Medicate discontent

Discuss the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes.

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dozual
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Medicate discontent

Post by dozual »

The Chapter "Temporal Unity of Selves: Loving yourself over time", has touched on several points that if we all abide by would definitely make my world a better place. Self enduced sicknesses caused my not eating a proper diet could lead to me passing away due to a disease that i could of avoided by eating less pizza and more fruits. What root cause do i need to heal to stop the self destructive behavior? Self love is not just comprised of booking a spa day, but also includes any emotional poison i may be housing that leads to the discontent I self medicate with trash. Selah
Anna Hernandez 2
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Re: Medicate discontent

Post by Anna Hernandez 2 »

It is so true! Self-love means taking care of all aspects of yourself.

My significant other and I recently discussed this topic and he made a valid point that maintenance is not self-care. Like you said, one spa day isn't going to fix anything. To improve physical aspects of life, it's crucial to be emotionally stable and content with life, so that the spa day can truly be relaxing and beneficial. If one is emotionally unstable, spending time and money at the spa is merely a waste.

Unfortunately, it seems like many people fall into this trap, especially when it comes to New Year's resolutions, like losing weight or accomplishing a big goal. Often, they don't realize addressing the root mental issue that has previously held them back is key to achieving a sustainable and happy outcome. At the end of the day, to me it is important to find contentment in life so you can handle the good and the bad without being overwhelmed in order to avoid medicating discontent.
Donna Walker 1
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Re: Medicate discontent

Post by Donna Walker 1 »

This is very true: "Maintenance is not self-care." Last year, I stopped drinking alcohol, and I am actively working on self-care and spirituality. I'm not talking about having a spa day; I'm talking about living life in a completely different manner than I used to. Out with the destructive behavior. I'm really taking care of myself, from the things that I eat to exercise and meditation, and even to the relationships that I have. So far, I have seen a profound difference. Maybe now I'll age happily and healthily. 
ReviewsByChristine
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Re: Medicate discontent

Post by ReviewsByChristine »

dozual wrote: February 4th, 2023, 1:12 pm The Chapter "Temporal Unity of Selves: Loving yourself over time", has touched on several points that if we all abide by would definitely make my world a better place. Self enduced sicknesses caused my not eating a proper diet could lead to me passing away due to a disease that i could of avoided by eating less pizza and more fruits. What root cause do i need to heal to stop the self destructive behavior? Self love is not just comprised of booking a spa day, but also includes any emotional poison i may be housing that leads to the discontent I self medicate with trash. Selah
Awareness is certainly the first step to changing the behaviours you see as self destructive. For example, I recently identified my drinking daily (even in moderate amounts) was becoming a self destructive habit. I need to address anxiety first, so that the calming drink isn't felt necessary. Good luck on your journey.
Hazel Mae Bagarinao
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Re: Medicate discontent

Post by Hazel Mae Bagarinao »

dozual wrote: February 4th, 2023, 1:12 pm The Chapter "Temporal Unity of Selves: Loving yourself over time", has touched on several points that if we all abide by would definitely make my world a better place. Self enduced sicknesses caused my not eating a proper diet could lead to me passing away due to a disease that i could of avoided by eating less pizza and more fruits. What root cause do i need to heal to stop the self destructive behavior? Self love is not just comprised of booking a spa day, but also includes any emotional poison i may be housing that leads to the discontent I self medicate with trash. Selah
Self-love connects to a broader aspect of my life. For example, I don't drink soft drinks because I took good care of health. I don't gossip because it's just stresses me more. I don't indulge in social medias because I feel less with other people, that way I considered it self-love.
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Covenant Olusegun
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Re: Medicate discontent

Post by Covenant Olusegun »

This chapter truly helped me view self-love in a completely different way. We claim we love ourselves, yet we engage in disruptive habits that practically indulge our present selves and put our future selves in harm's way. From now on, I'll love my present self, my past self, and my future self.
Nancy004
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Re: Medicate discontent

Post by Nancy004 »

To stop self-destructive behavior and cultivate self-love, it's important to dig deep and understand the underlying causes. It's not just about pampering ourselves; it involves addressing emotional wounds and toxic beliefs that contribute to our discontent. Taking a philosophical approach means reflecting on our past, examining our thoughts and emotions, and finding the root of our destructive patterns. It requires self-awareness, forgiveness, and compassion towards ourselves. By acknowledging and healing these wounds, we can break free from self-medication and make room for growth and positive change. Seeking support from professionals or mentors can be helpful on this transformative journey.
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Zainab Wasif
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Re: Medicate discontent

