Since
our habits govern most of what we do, it is important that we surround
ourselves with good habits, which
will produce good moods, good desires and good tendencies.
When
living in our current world of duality, some of us can see right from wrong,
while others, due to their upbringing or lack of discrimination see shades of
gray.
Take
sex. Sex is a natural function of human life.
But does that mean we have sex whenever we feel like it?
Or
here’s another example: eating. We have to eat to survive, but when does it
become a problem?
And
then there’s honesty. Is it appropriate to be blunt and honest in every single
thing that you do and say?
What
about working and making a living? When does this honorable endeavor become a
bad habit?
All of
the above examples (and many more things) can become bad habits and block us
from becoming who we are meant to be and experiencing the peace within that we
are meant to experience.
Our
human life is meant for enjoyment. We are meant to live life to our fullest,
but not get overshadowed by the process of trying to enjoy it.
Being
respectful toward yourself and others is key. As I mentioned in the February newsletter,
discrimination… knowing right from wrong is important.
So
when does sex become something that is harmful to you, others or the society we
live in?
Here’s
one of those ways: when sex is misunderstood by our children as a random act, rather
than an act of intimacy between two people, because of the messages that are
being promoted through billboards, movies, TV and the Internet, it then becomes
harmful.
When
sex is used as a means of sensory enjoyment, rather than intimacy, it degrades
that act and makes it no more important than having a milk shake or
experiencing any other random act of enjoyment.
When
sex is used as just an act of gratifying our own pleasures, we are not only
harming ourselves but others, as well.
Sex
was always meant to be a spiritual experience between two intimate people who
are looking to enhance and bind their relationship to become one. It is not a
random act.
Because
of how sex is viewed today and the lack of discrimination surrounding right and
wrong, and good and bad, we have an explosion of pornography, sex addiction,
rape and the degradation of women as mere sex symbols. And we haven’t even
begun to talk about STDs and so much more.
Again,
no one is talking about celibacy here. But where is the line drawn between
discrimination and making judgment calls about inappropriate actions that are harming
all of us and becoming bad habits?
It
begins with each one of us. We do the best we can by honoring each other.
If you
are a man, you honor women; women honor men.
In the
Ten Commandments, the 5th Law says “Honor your Mother and father,”
meaning we honor all that represents our mothers (everything that represents
the feminine and creates life) and father (everything that represents the masculine
and provides and protects life).
In the
Five Mindful Trainings, the Third One speaks of “Awareness of the suffering
caused by sexual misconduct.” I think that one is pretty clear.
The 4th
Yama of Yama Niyama talks about sexual responsibility.
When
the simple guidelines or spiritual laws are not followed, chaos ensues, integrity
is lost and morality falls apart.
I hope
that this has provided you with clarity concerning the importance of Sex and
the positive and negative ways it can be used.
See
you next week when I talk about the good and bad habits of eating.
Namaste,
Michael
To sign up to
receive newsletters and updates from Michael, scroll to the bottom of the Ah-Man Web Site. You’ll find additional
information and resources in the latest issue of the Ah-Man Newsletter. Read about his new book,
Returning to WHOLENESS… Discovering Ah-Man at Amazon.
