This video explores avoidance strategies and how they relate to maintaining comfortable delusions. It also touches on how these strategies can be linked to substance abuse and addiction, as described by Gabor Mate. Want to learn more about facing the truth?

Are there habits that you do to excess? It’s likely a pacifying strategy that almost works, kinda, sometimes. The problem is, it’s impossible to get enough of something that doesn’t entirely work, so you do it to excess.
Sound familiar? If so, ask yourself what is the need you’re trying to fulfil. Or the pain that you’re trying to soothe. Or the fear that you dare not face.
In this video, I discuss the perils of avoidance, hoping to help you break free from the chains of denial and those (un)comfortable delusions.
We live in a world where our personal worth is based mainly on what we have (or don't have) rather than who we are and what we stand for. We're led to avoid the innermost thoughts that may be uncomfortable and instead try harder, chase status and buy shiny things. Capitalism is winning here: inequality is increasing; addictions and mental health crises are everywhere. The pain is on our doorstep, but the world seems to prefer its delusions.
In this video, I discuss the risks we take by avoiding ourselves while the messengers bang louder and louder upon our aching conscience. Breaking free from these delusions is the first step towards a sane and flourishing life. I delve into what happiness is, how shame affects society at its core, and how it is leading to many of the complexities and schisms that we see in society today.
It's a challenging and complex subject, and as a result, my words are somewhat melancholic. Still, it feels important to say.
Want to talk? Find me here!
https://authenticlifecoaching.ch/free-clarity-session/

I have a much shorter video here on a similar subject:
https://youtu.be/siWE0YnG0KM

00:00 Introduction
03:52 Powerlessness in the face of an opioid fuelled mental health crisis.
06:10 The broad spectrum of avoidance strategies
08:44 It's easier to ignore the reality staring us in the face. We choose what we pay attention to.
10:08 A little experiment to illustrate: Be careful what you look for
16:05 Shame and how it impacts our need to avoid
18:50 Cultural underpinnings
20:48 Capitalism's impact
24:55 Self-awareness brings flexibility & the ripple effect of many small actions.
#mentalhealth #avoidance #addiction