Vladimir
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Please don't read this thread if you feel it will be an occassion of sin for you.
Although I realize that concupiscence (in this case, lust for carnal pleasure) must be fought on both a spiritual and physical front, I read the other day the words of Seneca saying that man's sexual drive naturally seeks release.
Without going into too much detail (for my sake and for the sake of the readers), in brief I struggle quite violently, but periodically, with the vice of lust. The reason I bring up Seneca's quote is that I think that 90% of the time I don't seriously struggle with lustful desires in my daily life. For example, in one month I may go three weeks without having a serious temptation. Then maybe on one day of the fourth week I will be violently attacked by temptations against purity - many times I will fall into sin on these occasions. Even when in the midst of temptation, I have a certain disgust for sins of the flesh and I simply want to find some way of getting rid of the burning desire. As I am a male, this build-up of certain fluids would inevitably be released in a non-sinful manner at some point.
My question is: Are there any physical remedies to this problem? I don't think it can be "cured", since I am at an age where my body is being primed for reproduction. But are there any physical ways (diet, fasting, etc) that I can use to reduce these periodic temptations (that truly seem overwhelming when they do come).
Interestingly, I think that Providence has set up lust at my predominant passion. Looking back, I've been exposed to several very impure events in the past through no fault of my own, and they have increased my temptations even a decade after they occured. (Another reason not to send anyone to public school) After those events however, I've amassed plenty of sins that I have fallen into through my own fault.
This post is inspired by my most recent fall into sin. Looking back, what set it off was reading an impure book that was assigned for my English class.
I apologize for being frank.
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| Posted Mar 26, 2012, 4:24 pm |
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Roland Deschain
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Take this from someone who knows what you are talking about:
fasting and prayer, fasting and prayer, fasting and prayer.......
Fasting, when done correctly and with the right attention, makes carnal passions wither. I cannot recommend this spiritual discipline highly enough. I would suggest talking to your spiritual adviser/confessor about a specific regimen for yourself. Don't forget that regular prayer must accompany your discipline. I, myself, pray the Benedictine Office as well as read a portion of the Rule everyday. This works for me.
The Fathers of the Church constantly talk about fasting and prayer as being the chief means for overcoming passions. I pray for your success.
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If the doctrine don't fit, Anathema Sit!
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| Posted Mar 26, 2012, 5:21 pm |
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s2srea
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Vladimir-
I'm sorry you're going through these temptations. Many, if not most, men go through these challenges. May I suggest, you abstain from red meat, and see how this helps you? I've heard this from certain priests, and have had friends who were told to practice this as well with favorable results.
Other than that, take hope that these temptations can be overcome. I struggled with the same, and it is not fun; I can say that many things are within your control, and I failed in 'controlling the controllables', if you will. Occasions of sin were the worst.
Devotion to our Lady is a big help. I will say some prayers for you today.
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Fr, Réginald Marie Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P.:
"The Church is intolerant in principle because she believes; she is tolerant in practice because she loves. The enemies of the Church are tolerant in principle because they do not believe; they are intolerant in practice because they do not love."
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| Posted Mar 26, 2012, 7:17 pm |
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