In a world where instant gratification often takes center stage, the notion of self-control can seem like a relic of a bygone era. Yet, cultivating discipline and restraint remains a vital aspect of personal growth and well-being. The ancient Greeks extolled the virtues of moderation, and the same principles hold true today, particularly when it comes to indulging in life’s pleasures. In “Nugs, Nuts & Self-Control,” we will explore the relationship between self-control, cannabis consumption, and sexual restraint.
Self-control, in essence, is about consciously choosing our actions and regulating our impulses. It is the ability to harness our desires and channel them in a manner that serves our long-term goals and values. When it comes to cannabis, this means striking a delicate balance between enjoying the plant’s myriad benefits and avoiding the pitfalls of overindulgence. As we embark on this journey of self-discovery, we’ll delve into the power of self-control and its potential to transform our lives in unexpected ways.
For the past few years, I have undergone a significant journey inwards as many have during the pandemic. Many of us chose different paths, began working on our character, our bodies, our souls. I too underwent a similar transformation and still am on this path.
Over the past five years, I managed to kick a smoking habit that was slowly sucking the life out of me. I began working on a project that filled my soul, as opposed to endlessly punching keys on a keyboard to make a buck.
I stared into my internal abyss and didn’t flinch when the shadows started coming out. These poorly acquired habits that was unconsciously gifted to us by our younger selves that plague our daily endeavors. Those voices of insecurity and shame, the inner critic at its best. The shit you don’t want ANYONE else to know about.
Or maybe you just came to a point to become comfortable with your demons. Perhaps, it was merely an agreement of mediocrity between you and that “inner bitch” as David Goggins calls it.
And so, as a seasoned stoner and lifelong masturbator who has managed to take a T-Break and a “NuttBreak” for prolonged periods. I decided to write this very important article. It’s an article of self transformation by taming some of the most primal forces that reside within our bodies.
Finding the root of your vice?
As we venture into the depths of our vices, it’s crucial to recognize that our habits, whether it’s rolling a fat blunt or succumbing to the urge to fap, often serve as temporary fixes to deeper emotional wounds. These seemingly innocuous indulgences provide us with fleeting comfort, but like an emotional credit card, we accrue a mounting debt that eventually catches up with us.
The addict within us knows that these actions are detrimental to our well-being, yet we persist. When this realization dawns upon us, it is the universe’s way of signaling that it’s time to confront our inner demons. It may seem daunting, but the mere act of acknowledging the void in our lives sets us on the path to healing.
Our habits serve as a coping mechanism for past traumas, unfulfilled desires, and a pressure release for the challenges we face. As we attempt to uncover the root of our vice, we may encounter resistance from our ego, which seeks to maintain the status quo.
So, if you find that cannabis, self-pleasure, social media, gaming, or any other indulgence no longer brings you joy, it’s time to pay close attention to what comes next. The journey of self-discovery begins by digging deep into the reasons behind these compulsions. As we peel back the layers, we will find that our habits are often manifestations of unresolved pain or unmet needs.
Facing the root cause of our vices is an essential step toward regaining control and finding true fulfillment. Embrace this opportunity to confront your demons, and embark on a journey towards healing and personal growth.
Why do I include “fapping”?
Porn and masturbation are often interconnected, creating a potent combination that alters the brain’s chemistry. Scientific studies have shown that engaging in these activities can result in a dopamine feedback loop, leading to addiction.
However, unlike other addictions, it’s actually celebrated and promoted. We keep it secretly hidden behind closed doors, but don’t let anyone see your browser history because your “wholesome façade” will probably turn into some depraved perversion of your external projections.
Now, don’t get me wrong – there is nothing inherently wrong with jacking off or watching porn, however, when you’re on a path of self discovery and personal empowerment – these are elements that distract you and keeps you docile.
Therefore, anyone who is serious about leveling up their lives would consider the “lack of self control to masturbate or watch porn” an issue that needs to be handled.
Couple a healthy porn addiction with excessive cannabis – and you’ll have a room full of crusty Kleenex stuffed in whichever crevice hides your shame the best.
