Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The most basic trait of human nature is to seek happiness. It is amazing to see what all man does to find happiness; the list goes on and on endlessly. In reality, happiness comes from within but most seek it outside. The senses can give pleasure but the soul craves for something more. When sense pleasures are not enough, one seeks an ethereal experience. This impulse of seeking is present in everybody and is the beginning of one’s spiritual journey. Unfortunately, many people are tempted to take shortcuts in this quest for joy and end up with drugs. Drugs seem to give a high and people do say they take one to an altered state of consciousness. However, the after effects leave the system totally shattered, eventually. One’s aspiration to find freedom, love and happiness leaves them with bondage, despondency and misery. Having something is not joyful but not having it is painful – this is the state of addiction.
Spirituality has a big role to play in dealing with such a situation. Meditation, breathing techniques, pranayam and satsang have helped millions around the world to overcome addiction over substances and alcohol. Many people have shared that they feel the same high after doing Sudarshan Kriya that they used to feel after taking drugs but without their damaging consequences. Scientists say that psychoactive drugs are addictive because they cause a surge in dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and contentment. Research has shown that meditation increases dopamine levels naturally by an average of 65 per cent. A session of group singing or satsang also leaves one exhilarated and energised for many hours. These practices build strength in the mind so that one doesn’t feel the need to rely on external substances to feel an inner high.
Summer is just around the corner; the realm of relaxation and rejuvenation is within sight. Idyllic white sand beaches and picturesque sunsets come to mind, along with an almost zen-like calm that is associated with inner peace.
