In keeping with my 30-day detox and cleansing program, I’ve radically altered how and what I eat over the past nine days. It’s been an interesting process, bringing new consciousness to something as habitual and pervasive as every day eating patterns. Surprisingly, it hasn’t been all that difficult. Sure, maybe watching Top Chef on my fasting day wasn’t the greatest idea! But what has been fascinating is that altering one set of largely unconscious behaviors has created a window of opportunity to re-examine and bring greater awareness to other habits, as well.
It’s gotten me thinking about the many, many things we do every day, just because it’s what we “always” do. Almost any habit can become a crutch, a coping mechanism that allows us to remain unconscious. Even “good” habits like working out, journaling, or even meditating can become devoid of true intent if we stop bringing our conscious awareness to the table. What once upon a time served us may have become a ball and chain of behavior that anchors us in the past.
Setting ourselves free of habitual behaviors can be both liberating and frightening. Our ego is tremendously threatened when we give up our habits. It is attached to being that “person” that works out five times a week, or meditates a certain way every morning, or eats a healthy salad for lunch every day. Our ego confuses habit with identity.
Especially interesting are the things we swear we could “never” do without. For me, it was my morning coffee. I have no trouble eating only 600 calories a day, or doing without chocolate or alcohol or pizza for thirty days. But the idea of giving up the comforting smell and warmth of my morning coffee made me remarkably uncomfortable. I wanted to hang on to that one vice for dear life. The amount of bargaining going on in my mind every morning (“Would half a cup really be all that bad? Really?”) was truly remarkable. In the end, my will did win the battle. And I had the opportunity to examine and bring awareness to what that cup of coffee truly represents to me.
What habits, good or bad, could stand re-examining in your life? What could you “never” give up? Leave your comment and share!
Blessings,
Andrea
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I think the one thing I would have difficulty giving up is my desire to have something sweet after a meal. A meal feels incomplete if there isn’t something sweet afterwards (which you may find odd).
As far as habits are concerned, I’d like to add a few more good habits to my daily routine. I’ve been pretty good about exercising and reading, but I’d like to be more consistent in my side real estate investing business.
Great article!
-HIB
I remember you writing about quitting coffee, had a relapse, and ended up spilling the coffee on your carpet . . . congrats on finally getting over it.
I think it was Deepak Copra who said about the freedom of living as if we were just born — free from any self-image and habits. That would be my goal.
Regarding your question on the wonderful habits I have — well, I don’t want to crash your comment section with huge list, but how about surfing the blogs every morning even before breakfast?
Hey Andrea,
I am undergoing a 30 days challenge too. In this challenge I am replacing my breakfast with only juices and I am missing the warm hot tea in the morning.
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
Hi Andrea,
Very nice article. I too, not long ago, evaluated some of my daily habits, one in particular, was causing a lot of health problems, my addiction to Diet Coke.
It wasn’t until I broke the addiciton that I realized all my problems stemmed from the artificial sweetener Aspartame.
It doesn’t take long, when better informed, to look at the things we put in our body and realize some things are just not worth it.
Appreciate the article, it funny how things become habits without us really even knowing it.
Thanks,
Mike Witt
Andrea – I can relate to your thoughts here. I broke the habit of drinking caffeinated drinks several years ago. It was difficult! The habit of having a Coke at lunch was stronger than I suspected.
I know what you mean about the negotiating that goes on in your mind when you are trying to make a change like this. Where do those voices come from?
Hi Andrea,
I’ve been breaking patterns lately too and it’s been an interesting experience. My usual meditation methods have not been yielding the connection I desired for the past 2 weeks, and last night I decided to quit it halfway and watch an Oprah Soul Series replay instead. I got a real good kick out of it!
One thing I “think” I can’t live without for now is my laptop – with broadband connection. If I can’t read my emails for more than 2 days, I’ll start squirming. That will be put to a challenge when I leave for my vacation in 2 weeks’ time!
Hi Andrea,
I’ve been examining my habits for a few months, and have also recently changed the way I eat. Cutting out diet drinks and avoiding sugar has had the biggest impact. I have one coffee a week (a proper one from a coffee shop) and I enjoy it all the more now it’s not a daily habit. I’ve since realised how addicted I was to sugar and how liberating it is not to crave chocolate and sweet things every day. I still enjoy the odd sweet treat, but the key is moderation. I give myself permission to enjoy it when I eat it, instead of feeling guilty about it.
As to the thing I couldn’t live without…..my make-up. I don’t where loads or spend hours in front of the mirror, but I couldn’t do without it (with the exception of my morning workout).
Love the blog, keep up the good work!
Mel