Let's Lighten Up

That's a good point.
Let's take a look at a longer definition of euphoria: "Euphoria is a state of intense excitement that is short-lived. It is a feeling of elation that is triggered by external factors, such as drugs, music or other stimuli. Euphoria can be addictive and can lead to reckless behavior. It is a temporary state that fades quickly."

Yes, as you said, laughter can of course cause euphoric feelings. I'm not implying to avoid euphoria, just to realize that it is short-lived and dependent on external factors. In other words, it can never bring us lasting joy/bliss/happiness. And to choose wisely (ie. enjoyment of things that are not self-destructive).

Here's another quote to contemplate: "The more joyful you become, the less need for pleasure in your life. When you are not joyful there will be desperate activity, and compulsive sexuality is one of these."

 

Thanks for your input. I guess many people see the title of this thread and think it has nothing to do whatsoever with letting go of compulsive sexuality.
I've struggled for many a year with taking myself, life, and various "practices" way too seriously. This attitude played a part in an injury from martial arts training 20 years ago which still effects me to this day, along with tension headaches (trying too hard), general muscular tightness, fear/paranoia, awkwardness, pmo etc. etc. Well, lightening up now! And working on non-identification (major breakthrough).
I wish you all the best on your journey too!

 

Feeling stressed out? Why not try some art therapy?

 

"When we experience difficulties, when we are having ordeals, can we receive them happily because that is how we pay what we owe. Can we face problems with serenity, acceptance, happiness?"

For some guidance, let's see how Super Dave deals with a high-pressure situation:

 

"A man without a smiling face must not open a shop."

Is this bear taking himself too seriously? What do you think?

 

"Laughter is a means of liberating internal pressure."

Are you not attempting to do exactly the same thing through pmo? What if that "internal pressure" is, in reality, not even "you" in the first place?

Is your innate sense of curiosity and questioning in full working order, or does it need an old-fashioned kick up the backside to wake it back up again?

 

If we approach any project with an attitude of despondency, self-pity, despair, lack of humor, avoidance of what needs to be worked on, laziness, and stubborn refusal to contemplate ideas that challenge our own limited beliefs, is that project going to be successful?

So why would it be any different with the endeavor of quitting pmo?

 

"If you want to effect real change in your life, you need a certain level of exuberant energy."

Or would you prefer to stay filled with self-pity, fear, laziness, stubborn pride, skepticism, and ingratitude, stuck in relapse mode for the rest of your days on this planet?

Is Vic's treatment over-exuberant? Is Bob's response over-exuberant? What do you think?

 

Fanatical

Seeking relief
From these wretched beliefs
Into pmo I go
I've lost the flow

Can you believe what councillors are up to these days? Isn't it outrageous?

 

"Laughter is a means of disposing (albeit temporarily) of the weight, of the pressure of one's ego and abolishing the world of opposition."

What if that's exactly what we are trying to do through pmo?

How about letting it all out at a clinic?

 

Can you be serious about not being serious?!

If these guys were dead serious could they have produced a performance like this? What makes you believe you can let go of the pmo habit by being dead serious about quitting?

 

Dick Farcestardly: Drat, and double drat, Mutley!
Mutley Ravishes: What's the matter?
D.F: I was expecting to feel some relief from the heavy internal pressure of my beliefs after masturbating to pornography, but now I feel even worse!
M.R: It's just not fair, is it?

Can you believe it? Just sitting round a campfire listening to pulsations can help with craving? :

 

Me-Chanical

What if my beliefs
Are a joke?
More deluded than
The woke?
If I’ve forgotten
How to laugh
Aren’t I already half
Dead?

 

I started a couple of years back. I found you can pack a lot more into a short “poem.” It also puts the imagination to work.

 

Dick Farcestardly: Drat and double drat, Mutley! Every time I avoid looking in the mirror, that pmo guy sneaks up on me, puts me in a headlock, and takes me down! What am I to do?
Mutley Ravishes: Look in the mirror, Dick.

For the love of the Lord, Vic & Bob, just look:

 

Dick Farcestardly: Drat and double drat, Mutley! Every time I identify with myself, my life gets even more stressful! What am I to do?
Mutley Ravishes: Eat yourself.

Never seen a food orgasm? You're in for a treat!:

 

Dick Farcetardly: Drat and double drat, Mutley! I vowed to myself yet again that I'd never masturbate to pornography, but I just did! What am I to do?
Mutley Ravishes: This "self" you keep making vows to doesn't seem very reliable does it?