by George A. Boyd © 1989
The quest for instant relief of pain and suffering, and
seeking immediate pleasure and ecstasy through drugs has spawned countless
addictions and unnumbered ruined lives in every generation. Whether the
inebriating substance was a natural intoxicant like alcohol, tobacco,
opium, coca leaf, hallucinogenic mushrooms, or any one of a host of modern
medicine's psychoactive drugs, people have sought intoxication's quick
escape from the cares and responsibilities of living.
When you ingest a drug, you tamper with intricate biochemistry of your
nervous system. You destroy or deplete your neurotransmitters. The ability
to enjoy all the good things that you may experience in our lives is meditated
through release of neurotransmitters. By interfering with their natural
production by taking drugs is to risk upsetting the delicate balance of
your nervous system, creating illness, madness, addiction and death as
a direct result.
Yet simply by doing any of the activities of listed below, you can experience
the natural release of the euphoriants within your body, and receive endogenous
pleasure from "your own juices."
Sustained Exercise. Running, swimming, bicycling, dancing, and
other sustained sports activities will give you a healthy glow.
Good Nutrition. Eating a well balanced diet, together with vitamins
and herbal supplements can increase your vitality and health.
Doing What You Love. A hobby that holds your interest, a job
that challenges you with new learning and growth, or a career that expresses
your potentials can bring you deep personal satisfaction.
Achievement. Reaching your personal goals and aspirations, making
your dreams come true, can bring you moments of happiness in the
enjoyment of victory.
Adventure. Exploring a jungle, rafting on a river, riding a
powerful motorcycle, skydiving, or traveling to a new country can bring
you excitement and exhilaration.
Curiosity. An intense intellectual interest in a topic, the
drive to know more about something through research, observation and
study, can spark your mental faculties to heightened activity, and yield
the satisfactions of new knowledge and understanding.
Invention. The urge to know how something works, how to solve
a practical problem, or why a negative condition persists can result
in research or an invention can create a breakthrough in knowledge and
technology. Increasing our collective understanding and ability to live
more conveniently and efficiently enhances your sense of esteem that
comes from making a worthy contribution to others, plus gives you the
victorious satisfaction of finding out and making it work.
Social Pleasure. The communication of your ideas to another
human being, the unburdening of the sensitive issues of your heart,
and the sharing of the tender emotions of love and appreciation contribute
to your sense of being a part of other's lives, and your own feelings
of being loved and valued.
Aesthetic Pleasure. Listening to your favorite music, going
to an art exhibit, attending a museum, seeing a dance troupe perform,
or watching a sunset with someone you love can satisfy your need for
stimulation and variety.
Sensual Pleasure. Lounging in the warm sun, relaxing in a hot
tub, having a invigorating massage, or lovemaking with your special
someone can transport you to the soothing depths of comfort or the thrilling
peaks of ecstasy.
Creativity. Painting a picture, taking a photograph, writing
a screenplay or book of poetry, molding raw substance into finished
sculpture by portraying the real world around you or the world of your
imagination, can provide you with long hours of enjoyment. The challenge
of wrestling with an impelling idea, capturing it, shaping it so that
it is just right, and making it real before you can bring you profound
fulfillment.
Playing. Going out and having fun with your family, children
and friends at the beach or on a camping trip by playing games or sports
can refresh your body and clear your mind, renewing you to tackle the
challenges of your life once again.
Helping others. There is gratification in volunteering your
time, or following an avocation to assist other people, animals, or
to heal the environment. Using your spiritual gifts to enhance others'
lives enriches your own life, as well.
Spirituality. Engaging in communion with your Higher Power through
prayer and meditation, or celebrating your community through praise,
worship and song brightens your life, enlightens your mind, renews your
spirit, and fulfills your Soul's yearning for growth and expansion.