Escapism via Love

[Eggplant]

For those of you who are not religious, (and those who are too) do you feel that you have a lot of spiritual energy buried somewhere without a proper outlet? And when you have fallen in love, do you feel your repressed "spirit" tried to express itself in the form of love?

 

My theory for myself anyway, is that I have a lot of repressed spiritual energy that mostly never sees the light of day, and mostly is nowhere to be found. I'm not religious. I used to have more creative outlets like writing and art as a young kid, but as an adult I'm using only my left brain. So I go about my logical life at a slow enough pace. And then when I fall in love, which has only happened 3 times in my life, and was only once reciprocated, it's as though some inner part of my psyche that was sleeping comes up with a vengeance, and the feelings are over-powering.

 

Any similar experiences?

[Tiger Lily]

Falling in love is SO intense. I think all of my senses get heightened. For example, I can't eat, I'm giddy, but most importantly it seems like all of my thoughts are focused on my SO. I definitely compare the feeling to being addicted to drugs, I get such a euphoric high. It's a great feeling, but it can get a little obnoxious, lol.

 

When I first accepted Christ into my life, those first years were just like falling in love. There was an intense passion...I was on fire for God. I was so happy, and wanted (needed) to tell anyone and everyone about it.

 

My spiritual experiences compare to an intense relationship with someone else. And, as falling in love seems to awaken many thoughts and is a pretty manic state, it's likely that I would also have a more intense connection to God.

 

Eggplant, have you ever been motivated to find an outlet for your spirituality, without being in love?

[Eggplant]

Falling in love is SO intense. I think all of my senses get heightened. For example, I can't eat, I'm giddy, but most importantly it seems like all of my thoughts are focused on my SO. I definitely compare the feeling to being addicted to drugs, I get such a euphoric high. It's a great feeling, but it can get a little obnoxious, lol.

It's actually very stressful, in a good way. You can't relax enough to eat or focus.

 

When I first accepted Christ into my life, those first years were just like falling in love. There was an intense passion...I was on fire for God. I was so happy, and wanted (needed) to tell anyone and everyone about it.

 

My spiritual experiences compare to an intense relationship with someone else. And, as falling in love seems to awaken many thoughts and is a pretty manic state, it's likely that I would also have a more intense connection to God.

I wondered if that wouldn't be similar. I am envious of religious people for this passion. I bet you are healthier and happier because of it.

 

Eggplant, have you ever been motivated to find an outlet for your spirituality, without being in love?

Supernatural beliefs are not really feasible for me. When I was a kid, however, writing stories used to serve a similar purpose for passion and an escape. I think libido in a broad sense fuels creative energy (was it Freud or Jung who proposed that?) Music helps somewhat. In my day-to-day life I do a lot of left-brain, logical type stuff, so this area has cobwebs.

[skydiveaddict]

Falling in love is SO intense. I think all of my senses get heightened.

 

I agree completely.

[Eternal Sunshine]

Yeah - I am somewhat addicted to that rush. I call it falling in lust as I have had the same types of feelings for many crushes that never go anywhere. I crave it so much that I tend to seek them out. I am almost satisfied with the fantasy and it never going anywhere.

 

I don't really feel there is a difference of how I feel when it's a crush vs when it's more real and I am dating someone. It's the same high. That's why I argue that unrequited feelings shouldn't just be dismissed as nothing. It's all about how your mind perceives it to be anyway.

 

I can get the similar type of rush when I am passionate about some work idea. I obsess over it, can't eat, can't sleep...

 

The bottom line for me is that I need to feel that rush/passion for something. If I don't, I feel like I am already dead.

[iris219]

Being in love brings out a side of me that I either didn't know I had or had forgotten I had. It basically makes me a better person; it forces me to be less in my head and focus on another's needs.

 

I am reserved, self-aware, and in control of my emotions. Love takes that control away from me, which I need.

 

Being in love is spiritual for me in that it taps into unused and/or neglected parts of myself. It is the only time I feel this sort of awakening. I wish I was able to capture it in other ways, but so far I haven't been able to.

Edited July 20, 2013 by iris219

[Tiger Lily]

Supernatural beliefs are not really feasible for me. When I was a kid, however, writing stories used to serve a similar purpose for passion and an escape. I think libido in a broad sense fuels creative energy (was it Freud or Jung who proposed that?) Music helps somewhat. In my day-to-day life I do a lot of left-brain, logical type stuff, so this area has cobwebs.

 

I'm sorry supernatural beliefs aren't feasible . Your curiosity about the subject seems to say that something inside wonders about the spiritual connection you feel at times. But, I could be wrong!

 

Generally, I'm like you and use my logical (uncreative ) side most. But if you are looking for ideas on how to tap into some creativity, I would say try to set aside some time purposefully, rather than just waiting for the inspiration to come. At first it may be pretty painful (well, less productive), but practice makes perfect and the cobwebs will eventually subside!

[Eggplant]

Being in love brings out a side of me that I either didn't know I had or had forgotten I had.

Yes -- that part is sleeping or something other times.

[Eggplant]

typical. females pick partners atrociously.

 

Yes often. The same could be said for males too -- that they follow hormones instead of their head. But women get held to a higher standard as women are the ones who get pregnant and historically if not still today have more to lose. In short, emotions are powerful and make people behave irrationally.