How do you deal with impure thoughts?

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Just curious on some ways people deal with lust and temptation and or prevent those thoughts.
 
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The only way to drive out a lower passion is by a higher, better passion. I think Thomas Aquinas said that.

That is, in principle, my own stance as well. But it isn’t always easy because, the more materialistic you get, the more addicted you become to lower passions and lusts, and, simultaneously, the less sensitive you are to the things of the spirit. So in a sense you have to fight for your true pleasures. It’s a battle in other words. Still, if you endure long enough, knock long enough at the door, it will be opened for you. It has been opened in my case, so it is possible, regardless how “fallen” you may be.

Also, trying to stay in the present moment is another spiritual tool. Being quiet, being open, and free from unnecessary thought. Prayers help too of course.
 
Lose the inspiration for those thought. Look away, change the channel, turn the page, whatever it takes.
 
  1. Think of something else that doesn’t cause lustful thoughts.
  2. Immediately do something to distract yourself. I’ve put a rubber band on my wrist and snapped it to stop myself from thinking a recurrent unwanted thought (other people have done this to snap out of the craving for a cigarette or some other habit).
  3. Pray every day and not just when you’re having the thoughts. As you grow closer to God you will become less interested in the unwanted sinful thoughts or temptations.
 
I second the St. Michael prayer. If you don’t know it, look it up and memorize it. I also suggest the Memorare as a very powerful prayer in times of temptation.
Best wishes!
 
Only you and YOU alone have the power to SWITCH your thinking! YES! Evil is all around…think in the PRESENT only…that’s what dogs do! And, Pray for guidance!
🙏
 
Since chastity is the practice of the very thing, the only real answer is: practice chastity.
What constitutes the practice of virute?
Commitment.
Constant prayer and gratitude, especially when trails arise.
Frequenting the sacraments.
Sharing your struggle with other men (this might be THE key element…accountability to others)
Patience with one’s self and the trials of life.
Accepting failure and weakness with grace, with the concurrent firm disposition to move forward.

All of this takes time and struggle, and getting back up when you fall down. Chastity is not for those looking for magic prayer bullets or quick paths to holiness. Chastity is an excruciating lifetime exercise in self mastery. Chastity will direct your sexual urges and make sexuality so much better with your wife, where it eventually belongs.

In my experience, the biggest barrier to chastity is sloth, or the irritation over the work required to attain it.
Chastity is hard work. Embrace it.
 
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