Craving Connection: The Hidden Roots of Our Addictive Nature

As diurnal, ritualistic beings, this time of year the season of Pisces invites us to reflect, remember, and embody the energies illuminated by the sun.  We can view this transit as a mirror an opportunity to embody the wisdom of Piscean energies in ways that support our growth.

Pisces season is here to remind us of our innate oneness, our belonging beyond borders, and the deep desire within each of us to connect with the world. Pisces embodies unconditional love for ourselves and for one another, highlighting our potential to bring healing and compassion to the earth. As the final sign of the zodiac cycle, it symbolizes our collective consciousness embracing both everything and nothingness, life and death, joy and pain. At its core, “Pisces calls for the compassionate healing of suffering.” Yet when that healing is absent, the Piscean energy within us becomes disillusioned and broken-hearted, trapping us in cycles of suffering and escapism as we avoid confronting pain.

One way humanity has learned to escape the pain of living in a violent world, a world that disrupts our connection with body, mind, and spirit is through addiction. This shadow aspect of Piscean energy is often viewed narrowly as substance or drug addiction, when in reality, we can become addicted to many things.

What is addiction?
Consider addiction as a rational, though maladaptive, response to an irrational world filled with systemic threats—racism, sexism, ableism, and classism that create a state of perpetual pain. In a society offering little respite, many seek relief through substances or behaviors as acts of self-preservation. It is the body’s desperate attempt to survive unbearable circumstances, and over time, the nervous system may develop compulsive patterns to manage chronic stress, fear, and a pervasive sense of unsafety.

Is addiction a human condition?
We are addicted to the drama.

We are addicted to love, the idea of being rescued from pain by losing ourselves in another, a dynamic often labeled as codependency.

We are addicted to shiny objects, to the chase for fame and accolades.

We are addicted to the ego stories that keep us isolated.

We are addicted to the pain.

Suffering and survival often lead to dissociation, disconnecting us from our bodies and from life itself, a disconnection that can open the gateway to addiction. When the pain of existing in a violent world becomes overwhelming, numbing ourselves through substances, compulsions, or behaviors becomes a survival strategy. Although such addictions offer only short-term relief, they allow us to disconnect from pain when true connection feels too dangerous. In our society, addiction is often criminalized and shamed, yet it remains a symptom of intergenerational and collective trauma, particularly within Black, Indigenous, and marginalized communities, though it is prevalent in many of us.

Addiction can serve as a way to fill the void or distract from the despair of living in a world that denies our intrinsic value. Moreover, capitalist culture fuels addictive consumption not only of substances but also of social media, work, and material goods as a means to cope with underlying violence and emptiness. Ultimately, addiction should be understood as a misguided search for wholeness or connection, a response to the pain of fragmentation caused by systemic violence and disconnection that drives us toward fleeting moments of “completeness.”

How do we break these addictions to our pain, to the thoughts and behaviors that keep us isolated, to the ego stories that blind us to our inherent connection?
This season, let us shine a light on addiction to foster deeper understanding and activate the highest expression of Pisces, not by pushing others away, but by drawing them in with loving kindness and a renewed remembrance of our shared humanity. How can we explore the idea that addiction is not merely escapism, but a distorted cry for liberation, a set of addictive behaviors reflecting a deep longing to break free from the constraints of a violent and oppressive reality? Instead of resorting to punitive, judgmental responses that instill deep shame and fuel cycles of addiction, self-destruction, and isolation, we must seek alternative pathways.

To truly heal, we must actively integrate the cosmic wisdom of Pisces into our daily practices. Consider adopting mindful meditation, where you focus on connecting with your inner self and the natural rhythms of life. Engage in group storytelling or creative expression sessions that foster community bonds and offer a space to share vulnerabilities. These practices serve as tangible pathways to channel the Piscean energy into healing, grounding us in both personal and collective awareness.

Community-based healing is crucial, too. When we come together in collective rituals whether through shared meals, art, or dialogue we counter the isolation that often fuels addictive behaviors. Embracing our shared vulnerabilities can transform not only individual lives but entire communities, creating an environment where each person feels seen, understood, and valued.

Let us harness the higher ideals of Pisces to bring healing and reduce suffering. We can learn to dismantle the violence of isolation, individualism, and systemic oppression, thereby creating pathways to healing. Our goal is to build a culture where every person is worthy of dignity, care, and unconditional love—a culture that enables us to move beyond the veil of separation, overcome fear, and cultivate curiosity and genuine connection with others. In witnessing one another and acknowledging our shared humanity, we begin to break free from the addictions that keep us apart.

Welcome to Whole with Joy! 

I’m so glad you’re here. I truly hope this reflection has offered you something positive or perhaps something to consider. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any feedback you may have, so please feel free to share in the comments.

At Whole with Joy, we believe in our collective potential to heal and reclaim liberation through wholeness—an embodiment of a love ethic that is courageous, action-oriented, and transformative. Join the movement by subscribing to our newsletter. By subscribing, you’ll discover more about our community, explore ways to support and connect, and stay updated on offerings and opportunities that inspire us all to embrace wholeness as a path to liberation and transform the world with love.

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