Passion Neurochemistry

Recent research suggests that sex as we currently employ it is indeed a source of physical and emotional distress — although nearly everyone still blames his or her problems on anything else. We deceive ourselves because orgasm feels good in the short-term, and we haven't yet made the connection with its longer-term costs. In fact, however, intense passion directed towerd climax triggers an over-stimulation of the reward mechanism in the hypothalamus of the brain.¹ A key neurochemical (dopamine) soars and then, after orgasm, drops sharply.² Neurochemical shifts can alter our outlook profoundly. See, for example, Study Shows Acute Dopamine Depletion Can Create Psychological Distress

Over the days or weeks following a passion bout, we may experience periods of defensiveness, emotional over-reactions, depression, or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms - which show up as feelings of scarcity and unhealthy cravings. Which activities and experiences offer short-term comfort in this state? Those that stimulate the production of more dopamine in the brain's reward circuit: junk food, reckless spending, dominating others, alcohol, watching sex, sports, and violence, gambling, novelty, more orgasms, and so forth. Unfortunately, such passing thrills tend to erode equilibrium further because dopamine is not a neurochemical of satisfaction; it's a neurochemical of craving. (True contentment, as opposed to momentary satiation, is associated with other neurochemicals, one of which we'll discuss in a moment.)

In other words, Cayce was right that engaging in self-gratification magnifies the activities of the glands, creating inner conflict, and weakening willpower. ³ By way of example, the readings point out that Samson, despite his unusual strength, had no ability to resist the opposite sex because of his desire for gratification of glandular urges.⁴

Passion triggers an uncomfortable cycle of highs and lows (cravings), which can show up in our lives as hungry dissatisfaction, demanding selfishness, or, paradoxically, revulsion at the thought of further intimacy. Revulsion may stem from low libido due to post-passion neurochemistry. However, most lovers also find it a turn-off to be used repeatedly as someone's addictive 'fix.'⁵

Cayce warned that, "Inordinate desire takes possession of the sensory forces of the body." ⁶ It is habit forming, ⁷ or, as we would say, addictive. Indeed, science now knows that the reward circuit, which drives sexual desire, also drives all addictions. Urged by these cravings, we do things we later regret. As Cayce pointed out, relationships based on physical gratification are not safe because they give rise to emotions of fear and doubt. ⁸ As "mind is ever the builder,"⁹ these emotions manifest as dissatisfaction, consternation, turmoil, strife, and dissension.¹⁰ In our experience, they also give rise to feelings of lack, discouragement, and fear of ongoing intimacy - due to the anxiety of repeatedly falling in and out of love.

In short, we are 'not ourselves' while our neurochemistry is fluctuating wildly. Yet we never consciously make the connection between our distress and the intense experience of orgasm, which may have occurred days or weeks earlier.

Perhaps you are beginning to see how biology's perfectly natural, deliciously-enticing mating program can foster regrettable behavior, and even drive a wedge between spouses who start out very much in love. Good intentions are difficult to maintain under this influence. In fact, according to at least one of his biographers,¹¹ Cayce himself was abusive to his wife Gertrude from time to time. Also, the readings point out that even those with special powers, such as the power to heal, lack God consciousness if sex is not under their control. ¹²

It is the interference [of earthly] desires that prevents a body and a mind from keeping in perfect accord with their ideal [i.e., the Golden Rule].¹³

Thus the readings are right that the union of bodies through desire can give rise to "suffering, hate, malice and injustice," and bring into our experience the emotions that are the reverse of love, hope, patience and all spiritual attributes.¹⁴ Carnal influences also belittle man's spiritual nature.¹⁵

Once again, to add perspective, Stockham, Lao Tzu and the author of the Gospel of Philip, recorded similar observations:

Many hearts are broken and hopes blasted mainly because the sexual relationship in marriage is instigated by selfish motives, and for personal gratification…. The ordinary hasty spasmodic method of cohabitation…is deleterious both physically and spiritually, and is frequently a cause of estrangement and separation.¹⁶

A person's approach to sexuality is a sign of his level of evolution. Unevolved persons practice ordinary sexual intercourse. Placing all emphasis upon the sexual organs, they neglect the body's other organs and systems. Whatever physical energy is accumulated is summarily discharged, and the subtle energies are similarly dissipated and disordered. It is a great backward leap.¹⁷

Do not fear the flesh nor be enamored of it. If you fear it, it will rule you. If you love it, it will paralyze you and devour you…. As long as [the sacred embrace] is hidden, unhappiness prevails; it always poisons the seeds [sperma], and evil is at work….All those who practice the sacred embrace [koiton] will kindle the light; they will not beget as people do in ordinary marriages, which take place in darkness.¹⁸

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