January 5, 2025 – Excerpt from Version 20.0: Addiction – Currently Unpublished
There is not a single person alive who can look you in the eye and say they don’t experience anxiety from time to time. Even in the most blessed lives—those with the kindest parents, born during peaceful and magical times, possessing gorgeous appearances, and having all the wealth in the world—anxiety remains an inescapable part of the human experience.
Anxiety begins with the most basic needs. When we’re hungry, it triggers a sense of unease. We feel anxiety after a significant loss or in anticipation of potential danger. Even physical discomforts, like struggling to breathe or dealing with a toothache or back pain, can spark feelings of anxiety. From the moment we are born, through giving birth, to the various challenges we face throughout our lives, anxiety accompanies us every step of the way.
This pervasive presence of anxiety underscores its fundamental role in our lives. It is a natural response to a wide range of situations, from the simplest to the most profound. Understanding that anxiety is a universal emotion can help us approach it with compassion and self-acceptance, recognizing that we are not alone in our struggles.
Embracing Anxiety as a Natural Ally - Anxiety is a powerful word, but it is not a curse. In fact, it is a vital part of our existence. Without anxiety, essential functions like a baby’s ability to cry and communicate distress would cease, jeopardizing survival. Anxiety serves as a natural mechanism that keeps us alert and responsive to our environment moment by moment. The ability to shift our brain dynamics in the blink of an eye is nothing short of miraculous.
However, the problem arises when humanity becomes disconnected from nature. In our pursuit of progress, we have divorced ourselves from the natural world, often harming it indiscriminately. While technological advancements, such as the possibility of dancing on the moon, are awe-inspiring, they bring immense uncertainty and contribute to our collective anxiety. As a result, we have become a hyper-anxious, chronically anxious species.
Evidence of this widespread anxiety is all around us, starting with our exploitation of nature. Delving into this extensive discussion is beyond the scope of this book, as our focus must shift toward addressing addiction. Nonetheless, it’s important to recognize that anxiety is one of the most common experiences shared by people across various degrees and forms.
Consider individuals in mental health institutions. Often, their struggles began with anxiety triggered by factors such as chemical imbalances, childhood abuse, or traumatic experiences. Over time, anxiety can escalate into severe mental illnesses, such as narcissistic personality disorder or hypochondria. Those deeply rooted in anxiety may find it difficult to change, while others with attachment disorders and pervasive anxieties might seek solace in substances, leading to addictions.
The spectrum of addictions is limitless. Throughout this book, I will emphasize that the key to overcoming these challenges lies in a simple yet profound practice: breathing. By stopping, taking deep breaths, and observing our patterns, we can begin to break free from the grip of chronic anxiety and addictive behaviors.
Embracing Our Shared Humanity - Acknowledging the universal nature of anxiety allows us to connect with others on a deeper level. It reminds us that no matter our circumstances, we all share similar emotional experiences. This shared humanity fosters empathy and support, creating a community where we can openly discuss our anxieties and work together toward healing and tranquility.
By embracing our shared experiences with anxiety, we can begin to break the stigma surrounding it. We can create environments where individuals feel safe to express their fears and seek the help they need. In doing so, we not only support our own mental well-being but also contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society.
Moving Forward with Compassion - Recognizing that anxiety is a universal emotion is the first step toward managing it with compassion. Instead of feeling isolated or ashamed, we can approach our anxieties with kindness and understanding. By doing so, we empower ourselves to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace, knowing that we are part of a larger human experience.
Let us honor our shared struggles with anxiety and support one another in our journeys toward peace and well-being. Together, we can transform our relationship with anxiety, fostering a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and understood.
The Power of Breath - No matter how intellectually advanced or wealthy someone may be—whether a psychotherapist with extensive training or an entrepreneur like Elon Musk with a high IQ and substantial wealth—without mastering the breath, achieving a state of relaxation remains elusive. Breathing is fundamental. Without proper breath control, addressing mental problems becomes nearly impossible. Therefore, we will focus extensively on the breath as the foundation for overcoming anxiety.
Together, you and I will work toward ending chronic anxiety and differentiating it from normal, situational anxieties. Chronic anxiety often leads to obsession and mental collapse, manifesting as depression and various addictive behaviors. Instead, our goal is to experience only the typical anxieties that arise from real threats or physical discomforts, such as extreme temperatures.
Recovery is a journey that requires patience and dedication. No matter how many years it takes, that deep breath will one day lead to salvation. By committing to breathing exercises and mindful practices, we can transform our relationship with anxiety. This transformation will allow us to live more peacefully, free from the pervasive anxiety that once dominated our lives.
