The desensualization of Western culture

Introduction

Our culture is being systematically desensualized. We constantly feel guilty for experiencing pleasure. The very definition of the word sensual has been twisted to invoke images of excessive indulgence, greed, depravity, immorality, or sexual deviance. Delicious food comes with comments and labels like “sinful”, “to die for”, “a moment on the lips, a life on the hips”. Such language evokes feelings of guilt for the simple enjoyment of food. Our girls are convinced that feeling beautiful or loving their bodies is equivalent to being vain, narcissistic or conceited. We are being pushed and pushed and pushed to work harder and harder at our job so much that lack of sleep, stress and time is the norm, and for the few of us we are not driven to the point. from exhaustion and heart disease are described as lazy, indolent or in some way unworthy.

What does that mean?

My favorite dictionary, Webster’s Comprehensive Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language, defines sensuality as: Belonging to, inclined, or concerned with sense gratification or appetites … carnal, carnal … No moral restraints … lewd or unclean …Arouse or excite the senses or appetite …Then go on to explain, sensual refers, often unfavorably, to the pleasures derived from the senses, esp. from the gratification or indulgence of physical appetites …

We must not believe in this adulterated representation of sensuality. Sensuality is actually attention or focus on the senses and stimuli obtained from the senses. It does not specifically distinguish between positive and negative stimuli. It certainly has nothing to do with self-gratification, immorality, or evil. Simply put, our senses provide the information by which we base our intuitive thoughts, feelings, and desires, or in other words, our common sense. We need our common sense to guide us in cases where strictly analytical or scientific figures just don’t work.

What has happened to our common sense, or clear and solid judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge or training that comes from within and is based on conventional wisdom, tradition, or personal philosophies or perspectives? It is under attack, with messages designed to make us abandon our inner wisdom, passions, and desires and allow others to decide for us what we need and want. What is all this? Whether intentional or not, directly or indirectly, it is about the desensualization of our (American) culture.

The role of religion

The word sensual has evolved from a colloquialism rooted in Western Puritan traditions. Because organized religion requires a certain amount of conformity, albeit often with good intentions, religious authorities maintained certain standards of behavior among adherents through the use of fear, condemnation, and guilt. Common sense had to be subdued to achieve a high level of control over the beliefs and experiences of the followers. This rigid system of holding onto beliefs often leads to irrational and inflexible decision making. They presented the idea that even the most innocent pleasures are somehow ungodly, ungodly, and the source of misery. Denial of simple pleasure made it possible to dangle a carrot in front of the followers’ noses in the form of a promise of some salvation after death. This is why organized religion is generally more attractive to the downtrodden and depressed. Keeping followers fighting for the impossible, keeping comfort and satisfaction at bay, and perpetuating the concept of duality was the surest way to maintain order among the masses. As a result, many were afraid to feel and explore their individual truths, and sensual deprivation was seen as the only way to salvation.

The consumer trap

Although in its early days the advertising business may have been somewhat benign, over time it has evolved into a hyper-aggressive subversive struggle to get our dollars – by any and all means necessary. In their relentless search, advertisers hit the jackpot. They found that making people feel constantly inadequate, unattractive, and disconnected, regardless of the new gadgets, foods, and cosmetics we consume, is the way to keep money flowing. They created the mad race to keep up with the Joneses, the eternal rat race, and widespread low self-esteem. Temporarily after each purchase, there may be some short-lived satisfaction, but it fades quickly. Everything must be faster, tastier, stronger and more extreme because with each “hit” our senses become more and more dull and dull. In reality, material goods can never fulfill the hopes and fantasies fueled by myths of status, competition, and unlimited consumption as the norm. We are driven not by our own authentic desires, but by the illusory need to compare ourselves and compete with other people. The consumer trap takes us further and further away from our true fulfillment and happiness and plunges us into a cycle of perpetual dissatisfaction.

Gluttony and hedonism

Obsessing over sensual stimulation is also unhealthy. Some of us unknowingly become desensitized, ultimately leading to problems like addiction and depression. This is because overindulgence is highly subject to the law of diminishing returns. The more we consume, the less satisfaction we get. For example, if you love pepperoni pizza, the first bite is incredibly enjoyable. But when you’ve almost eaten the whole cake, you no longer savor or appreciate the experience. You may have ruined the experience so much that you don’t want another slice of pepperoni pizza again in your entire life.

The sensuality solution

All of this does not mean that we should renounce organized religion or purge all material possessions. To experience a more authentic happiness, that is, a genuine happiness not attached to some external element or event, as well as to reconnect your senses with your common sense, the solution is terrifyingly simple. The solution is not to become gluttonous or hedonistic, feverishly seeking pleasure for pleasure.

Take the time to acknowledge and explore your individual sensuality and the creativity and clarity it brings. Right now, what do you see? What do you smell? What do you hear? What do you taste? How you feel? Just watch, don’t judge. Take time each day to relax and enjoy the simple things in life, even if only for a few minutes. Be alone with your thoughts from time to time. Don’t be afraid, they won’t bite you. Enjoy sensual pleasure but enjoy with full awareness. Develop the ability to experience any sensation with your full attention and with appreciation and moderation. These first steps are the absolute minimum that can be done to regain your sensuality and common sense. To explore more, check out LifeBliss Solutions.