Addiction is usually used in the context of drugs or alcohol but it applies as well to other situations including internet, overeating and more broadly to habits we have that we repeat and feel we can’t live without. It is a state of mind that needs to be uprooted.
Here are some quotes on addiction to reflect upon:
It is in the interests of our society to promote those things that take the edge off, keep us busy with our fixes, and keep us slightly numbed out and zombie like. In this way our modern consumer society itself functions as an addict.
- Anne W. Schaef
Become addicted to constant and never-ending self-improvement.
- Anthony J. D’Angelo
It is not I who become addicted, it is my body.
- Jean Cocteau
It is easy to assume a habit; but when you try to cast it off, it will take skin and all.
- Josh Billings
You do anything long enough to escape the habit of living until the escape becomes the habit.
- David Ryan
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The holidays can be stressful. Apply these tips at your family gatherings:
Stress Reduction Tips
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Questions to Ponder
1) Do we feel uncomfortable if we aren’t engaged in distractions and ways to “numb the mind” as Schaef says? Have you had a day where you are in the moment without forms of escape?
2) What distinguishes a good habit from an addiction? Is someone who “has to” exercise intensely every day an addict? Or is that person involved in self-improvement in a non-addictive way?
3) Why does it feel that so much is at stake when we try to stop an addictive habit? What is it that we invest into them that makes them so hard to give up?
For past quotes you can check here:
Have a great holiday everyone and use it of self-reflection if you have some time off from work or school
Debbie
RE: 2) What distinguishes a good habit from an addiction? Is someone who “has to” exercise intensely every day an addict? Or is that person involved in self-improvement in a non-addictive way?
I feel that the only difference between an addiction and a good habit, is that a good habit is benificial, and
doesn’t affect your life in a negative way. Exercising the same muscle groups intensely every day is not good
for anyone.
I have a question: Is there medical evidence that having a tendency for addictive behavior is hereditary?
Comment by Jan — December 29, 2009 @ 5:03 pm