Topic: Out with the "Old Addictive Self" and in with a New Dedication to be Free (Classroom Talk 1/4/23)

Topics covered: Real existence is being rooted in an awareness that doesn't pursue anything because it is already a part of everything; There is no addiction that doesn't begin with a sense of self that feels incomplete; In order to win the approval of others, we have to sell ourselves. Our sense of self is dependent upon exterior conditions; There is no fear without the fear of disappearing, without the fear of losing myself...

Topics Covered: There is no such thing as a compulsive pleasure; We are not meant to spend our lives compulsively defending and justifying ourselves. Those things are addictions; Physical hunger and thirst are natural, but being hungry for approval is not natural; Every day we go compulsively looking for what our mind says we need in order to find fulfillment. What we long for...

The more we intend to uncover the parts of us complicit in creating self-defeating patterns such as addictive behaviors and codependent relationships -- and how we're always dragged down by this unconscious proclivity -- the more liberating discoveries we will make. It's a law: Ask to see the truth (of yourself) -- then do what you must to be granted that revelation...

No single substance -- whether physical, mental, or emotional -- creates an addiction, let alone the pain and conflict inherent in its corresponding dependency; rather dependency is the birthplace of all false solutions...

There is no such thing as a compulsive pleasure, let alone a contented "slave" that lives under its lash; and yet billions of human beings serve some form of addiction, willing to turn a blind eye to...

What about you? Are you sure you have to go down with that ship called an abusive relationship, substance abuse, or the self-pity that always attends these punishing states of self? Do you see yourself as someone addicted to something, and believe this sinking condition is the way it has to be? Does it feel as though there is no way out from under that barrage of negative thoughts and feelings...

Since no desire can complete itself -- by itself -- through anything it imagines -- its only recourse is to imagine “more of” whatever failed to satisfy it the first time around. This unseen cycle is the mainspring of all forms of addiction, as unconscious desire keeps trying to fill a bucket with no bottom by pouring imaginary water into it.

Since no desire can complete itself -- by itself -- through anything it imagines -- its only recourse is to imagine "more of" whatever failed to satisfy it the first time around. This unseen cycle is the mainspring of addiction; and, among other unseen self-compromising states, unconscious desire also drives that dark engine called "greed" -- as it keeps trying to fill a bucket with no bottom...

Topics covered: Discussion of Guy's new book on Relationship Magic (click to learn more); The most abundant and valuable resource on the planet is our relationships; Love does not harm another human being; It is pain that picks any fight; We have an addiction to a false sense of self; No one else is responsible for my feelings; Our partners are in our lives to help perfect us, not to punish us...

Since no desire cannot complete itself -- by itself -- thru anything it imagines -- its only recourse is to imagine "more of" whatever failed to satisfy it the first time around. This unseen cycle (of desire) is the mainspring of addiction; it drives the dark engine called greed. All unconscious desire can "do" is keep trying to fill a bucket with no bottom by pouring imaginary water into...