EDITORIAL BY JAMES BRIDGES @eyefounditrighthere
I’ve embarked on a journey akin to Dante’s perilous descent into theinfernal depths of Hell. But instead of fiery pits, my exploration has led me into the chilling metaphor ofaddiction, a journey as dark and confounding as the circles of Dante’s Inferno. How do we define addiction? It’s that insatiable belief that one thing holds the key to unlocking all resistance, even when we’re acutely aware of its destructive nature. Let’s transition from this metaphorical realm to the reality ofaddiction itself. Someone that I love recently pointed out that addictionis addiction, regardless of the form it takes. It’s that enigmatic “click” in our brains, the inexorable pull that keeps us captive. And what’sintriguing is that when we manage to redirect this captivating forcetowards our areas of excellence, it can unveil a vast landscape of uncharted possibilities. It manifests as an unwaveringcompulsion that propels us, at times into the abyss of obsession, towards something that promises pleasure, regardless of the toll it extracts. Much like Dante’s portrayal of Satan, ceaselessly flapping his wings while trapped in the frozen depths, addiction tantalizingly offers liberation but ensnares us in its icy hold.
Addiction commences innocently, perhaps with a casual indulgence or as a means to escape life’s tribulations. Yet, it descends further and further into an all-consuming fixation. And, as my loved one pointed out, addiction cares not for the specifics. Now, here’s the intriguing part – addiction isn’t solely a malevolent force. It can, much like Dante’s voyage, lead to profound self- discovery and transformation. By harnessing the intense energiesinherent to addiction and steering them towards our passions andtalents, we can open the doors to a realm of untapped potential. Envision a musician who channels their addictive inclinations into composing works that stir the soul, a writer who transforms their compulsions into literary works that challenge conventions, or anentrepreneur who redirects their relentless drive for success into innovative ventures that redefine industries. These individuals, not unlike Dante’s own journey, turn addiction into a catalyst for personal growth and boundless achievement. By redirecting our addictive impulses towards our passions and aptitudes, we can transmute this mystifying force into a catalyst for self-discovery and limitlessaccomplishment. Our journeys through addiction can unveil a world rich with unexplored possibilities.
You are not alone.