have to be our ultimate destiny. We have the capacity to break free from our addictions and destructive behavioral patterns. Through dedicated effort, we can discover relief. It will require a commitment to internalizing new knowledge, modifying our actions, and fostering healing. Though this process may be gradual, we have the ability to make positive changes—so let us embark on this journey wholeheartedly!
If we acknowledge that chronic anxiety lies at the core of many of our present-day issues, the solution becomes clear: we must cultivate relaxation and inner calm. The path to achieving this goal entails several crucial steps, each geared towards alleviating chronic anxiety. Education plays a vital role in this process, as heightened awareness is essential for instigating meaningful change.
To embark on this journey, we must thoroughly examine and adjust our concepts, belief systems, judgments, coping mechanisms, character traits, behaviors, routines, and more, in order to pave the way for the relief we seek. Understanding our personal history and implementing positive behavioral shifts are integral components of the recovery journey. Untangling the complexities within ourselves requires time; hence, in the interim, our focus should center on fostering greater relaxation in our minds, bodies, and emotions.
One effective approach involves incorporating various strategies, such as learning about breathing exercises that offer immediate relief and relaxation.