Today, society exploits human weakness in order to manipulate others for its own benefit. Television, movies, advertisements, magazines, the entertainment industry and the internet use images of women to entice men. They have one goal: to increase sales. Showing a pretty woman is high on their list of sure ways to get a man's attention.
When we contemplate the powerful seductions that pulsate in the world around us, we start to attain the Wisdom of the World needed to help us control our eyes. This wisdom gives us the insight to live a wholesome life. This wisdom is gained by focusing on the following four strategies:
(1) Recognize the enticing nature of the world. For instance, as you walk through town, every fast-food place tries to tempt you: Sizzling steaks, mouth-watering ice cream, the tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee, chewy bagels, ice-cold coke, fresh pastry, and piping hot pizza. Yes, it's instant gratification, but at what a cost!
(2) Understand that there are appetites in human nature that are triggered by sensory attractions. What's more, it's very difficult to resist desire because desire is rooted in the subconscious. Before you smelled the pizza, you weren't even thinking about eating. But once the aroma hits your olfactory sense, your craving for pizza is aroused and you eat.
(3) Know that surrendering to your cravings can be detrimental to your well-being.
(4) Prepare a plan in advance to protect yourself from being entrapped by your physical desires.
Today: Be aware of the enticing forces surrounding you. Guard your eyes from the images that try to manipulate your senses.