How do addictions affect our spiritual journey? We all have addictions, all part of our 
life lessons. There are addictions to foods, drink, media, sports, sex, drugs, material possessions, religion and the list goes on and on. Addiction is defined as a fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity. A good example is the media. It does a wonderful job of getting your attention over matters that you have no control over, inciting your thoughts and emotions over something you are passionate about. I was once a news junky, believing I needed to know what was going on in the world. Then I realized being involved in matters that were beyond my control served no positive purpose. Not only was it taking away my time from more important matters, but it was taking control over my thoughts, emotions and actions. One day I simple said enough. I made a concerted effort to 
avoid the media, which can be done, but difficult. We are being program from every direction, ABC, CBS, NBC CNN, Fox, in airports, businesses, phones, radio, facebook, twitter; the list goes on and on. Media is owned by the few, but has such a hold on society, it may actually be worse than being addicted to a substance. It certainly affects many more people as well as distorting the truth. That is just one example of the many addictions we experience during our lifetime.
Our teachers provided insight. Buddha said, “If you wish to be free of from old age and rebirth, become an island unto yourself, and eliminate all your imperfections.” and Jesus said, “Those who seek pleasurable things already have their treasure. But the pleasures of the world are an illusion. Gold and silver are without substance.” Rumi said “There are thousands of wines that can take over our minds. Don’t think all ecstasies are the same!”
The world was designed with all the catalyst, distractions, and Chaos for us. We are in school to learn the ways of love, the strongest and most powerful emotion, with wisdom. We are being tested on how we can be of service to others. Most would agree, it t is very difficult to treat people badly and connect to God at the same time. Every morning we wake up to a new day to continue our journey up the mountain. As we venture on our life path, we learn and discard what is not needed or what does not benefit us. The goal is to reach the top of the mountain where you can bask in the love and light of the One Infinite Creator. When a person reaches that point, any and all addictions or cares about the material world will fall away, and one becomes enlightened.
