indecisive wrote on 07 Feb 2022 18:37:

If a person keeps worrying about having forbidden thoughts, he may have more of them. It is like the famous brain-teasing directive, “Try NOT to think about a giant, pink elephant.” Rather, the healthy approach is not to get all worried about a passing thought, and if it violates your moral code, then without beating yourself up, distract yourself with another thought.

We cannot fully control every passing thought that runs through our heads. Additionally, the Gemara considers forbidden sexual thoughts to be one of the three sins that a person cannot fully save himself from (Bava Basrah 164b).  So it is not random or passing thoughts that are forbidden, but rather adopting beliefs or dwelling on and lusting after forbidden sexual or material possessions that is forbidden.

The Sefer HaChinuch (Shelach) writes, If your mind is full of improper desires, you will have a tendency to repeat that pattern. But if you succeed in conquering your yetzer hara - and just one time shut your eyes from seeing immodest images - it will be pro­gressively easier for you to control your eyes and your thoughts.

My thought patterns have changed drastically in just over three months. The moshol is very much on target (at least for me)

Need some words of encouragement, keep falling with this topic. 
Thx

I struggle with this too, daily. Not that I masturbate daily, but the struggle and thoughts are there. Happy to try to be a chizuk partner to help avoid this. 

It’s a great awareness and very eye opening when we realize what causes us to fall… it’s usually a combination of plain thoughts that trigger us.. and behaviors that set us in the mood.. noticing them can help tremendously.. how about taking a paper and throughout the week whenever you feel it’s building up write down any possible thoughts you feel might have led up to this point? Perhaps it can be the idea that masturbation is available? Or perhaps that masturbating will relieve my stress? Etc. as you go on with your journey you’ll have a lot more insight to work with.. you can also write down behaviors or places or things that you do that sets you in the mood etc. perhaps going on YouTube and watching talk shows? Perhaps looking at woman in the street? Perhaps listening to the wrong things? etc.
once we have a lot of insight then working through the battle and the next steps will be a breeze… the journey and goal of what needs to change and end will be clear.