Post by Zainab Wasif »

Self-love is the most crucial thing and yes it is not selfish to care about oneself. Your physical and mental health needs must be of utmost importance to you. Once you’re in the best physical and mental state then only you can help others develop and flourish. When you are physically, mentally, or emotionally unstable, you are a toxic person to yourself and for others.
Macreen Ouko
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Re: Medicate discontent

Post by Macreen Ouko »

Addressing discontent often involves understanding its root causes. Consider identifying specific issues causing dissatisfaction and finding constructive ways to address them. Communication, problem-solving, or seeking professional advice can be helpful in finding solutions and promoting a healthier mindset.
Moranga Dominic
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Re: Medicate discontent

Post by Moranga Dominic »

Recognizing self-destructive behaviors allows individuals to take control and make positive changes in their lives. It opens the door to self-reflection and the possibility of adopting healthier habits.
Alissa Nesson
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Re: Medicate discontent

Post by Alissa Nesson »

I would say that the best way to change a habit like that is incrementally. Don’t deny yourself any pizza ever, just start slowly incorporating healthier foods. Maybe have a salad with the stuff you like the best sometimes for lunch and include your favorite protein. Maybe add a little shredded cheese if that makes it more appetizing. You can still have your favorite foods sometimes, but slowly start substituting healthier options sometimes. Look up some healthy recipes that you can enjoy. The more healthy options you find that you like, the easier it will be to have those things more often. Make small changes one at a time and make sure you’re not feeling like you’re always being deprived of something tasty.
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Sushan
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Re: Medicate discontent

Post by Sushan »

dozual wrote: February 4th, 2023, 1:12 pm The Chapter "Temporal Unity of Selves: Loving yourself over time", has touched on several points that if we all abide by would definitely make my world a better place. Self enduced sicknesses caused my not eating a proper diet could lead to me passing away due to a disease that i could of avoided by eating less pizza and more fruits. What root cause do i need to heal to stop the self destructive behavior? Self love is not just comprised of booking a spa day, but also includes any emotional poison i may be housing that leads to the discontent I self medicate with trash. Selah
Your reflection on the chapter "Temporal Unity of Selves: Loving yourself over time" delves into profound realms of self-care, self-love, and the consequences of our choices on our health and well-being. It's insightful to recognize that self-destructive behaviors, such as not maintaining a proper diet, are not merely habits but may stem from deeper, unaddressed emotional needs or wounds.

Philosophically, the concept of self-love you're discussing transcends the superficial and confronts the essence of our being. It suggests that true self-love involves a comprehensive understanding and acceptance of oneself, including recognizing and addressing the emotional poisons that lead to detrimental choices. This form of self-love demands an introspective journey to uncover and heal the underlying causes of discontent that we might be numbing with transient pleasures or neglect.

Psychologically, self-destructive behaviors can be seen as maladaptive coping mechanisms to underlying stress, trauma, or unresolved emotional conflicts. The path to healing often involves identifying these underlying issues and addressing them directly, which may require professional support, such as therapy or counseling. It's about creating a nurturing internal environment that supports making healthier choices, fostering a sense of self-worth, and developing coping strategies that align with long-term well-being.

Logically, the process of healing and fostering true self-love involves a series of steps: awareness of the problem, understanding the root causes, seeking help if needed, and gradually implementing changes that promote health and happiness. It's a journey that requires patience, compassion, and persistence.

The mention of "emotional poison" is particularly striking, suggesting that our emotional state can toxify our existence, leading to behaviors that harm rather than nurture. Healing from this poison requires a conscious effort to detoxify our emotional lives, possibly by confronting painful emotions, forgiving ourselves and others, and replacing negative thought patterns with positive affirmations and actions.

This pause to reflect is crucial. It's in these moments of reflection that we can truly listen to ourselves, understand our needs, and commit to actions that reflect self-love and respect for our temporal unity. How do we begin to untangle the web of emotions and behaviors that lead us away from this ideal? And how can we support each other in this journey towards healing and self-acceptance?
“There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers”

– William James
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