Sensationalism? Let it happen

I've been thinking about sensationalism.  It's an addiction to sensation.  Or just being prone to wanting things for the effect that they have on me.  Many spiritual pursuits like stoicism, asceticism, becoming a monk or a nun, they tell you to break this chain.  This slavery to the ultimate reward of the senses.  Being chained to how the things make you feel.  They tell you that through denial of these pleasures, you can reach a higher attainment... often more importantly one that is outside the self entirely.  They say "leave yourself behind and find achievement in the betterment of others, your neighbors, community, fellow human beings, the human race or human family."

Self-denial looks like poverty, chastity, going on a diet, dressing simply, acting simply... but what I'm curious about is the motive behind such distancing from commonplace wants and needs.  The new understanding that I am discovering here is that the distance from simple or misguided pleasures... it's not a purpose.  In and of itself.  No.  It is just the wayside of finding and pursuing that higher purpose.  You can't leave anything behind unless you are going somewhere.

So again, sensationalism.  Not the worst thing in the world.  You'll see it fade when you start to notice old desires becoming boring or unnecessary.  It's not that you can't go down that street, or that you shouldn't.  But you know it brings you right back around to the larger journey that you're on.  (And maybe that journey is often a closed circuit, too... an inner labyrinthine re-development.)

The point is, your purpose for yourself, is as yourself, through yourself, and into the world that you support, *beyond* that which supports you. 

The market system is set up to measure and meter out such purpose.  But know the difference between monetary value and true worth.  While I will be working to earn a living, I should be saving and repaying to add value.  Independent of how that value is measured.  It will be noticeable.  Enjoyable.  Meaningful.  Worth it.  Even at cost.

Meanwhile, effects will happen.  There is just no way at all to completely deny sensation.  You're going to enjoy yourself, whether you like it or not!  The key here is in the concept of "detachment."  Love it when it happens, but don't pursue it doggedly after it ends.  In other words, enjoy sensation, as a byproduct of immeasurable good values.  But remember you are in it for the sake of those positive value systems that money and even your immediate experience: cannot measure.  So be detached.  Like the Buddha.  The stream of goodness is always flowing.  Don't chase it downstream.  Because you have no idea what you would miss that is coming your way from upstream!