Recovery

In the West, we know willpower as the ability to control one's impulses, emotions, and desires to achieve long-term goals. We often link it to self-control and delayed gratification—the ability to resist short-term temptations for long-term benefits. It involves self-discipline, mental strength, and perseverance, even when faced with challenges or distractions.

Resisting the urge to watch porn requires willpower. Unfortunately, too many men are influenced to do the opposite. Instead of willpower, they let "willy-power" drive them away from their goals.

MRI scans of test subjects who admitted to compulsive pornography use showed that the reward centers of the brain reacted to explicit material in the same way an alcoholic's brain might respond to seeing a drink commercial. This suggests that porn addiction can create neurological patterns similar to substance dependency, making it harder to break free from its grip.

In Chinese classical texts, the will is not merely a function of the mind but an expression of vital energy, reflecting the inner workings of the organs. Only when governed by the heart can this energy lead to a willy-power capable of healing sexuality. Pornography disrupts this process by overstimulating the mind, leaving the heart-mind disconnected.

Contact me for couples therapy or sex therapy if you want to stop your porn addiction and work on your relationship goals.