May 7, 2006
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Habit
Is smoking disgusting? Smoking is not disgusting, the habit is. My agnate grandmother used to smoke a cigarette a day and sometimes she didn’t touch one for months. She enjoyed one cigarette a day without any unmanageable urge to have another. And when she smokes, she didn’t pretend that her lungs wouldn’t pay the price. She followed appropriate actions afterward to help counterbalance the negative affect. Her actions were conscious, intentional, and complete. She had mastered her compulsions. She had no habits.
We can say that habit itself, or any unconscious composite ritual, is negative. Activities such as smoking, drinking, taking drugs, eating sweets, and so on are bad and good. Every action has its price and its pleasure. In recognizing both sides, we become realistic and responsible for our actions and only then we can make the free choice to do or not to do. There is a saying, when you sit, sit. When you stand, stand. Whatever you do don’t wobble.
Once we make our choice, do it with all our spirit. Don’t be like the evangelist who thought about praying while making love to his wife and thought about making love to his wife while praying. It’s better to make a mistake with full force of being than to carefully avoid mistake with the trembling spirit. Responsibility means recognizing pleasure and price, making a choice base on that recognition and then living with that choice without concern.
Comments (22)
Wow, that is pretty awesome. One rarely sees such discipline today, in America of all places. Regarding the book, it is coming along quite well, and is a must-read for anyone who is interested with their “inner-workings”.
This is interesting post chi., bad or good once commit, just do it. Either way, the price is already paid? Good one.
they make the same point in way of the peaceful warrior if youve ever read it. Sure its better if one doesnt make a habit of it and takes measures to balance it out but why smoke at all haha
awesome post.. makes u stop and think bout what u wanna do with or how far u are willing to carry those habits..
smiles
Great post Trimtab, Love it, Judi
Inspiring, chi.
Great post. I’m all for conscious living.
Well done! Anytime we lose control over our own behavior, we’re in trouble. If something causes problems…it IS a problem!! ~Ann~
No or never, as the samurai says
typo
Now or Never
It is so true. A mindful living will helps me to live a full life. I still need to train myself not to be occupied by two things at one time. Yet, my mind wanders. That’s one of the lesson I want to master. Great post.
I’m torn on this one. The idea of mindful living and not being a creature of habit is something I can agree with completely. Smoking, however, is to me a disgusting practice. It killed my father and one of his sisters. I’m extremely allergic to the smoke and have major problems if I’m around it. Still, people should be free to do it if they want to, if it’s their choice. A mindful choice.
2nd thought for the morning (that could strain my brain):
If people make a mindful choice to smoke, over indulge in unhealthy food, not exercise, etc., should the rest of us have to pay inflated insurance rates to pay for their treatment when they get a choice related illness?
haha… i like the last example, which I should say I do that all the time in church.
I know… *hanging my head in shame*
BelinaRising, we also have a conscious choice in buying insurance.
That’s great will power she’s got. = )
I loved the story about your grandmother. I understand the concept of being present or not to “wobble” when I am doing something but at times all I can do is be present.
Lenn
Good post girl,have a good week!
I smoke. I know all the reasons I should not do so and have been given several reminders (bi-pass surgery, heart attack, 3 strokes) but for some stupid reason I don’t think I really want to quit. I know deep down inside I don’t want to. I can tell you I have tried to quit before but it never lasted and I don’t think it will until I want to quit. ~ mom
when you sit, sit. When you stand, stand. Whatever you do don’t wobble.
I like this quote…
great post TrimTab:)
RYC: That’s true
The problem is that you provide may be worth our time and also effort.
ratings of v2 cigs brand