Excerpt from Finding God in the Body: A Spiritual Path for the Modern West
"Wanting to stop does not lead to transformation. What is an addiction apart from the perpetuation of an unwanted behavior? The idea that swearing off overcomes suffering is an adult version of the adolescent attitude that, following our first break-up declares, “Love stinks! I will never date again.” We are trying to protect ourselves from pain instead of listening to it. “I am done,” means, “I am out of here!” This is the point of departure. It is where we turn away from life."
Spiritual practice enables us to turn into our suffering, to accept it. Meditation, prayer, and self-examination enable us to work with our suffering. This work is redemptive. It is transformative.
~ Quote from Chapter One: The Truth of Suffering, Finding God in the Body