Anxiety is an inherent part of the human experience, essential for survival and responsiveness. However, modern life has amplified and distorted this natural response, leading to chronic anxiety and addiction. By embracing our breath and practicing self-awareness, we can regain control, reduce chronic anxiety, and cultivate a life of balance and tranquility. Let us honor our shared struggles with anxiety and support one another in our journey toward peace and well-being.
But we will not linger in anxiety. We will become self-awakened. To me, self-awakening simply means becoming aware of my breath and noticing when my mind is drifting. I no longer get wrapped up in the spiderweb of thoughts. I am doing the work. I am remaining strong.
For many years, I did not see progress. I struggled with chronic anxiety and found my coping mechanisms through addictions. By most people's standards, I was successful. But that wasn't the truth because I did not know myself. I was living in the river of my subconscious, flowing toward extremes. Merrily, merrily, merrily, life was not a dream.
My big breakthrough came when I started doing all the work I had been reading about, rather than wandering around like a zombie without truly engaging with it. This book is about doing the work. Carry this dense book with you everywhere—read it, absorb it, and let it digest within you. I will not fail you through this book because the meaning lies not in my personality but in the words themselves. I am your brother, I am your ancestor. Honor my teachings by taking the torch and passing it on to your descendants.
These words are not entirely my own; they simmer in my head because I have lived these experiences. Every chapter reflects something I have encountered in my life that either enlightened me or caused me trouble. I simply remembered to write it down, and that is what this book is. One day, put your energy together and write your own book. Write your book along the way.
Self-Awakening and Moving Forward - Self-awakening is about more than just managing anxiety—it's about rediscovering who we truly are beneath the layers of stress and addiction. By embracing our breath, staying present, and doing the necessary work, we can break free from the patterns that hold us back. Let us honor our shared struggles with anxiety and support one another in our journey toward peace and well-being. Together, we can create a life of balance, authenticity, and profound tranquility.
From Anxiety to Enlightenment
Many people feel unsettled by the term "anxiety" due to its stigma, often linked to fear. We are conditioned to view fear as a weakness—a trait to be concealed in societies that value strength above all. As a result, a segment of our collective consciousness seems to operate in a constant state of anxiety.
Why is anxiety so prevalent? It often arises from a lack of knowledge, reassurance regarding our insecurities, and strategies to meet our survival needs. In such voids, anxiety becomes a mental framework that fills the gaps.
When we manage to quiet the anxious, obsessive mind, we enter unfamiliar territory: peace of mind and presence. This newfound relaxation can leave us unsure of how to handle the habits and patterns we've accumulated.
Spiritual awakening stands in stark contrast to anxiety; it represents the healing of the self, liberating us from depression and negative emotions. As we cultivate spiritual development, we move away from the chronic anxiety that has become all too common in today’s world. While this anxiety has fueled our rapid advancement as a species—sparking creativity and innovation—it has also led to self-destructive behaviors and the emergence of unstable leaders. Many contemporary systems of governance are shaped by the anxious minds of our ancestors, steeped in fear and control.
We find ourselves in a dreamlike state—neither a full nightmare nor a peaceful slumber. For those who suffer deeply, life can feel nightmarish. This existence often leaves us feeling powerless, as if we are adrift in our subconscious, observing life without true control. In moments of anxiety or addiction, this illusion of control becomes even more pronounced.
It’s time to awaken from this sleepwalking state and confront the true nature of reality. While we may never fully understand it, we can certainly expand our awareness beyond our self-centered worries about the future. This persistent discomfort—whether felt as tightness in the diaphragm, back tension, panic attacks, or a stoic facade hiding inner turmoil—often drives addictive behaviors. But we can break this cycle.
This book merges philosophy with practical steps, emphasizing essential practices to sharpen the mind, much like a samurai honing a sword. The core message is clear: commit to your meditation practice, as it is the key to transformation. I recognize that embracing meditation can be challenging; that’s why it’s step eleven in a twelve-step recovery process—not step one, two, or three. Regardless of where you are in your journey, if you feel ready to meditate or practice breathwork, now is the perfect time to begin.
While this book doesn't solely focus on meditation—given its vast scope—it integrates various concepts related to addiction recovery, including the significance of therapy, writing, exercise, and diet. A substantial portion is devoted to nutrition, so don't overlook it or assume you don't have a food-related issue. Recovery is a holistic journey, and we are tackling addiction from multiple perspectives.