Chapter One
Introduction: Why Serenity?
Serenity, which is the immunity to all addictions, is characterized by feelings of tranquility, gratitude, contentment, affection for others, and a deep inner peace. When people are serene, they dont need to fulfill desires to feel complete. Addiction is the innocent attempt to find completion in a substance or situation. In fact, it can only be found within.
The feeling of serenity is innate. When we "lose" serenity, the desire to regain it is innate as well. For some, that desire is quickened by adversity or physical/emotional problems. For others, the search represents curiosity about the deeper meaning of life.
Throughout the brief history of addiction treatment, various leaders have stated that the antidote for addiction is serenity, a spiritual awakening, a changed level of consciousness. Until recently, this has been easier said than achieved. Today, understanding the applications known as Psychology of Mind map a clear path to this goal.
When we open our hearts and minds, our inner wisdom is revealed. Open-mindedness is, in fact, the key to personal evolution and growth. It is the fertile soil where insights germinate. An insight is a thought that occurs to an individual while experiencing serenity. The mind is the origin of thought and consciousness; it creates the power to formulate thought and is the source of all wisdom. (It is a greater intelligence than our individual mind.)
For growth to occur, it is important that you stay open-minded when reading this book. Temporarily set aside your previous ideas, even those that have helped you. Fixed ideas will only block your ability to learn something deeper. Humility -- therealization that "I can learn something new" -- opens the door to listening, which in this context means allowing the words to reach beyond the intellect. Call it intuition or inner intelligence. Listening can occur only when the mind is quiet. When we filter what we read through our beliefs, we block out a portion of what is being said, so don't try to analyze your problems as you read --t will only keep your mind busy and prevent you from realizing your inner wisdom.
Serenity is like electrical energy. We cant see it directly, but we can see its tangible effects in light, heat, appliances, and machines. We don't need to understand what electricity is or how it works to benefit from it. We need only plug it in and, turn it on. It's the same with serenity. When we understand the principles of how to realize serenity, we are able to plug into the energy that lies within.
Before I understood the principles of psychological functioning in my own life, serenity was a theoretical construct, a goal that I might attain for a few moments if I worked hard enough. Now my life is filled with contentment, peace of mind, and gratitude. I hope that you, too, will realize these principles in all aspects of your life.
The Results of Serenity
Serenity is our birthright. The ability to experience this is as natural to us as breathing or digesting food. When we are in a state of physical health, those functions are balanced. In a healthy mental state all our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors act in unison, too. We experience harmonious interaction with our environment.
The ramifications of living in a state of serenity are far-reaching and profound. Serenity changes every aspect of our lives. Inthe same way that a single match illuminates darkness, a glimpse of serenity changes how we see every aspect of our existence.
One obvious manifestation of serenity is mature, harmonious human relationships. When we feel serene, we are more open, honest, respectful, and loving. There is no need for defensiveness or blame. We can see and appreciate the positive characteristics of others. When others are feeling insecure and behaving negatively, we can respond with compassion and patience. We feel no need to control them so that we can feel good. Above all, we see the best in others, a vision that allows them to realize their inner goodness, too.
Happiness fosters learning; insecurity or fear hinders it. When we are in a state of serenity, our ability to listen, learn, and create is enhanced. The tranquil mind is an open channel of perception and insight, spurred by curiosity, unobstructed by past beliefs, attitudes, limitations, and prejudices.
When we are serene, we are excited and motivated to contribute. Work is a joy. We are more productive with less effort, and free of stress, able to see positive solutions. to problems.
Our minds and bodies are inseparable. Modern medicine shows a causal relationship between state of mind and the body's immune system, growth and development, physical attractiveness, and organ function. When we are in a positive mental state, we get sick less often, heal more quickly, and enjoy our bodies more.
When we are serene, we can more easily realize the full potential of our talents and relationships. Living in the present, we are no longer plagued by guilt, resentment, and fears.
Serenity lets us access our wisdom. We see life objectively andgain more freedom of choice.
Clearly, serenity has many benefits. If our sole purpose for pursuing it is to gain these benefits, however, then we have put the cart before the horse. Serenity comes first, above all other things. Our quest must take a turn away from the illusion that external events create our happiness. The source is deep within, and that is where our focus must be.
The key to achieving serenity is found in the elements of the three principles of psychological functioning. In part 1 of this book, I explain the important elements that will help the reader to begin to experience serenity. First, however, we must understand the nature of the addict's search.
