Why I Practiced Abstinence In Puerto Rico

Why I Became Abstinent

Welcome to another chapter of my journey to uncover the truth hidden beneath the layers of conformity. Today, we peel back another veil and explore the stories, struggles, and revelations that shaped my path to freedom. This chapter dives deep into abstinence , where I’ll share the raw truths and lessons I learned in breaking free. Let’s step into the wild together.

Abstinence is a word that carries many connotations—some tied to discipline, others to sacrifice. For me, it’s neither. It’s about liberation. Here in Puerto Rico I decided to go abstinence in part of my journey of self discovery and discipline. I went to practice abstinence for 8 years and now I continue to practice it. Why? In this post, I will share my perspective.

I chose abstinence as a deliberate path to reclaim my mind and body from the grips of indulgence and distraction. This choice didn’t happen overnight; it was the culmination of years of feeling tethered to habits that drained my energy and dulled my senses.

Abstinence, for me, extends beyond the act of refraining from physical desires; it’s a practice of clearing the clutter from my life. It’s about removing the noise of fleeting pleasures so I can hear the quiet wisdom within.

“Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire.”

— Epictetus

The Realization of Loss

There was a time when I felt enslaved by my impulses. Every craving—whether for food, sex, or comfort—felt like a chain yanking me away from the clarity I sought. I realized that indulgence, while satisfying in the moment, often left me feeling emptier than before. It wasn’t the pleasure itself that was the problem but the attachment to it, the reliance on it to feel whole.

I wasn’t always this way. Before I embraced abstinence, I was a womanizer, an asshole who didn’t care about a woman’s feelings. All I wanted was “wam bam thank you, ma’am,” seeking temporary pleasure without a thought for connection or consequences. One-night stands were commonplace. I never sought a relationship; I sought only to satisfy fleeting desires. But as I delved deeper into this journey of self-discovery, I realized that sex, in its shallow and meaningless form, was one of my layers of conformity.

One thing missing in me was self-love. I had to embark on a journey to rediscover myself. How could I give myself to a woman if I didn’t know who I was? I needed to nurture myself, to heal the parts of me that had been neglected. This journey became a process of focusing all my attention on becoming the best version of myself, to rediscover what I truly wanted.

A Return to Simplicity

The act of becoming abstinent wasn’t just about saying “no” to temptations; it was about saying “yes” to something greater. I began to feel that every indulgence was like a layer of fog obscuring my connection to nature, to my essence. Abstinence became a process of peeling back those layers and revealing something raw and authentic beneath.

Without the constant pull of desire, I found space to breathe. I discovered that simplicity offers a kind of joy that no fleeting pleasure can match. It’s the joy of sitting by a river and feeling utterly present. It’s the serenity of knowing I am enough, exactly as I am, without needing anything more.

Now, I no longer strive for meaningless connections. I seek something deep and raw. I seek a connection of the mind—a bond that transcends the physical and resonates with my values and desires.

“He who controls his desires is stronger than he who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is the victory over self.”

— Aristotle

Abstinence as Self-Mastery

Abstinence, to me, is an act of self-mastery. It’s the realization that I am not my urges. I am the observer of them, the one who decides whether to act or let them pass. This practice has strengthened my willpower and given me a profound sense of control over my life.

It’s not about suppression or denial but about rechanneling energy. By abstaining, I’ve redirected my focus toward pursuits that align with my values. I’ve grown my farm, deepened my connection to nature, and cultivated inner peace.

Challenges Along the Way

This path hasn’t been without its challenges. Society often glorifies indulgence, framing abstinence as outdated or extreme. I’ve had moments of doubt and weakness, but each time I’ve faltered, I’ve returned to the question: What am I truly seeking?

The answer has always been freedom. Not the fleeting freedom of acting on impulse but the enduring freedom of knowing I am in control of myself. Abstinence has given me that.

A Path Toward Truth

Ultimately, my journey toward abstinence has been a journey toward truth. It’s taught me that fulfillment doesn’t come from external sources but from within. By letting go of what I thought I needed, I’ve found what I’ve been searching for all along.

This path isn’t for everyone, but for those who feel called to it, I encourage you to try. Abstinence is not about deprivation; it’s about discovery. It’s about peeling back the layers to reveal your truest self and realizing that, beneath it all, you are already free.

Over to you

If this post resonates with you, take a moment to pause and reflect: What does abstinence mean to you? How can embracing discipline lead to freedom in your life? Let’s inspire each other—share your thoughts below, Would love to hear from you