As we strive to become the best versions of ourselves, recognizing and addressing these vices is essential. By developing self-control and breaking free from the shackles of addiction, we can create space for growth, healing, and progress. It’s time to confront our demons, overcome our weaknesses, and cultivate a healthy, fulfilling life that aligns with our highest aspirations.
Why do I include cannabis into this list?
While cannabis isn’t an issue for me personally, there are some people that use it as one of their “escape pods”. That’s mostly because they don’t have their shit together and are looking for easy ways to “feel good” and don’t want to face the music.
I have been smoking cannabis for over twenty years and smoked it retardedly when I was a teenager. I would get high every weekend, then every day….then I bought kilos.
One summer I didn’t leave my basement and smoked for three months. People brought food and entertainment and me and my buddies smoked for 90 days straight.
Now, I understand that I was a teenager caught in the trance of being young, but as I aged, I realized that my use was excessive and not at all edifying my person. So I quit for 3-4 years to get a handle on myself.
Once I started smoking again, my relationship with it changed and now I use it as a tool within my arsenal of tools. I consider it “plant medicine” and use it to be more productive.
Yet, I also have known many chimney-smokers who continued to do nothing but smoke weed all day. And if that’s what they want, then that’s their choice. Everybody has the liberty to do nothing with their lives, however, after awhile, when the emotional debtor comes to collect – that’s when most “addicts” discover rock bottom.
I use “addict” not in reference to the power of weed, but rather that substance or activity is irrelevant for an addict. If it’s not weed it might be their own genitals.
How do you stop the compulsion?
The first thing is to identify these loops. This means that you just have to become “mindful” when you’re doing whatever it is you do.
Notice when you do it, your surroundings, the apps you use, the shows you watch, the people you hang out with….all of these things form part of the environment.
Put them on a list.
Then, create a strategy to deal with it.
Secondly, you need to understand that you have to make a “Life changing decision”. A decision that is non-negotiable. You have to commit your self to the process and “accept ahead of time” the pain and suffering you might endure.
You should be of the mindset that says, “no matter how hard it sucks…I will endure”. You need to essentially renounce that “forever” you won’t be doing this because this is no longer “Who you are”.
Which brings me to the third reason – WHY!
Why are you going to endure the suffering. Why are you ridding yourself of your pleasures? This Why needs to be strong. You need to have the resolve.
In my case, when it came to cannabis it was merely a test of “am I addicted” and I found that I did use it at times a bit more, but if there was no more weed tomorrow – I’d be okay.
When it came to fapping, it was far more deeply rooted. Probably because it was one of my first vices.
There, a battle of sexual forces raged, tied in with ideas of self worth…I mean, I’m totally going to write a book about the experience.
The point is, when you make a decision about “who you are” you can craft the “why” that can help you through the toughest part of letting go.
And then you focus on your who and work on it, you dig down on your promises and march on. That’s the only way I know how to effectively regain self by facing your demons head on, accepting all – even your failures, but most importantly….becoming a different version of you.
The who you are today must die, to make space for the who you were meant to be.
Which was harder?
Personally, I find that controlling the nutt is far more complicated and requires a greater degree of self-control than smoking cannabis. I’m sure, that most people who are addicted to cannabis are also addicted to fapping. In fact, I think personally that it’s probably one of the most prevalent addictions in society and if more people tried to master it – they will find more gratification in life, harder things, etc.
Personally, the complexity of harnessing your biological imperative and in a way “taming the beast”, it’s far more difficult than quitting weed.
With weed, you need to simply keep yourself busy and do some exercise or yoga to supplement the cannabinoid drop you’ll experience from abstinence.
However, when it comes to fapping – society is designed to make you think of sex. It’s in all our advertisements and all over the internet. We’re conditioned to look at hot people in skimpy outfits tapping into our most primal instincts of procreation.
However, when you have the ability to control yourself enough, to say “no” and to commit to a higher standard of life – you’ll lift your gaze from your crotch to the horizon and begin to have a strong…almost sexual drive – to accomplish your goals.
So if you’re currently in a world of excess…take a T-break for 21-days and challenge yourself in the fapping department. You might learn a thing or two.