Freedom From Habits and Addictions

Let’s explore the distinction between a habit and an addiction. As we all know, our lives seem to be woven together through a series of thoughts and actions that eventually become habits. Some of these patterns that become ingrained into our daily lifestyle clearly serve us in healthy and productive ways, like brushing our teeth and bathing daily, while others take us down a path of frustration, depression and dis-ease. Some habits may seem incredibly difficult to break, but given enough motivation, support, and constant dedication, we can reshape our thoughts through creating new neuropaths in the brain.

Addictions are more deeply rooted, especially when they’re triggering a physical sensation that evokes pleasure via a chemical substance, a sexual rush, a food craving, or a quick fix that temporarily relieves a lodged pain from our lives. In Western Culture, we’ve developed an unspoken agreement that addictions are something to feel ashamed of, and quite often feel powerless over them until they reach a critical state. Unfortunately, it might take an alcoholic several DUI’s until they are required to get help through a twelve step program, or a smoker being medically advised that they’re on the verge of pre-cancer before taking action.

Unless we address the deeper wound or void that we’re feeling in our lives, we’ll likely end up trading one addiction for another. Both addictions and “bad” habits are rooted in an unhealthy belief that we need to look outside ourselves for our sense of wholeness and worthiness. Imagine being able to remove yourself enough from your habit or addiction to simply observe it without judgment. Easy to say, but the practice of detached mindfulness is not cultivated in our culture, so we simply don’t have the practice or the tools to effectively remove ourselves from our conditions.

Nevertheless, let’s imagine what that would look like. If we truly removed ourselves from the current emotional trigger and viewed our non-supportive thoughts, feelings and choices from a clear, loving and compassionate perspective, we would choose a path that fostered love. We would cherish our life journey and only make choices that honor ourselves and all concerned.

It’s imperative to remember that we’re always at choice. Sometimes it feels too overwhelming to tackle all of this on our own, so we can call on the boundless support around us. This might be a health professional or a dear friend who isn’t willing to co-sign any choices that are not of your best interest. Once we say YES to a life truly devoted to love, compassion and wisdom, there is no turning back. At the core of your essence, you are pure light, perfect and magnificent.  Let it be so.