Eliminate Habits
There Are No Good Habits.
Some may not hurt you. But…
No habits will help you become more aware or attentive.
It’s a nice idea though, so let’s briefly commend the ideas of breaking bad habits and establishing good ones.
- Break bad habits to be healthier… New Year’s Resolutions ring a bell?
- Break bad habits to be a better person… sounds nice, eh?
- Start a good habit to be healthier… more New Year’s Resolutions?
- Start a good habit to be a better person… rich and sexy are always a plus?
One could start a Taiji Class, discover meditation, get into Yoga, or change eating routines, seeking to break a bad habit or start a new habit. Perhaps one attempts to do both: break the bad habit and start the good.
Habit, defined: 1. an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary.
What’s the Problem?
No doubt some habits have deeper dooming, negative consequences. Some seem quite ordinary or necessary (like looking both ways before crossing the street). But…
Involuntary is the problem. When we attempt to be clearer or intend to wake up a bit, we don’t want any movement to become involuntary.
Our forms in Taiji are not designed to create habitual patterns. Forms give patterns that we can test everyday… a pattern, like leaves on a Maple, should provide similar structures, day after day. But each one should also be unique… providing many, many opportunities to nurture insights, to expand awareness, and to change, at least a little, everyday.
Make subtle adjustments in your form: deeper or quicker; make it lighter or slower. Change its rhythm. Whatever you do, let it help you wake up.