In psychology, as well as popular culture, we see the emerging of different types of detox. The dopamine detox, for example, also called the ‘dopamine fast’ is currently presented as a way to “reset” our brain’s reward system, by abstaining from all kinds of activities that bring pleasure.
- This serves different purposes. One of them is increasing our motivation, as our brain learns that pleasure isn’t so easily available anymore.
- so it becomes more willing to take an effort to obtain it.
- Another purpose is working with our addictions, as abstaining for a period of time weakens the relationship we have with things we’re addicted to.
- so the problem becomes easier to handle.
- Hence, the method of Alcoholics Anonymous is based on abstinence.
The idea of detoxing ourselves from outside influences isn’t new. The ancient Taoists acknowledged the value of letting our minds rest, so we stop the exhausting maelstrom of judging, identifying, analyzing, fantasizing, etc.
- According to the Taoists, silencing our faculties for a while not only replenishes our energy, it also brings us closer to a mysterious and incomprehensible force referred to as ‘Tao’.
- The Tao is an all-encompassing force that cannot be intellectually understood.
- Nonetheless, it’s eternal, it’s everywhere, it’s boundless and endless.
- We cannot recognize it with our senses, nor can it be explained with words.
- But, we can feel it.
- Because our mind cannot know the Tao, and our five senses cannot perceive it, the only way to get closer to the Tao is by stopping the mind and senses.
- so there’s nothing left to disturb the connection we have with it.
- So, it’s a subtractive process, a way of letting go, in order to unite with the Tao.
Even if the idea of Tao doesn’t appeal to us, we can still benefit from the fasting and detox of everything that disturbs our being (or should we say our non-being).
- This helps us to achieve what so many people try to achieve through sensual pleasure: inner peace
- or just simply: a break.
Re-source: Remind
bring something, especially a commitment or necessary course of action, to the attention of
Using the mind helps us to thrive, communicate, achieve goals, protect ourselves. But when we let the mind use us, there’s is a chance that it becomes a liability rather than an asset.
- The more we attach ourselves to our beliefs, the more hostile we become to different views.
- The more stern we are, the more brittle we become.
- The stronger we desire something, the more painful not acquiring the object of our desire will be.
- The more troubled our thoughts, the darker we see the world.
- The more we feel that we possess something, or someone, the more fearful and domineering we become.
- The continuous chatter of the mind exhausts itself as well as the body.
How can we find inner peace, when we’re constantly plagued by thoughts? By experiencing of the interconnectedness of everything, which can be achieved by quieting the mind.
- Can you coax your mind from its wandering and keep to the original oneness?
- Can you let your body become supple as a newborn child’s?
- Can you cleanse your inner vision until you see nothing but the light?
- Can you love people and lead them without imposing your will?
- Can you deal with the most vital matters by letting events take their course?
- Can you step back from your own mind and thus understand all things?
craving and resource from Einzelgänger – TAOISM | The Fasting of the Heart