Mind Images

[TOM]

I like the singing and musical instrument idea. I also like the lighter idea. I've found that the P thing has a lot to do with isolation, so when the thoughts start to take over, I'm going to sing, make music, make loud noises, scream (I've been through enough), get someone's attention, I might just get distracted.

[LAman24]

Hey TOM, sounds like you're solving the issue very productively. Good job! If you like video games, like me, thats a great way to get distracted hehe. I have a Nintendo DS and its super fun. If you're looking for something to distract you AND have a lot of fun with, a DS is a great idea. The thing is so addicting and fun that there is probably nothing that it can't distract you away from.

Anyway, glad to know that you came out with your feelings on the board. And I totally agree with whoever said isolation is a devil's playground. Hang in there man!

[Coyote Toast]

A few people have mentioned gaming as a helpful distraction. I have to agree with that. For the last two years I've been playing one of those online computer fantasy games that everyone makes fun of. I really enjoy it anyway, but there are a couple of things about it that have some potential therapeutic benefit for us here. One is that such games are incredibly absorbing and can push out a lot of wandering thoughts. The other is that if you game with a regular group of people (often organized into "guilds") you can use realtime voice programs to talk with them while playing. What is fun about this is that it makes the computer a very social tool, a nice antidote to the isolated mentality of looking at P on the computer.

I don't think there are any neat solutions to the persecution of images. A study of the history of art reveals that humans have experienced images as potential torment for a long long time. For those of us trying to clean up our psyches, a lot of trial and error is going to be required. Therapy really does help, though, I believe.

[HalfPint]

man, I was going to suggest listening to quiet music but Coyote beet me to it . Its a wonderful suggestion and it does work. It has worked for me. In the past, if I have music playing, I was unable to look at porn or masturbate. Also music helps me forget the world, and everything in it. I can just lay down, put on music and just be in bliss, not thinking about anything just letting myself exist and just let the music go. It works, music is awesome.

[voidengineer]

Hello,

This is my first post. ^_^

Concerning mental images, I find that sometimes the only thing that works is to shake my head left and right real quick. I've been lucky no one has noticed me doing this, but truthfully if you do it quickly the image will loose some of its power. I believe that this is a way of disciplining the mind. It's a bit of a pain at times to do it, but it's workedforme(tm) .

I want to share my love for you all and your stuggles. Know that this struggle is the most difficult thing I've ever faced in my entire life (i'm 26). The longest I've ever gone without P since I was 16 is 5 days. No joke! I've battled and battled, and the P has always won. I'm not giving up though. I hope and pray constantly that through Christ Jesus I'll have victory over this. I want it badly. I've honestly thought about cutting off my * in hopes that this alone could prevent me from doing what I hate. I kid you not.

I think It is good that I start using this site in hopes that it keeps me motivated to fight for my life, for I feel like this is exactly what I'm doing.

Much Love,
Stephen

PS - I know that some of you have an aversion to religion, and of course it's usually just Christianity, but I want it to be known that I do not believe I can do this without my faith. I do not mean to offend anyone, but to be transparent in hopes that others will be able to relate with what I believe is a spiritual battle.

[FoolishMind]

Originally Posted by voidengineer

Concerning mental images, I find that sometimes the only thing that works is to shake my head left and right real quick. I've been lucky no one has noticed me doing this, but truthfully if you do it quickly the image will loose some of its power. I believe that this is a way of disciplining the mind. It's a bit of a pain at times to do it, but it's workedforme(tm) .

VoidEngineer, Couldnt agree with you more on this, I shake my head nearly twice a day now. My staff have caught me doing this on the odd occasion, and i just said a fly buzzed past me! Now i just keep my ipod earphones on, even if its not on, so they think im just listening to Stevie Wonder!

Originally Posted by voidengineer

PS - I know that some of you have an aversion to religion, and of course it's usually just Christianity, but I want it to be known that I do not believe I can do this without my faith. I do not mean to offend anyone, but to be transparent in hopes that others will be able to relate with what I believe is a spiritual battle.

Also please note, you are more then welcome to refer to you religion and beliefs. What we are steering away from is posts that solely contain religious content or discussion, and or preaching or pushing ones religious beliefs on another.