intensified feelings of lust as you deepen your spiritual practice

Yes, deepening a spiritual practice can sometimes lead to intensified feelings of lust, which may stem from heightened bodily awareness or as an energetic byproduct of spiritual development. This is a common experience, not necessarily a setback, that can be managed by various contemplative traditions. 

Why This Happens

• Heightened Awareness: Spiritual practices like meditation and mindfulness increase your general awareness of your body, mind, and emotions. You may not be experiencing more lustful thoughts, but rather noticing thoughts and physical sensations that were previously on "autopilot".

• Energy Shifts: The process of spiritual awakening can be an acceleration of energy within the body (sometimes referred to as kundalini energy in Eastern traditions). This powerful life force energy, which is closely linked to sexual energy, needs to be integrated and channeled.

• Physiological Changes: Some research suggests that meditation can decrease cortisol levels, which in turn might increase free testosterone and lead to heightened arousal or sexual motivation.

• Integration vs. Suppression: The spiritual path is often about integrating all aspects of being human, including natural desires, rather than suppressing them. Releasing shame and guilt around these feelings can sometimes make them more prominent before they find balance. 

How to Navigate and Channel This Energy

Various traditions offer techniques for managing and redirecting this powerful energy:

• Mindfulness and Acceptance: Observe the feelings of lust without judgment or immediately acting on them. Acknowledge them as temporary sensations, like a wave in the ocean, that will pass.

• Redirection of Energy: Channel the intense sexual energy into other creative or productive outlets. Engaging in vigorous physical exercise, creative activities, or selfless work (seva) can help expend this energy in constructive ways.

• Breathwork and Body Awareness: Use specific breathing exercises (like pranayama) to circulate the energy throughout your body, moving it from the lower energy centers to higher ones, such as the heart or crown.

• Contemplative Practices: Utilize methods like the Buddhist "foulness meditation" or the Hindu "see all women as Divine Mother" reframing techniques to change your mental perception and weaken the specific pull of lustful thoughts.

• Seek Support and Guidance: Talk about your experiences with a trusted spiritual mentor, counselor, or a supportive community. Bringing these feelings into the light of awareness and accountability can help you manage them and lose the power of secrecy.

• Establish Boundaries: Be mindful of your environment and personal triggers. Avoid excessive exposure to provocative media or situations that intensify these feelings, allowing you to focus on your spiritual path. 

Experiencing intensified feelings of lust as you deepen your spiritual practice is a normal part of the process of growth and self-discovery. The key is to approach it with awareness, self-compassion, and discipline, redirecting the energy toward positive outlets to support your overall well-being and personal development.