Best ways to avoid sexual thoughts?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hawkeye916
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
H

Hawkeye916

Guest
I tend to day dream and just allow my thoughts to wander sometimes. Occasionally one thought will lead to another, and then all of a sudden I will find myself in the middle of a sexual thought! As I do NOT want to sin, I quickly rebuke the thought and try to move along. Sometimes however, despite my efforts, the thought hangs around simply refuses to leave! I desperately do NOT want those thoughts and I try to force them away through prayer. But they as they say “Whatever you do, don’t think of a purple elephant!” Ok…what did you just think of? Exactly! The fact that I’m try to get rid of a very specific thought almost makes my mind focus more. Weird but true.

Anyway, what are some good tactics to escape from a sexual thought when one unintentionally found themselves caught up in one? I struggled with lust in the past, but I have since been much much better. I try very fervently to avoid sexual thoughts and this sin, although I have overcome lustful thoughts in the past, this sin seems to be trying to get me again!
 
You really can’t control it always. Just keeping busy with other things in general but there will always be quiet times and it’s out of our control - even the most pious person struggle with this I’m sure.
 
I asked my confessor about this after my last confessor, and he gave me some pretty good advice. Whenever you find your mind going in that direct, turn to God, tell Him what you’re experiencing, and ask for help.
 
I’ve taught myself to pray a Hail Mary each time my mind wanders that way.
 
Hawkeye916 said:
Occasionally one thought will lead to another, and then all of a sudden I will find myself in the middle of a sexual thought!
Click to expand...
Life will go on. Don’t freak out, just calmly try to turn your mind to something else. This is really not a huge deal.
 
Since December, I have been praying the Liturgy of the Hours at least 4 times a day, and I find it is helping in reducing sexual thoughts. That, and frequent Confession.
 
That is advice for after the thought. He is asking how to avoid the thought.
 
I don’t think it is possible, so I was giving him some good advice for when it pops up.
 
KevinK said:
That is advice for after the thought. He is asking how to avoid the thought.
Click to expand...
Pretty tough to avoid thoughts!
I think the intent of the question is how to gain mastery over wandering and repetitive thoughts about sexuality, and the answer is the virtue of chastity.
Chastity is the integration of sexuality within the whole of the person, in whatever state of life one is in. (married or single etc…)

Chastity is the practice of it. It takes practice. There are lot’s of good diversionary tactics but in the end we ought to look for God’s goodness as the only goal, and that makes the substitutes fall away,.

Hard to do. Takes lots of patience and practice.
 
I usually will acknowledge to myself “yes, that person is attractive/beautiful. Thank you God for that beauty. But I’m not with that person, so they aren’t mine to gawk at.” I don’t know why, but that seems to help for me.
 
Hawkeye916 said:
I tend to day dream and just allow my thoughts to wander sometimes. Occasionally one thought will lead to another, and then all of a sudden I will find myself in the middle of a sexual thought! As I do NOT want to sin, I quickly rebuke the thought and try to move along. Sometimes however, despite my efforts, the thought hangs around simply refuses to leave! I desperately do NOT want those thoughts and I try to force them away through prayer. But they as they say “Whatever you do, don’t think of a purple elephant!” Ok…what did you just think of? Exactly! The fact that I’m try to get rid of a very specific thought almost makes my mind focus more. Weird but true.

Anyway, what are some good tactics to escape from a sexual thought when one unintentionally found themselves caught up in one? I struggled with lust in the past, but I have since been much much better. I try very fervently to avoid sexual thoughts and this sin, although I have overcome lustful thoughts in the past, this sin seems to be trying to get me again!
Click to expand...
There is no advice to do that. Such thoughts WILL come. All you can do, as soon as you realize it, is dismiss them and move on. Unbidden thoughts, even of a sexual nature, are not sinful.
 
Last edited:
How old do you have to get? On the other hand…don’t tell me. I’d rather not know how old I’m getting
 
For myself somehow it does become easier,unwanted thoughts come and if I’m in the habit of recognising I’m sliding into that thinking ,I can nip it in the bud early on.After lots of practice of telling Jesus how i feel ,that i dont want these thoughts and ask His help…these thoughts come much less frequently.They get sent on pronto as soon as hey come near .
 
We are sexual people and sexuality is not sinful. As long as you are not consumed with sexual thoughts and you are not fantasizing about anything harmful, then whatevs. If your heart and actions are pure do not beat yourself up over wandering thoughts.
 
Say a quick prayer it goes Lord Jesus Christ Have mercy on me Breathe in on Lord Jesus Christ and Breathe out of Have mercy on me.
 
‘Above all, we must be especially alert against the beginnings of temptation, for the enemy is
more easily conquered if he is refused admittance to the mind and is met beyond the threshold when
he knocks.’ - The Imitation of Christ
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top