Overcoming Addictions

Addictions - be they smoking, drinking, drugs, or some other of the myriad of addictions/obsessions that exist - they can be seen as a barrier to a free life. Free from the need to do something that is probably not to a person's benefit- but is being done anyway fro one reason, or, emotion or another.

In karate, there are hurdles that have to be overcome- passing assorted tests- tests of impel and tests of skill. This might consist of getting to a new level of fighting skill, or, just getting stronger, faster, and more fit. For people with serious addictions, one way to start to overcome them, is to accent a determined coming - that is, do things that make you stronger - both physically and mentally, and don't punish yourself. What I mean here is to be a determined reinforcer - not a punisher - not a negative reinforcer. determined reinforcement is all the time the best way to go. And this means, getting healthy- by doing things that are Good for you.

Drug For Addiction

Let's say you are a smoker of cigarettes. Ok, instead of just stopping - which by itself often fails to do it- go on a fitness binge; start working out, even lightly. Just walk every day, even one half a mile, eat some good meals per day, take a vitamin. Then, gradually, ever so slowly, ramp up your fitness thing by walking a bit more, maybe doing some jumping jacks, or even moderately jogging. Don't even think about not smoking, think about getting in shape - that is, accentuate the positive.

Let's say you do this for a week- and then, to your dismay, you start smoking again- you "cheat"- and have pack or two of smokes- no problem! That is the War, the Battle, that is what Zen is all about - the conundrum of existence, that you are not perfect but that you have a desire to get better, and that is a process. It's an ongoing path to a great life with the accent on Path. You constantly forgive yourself for getting off of that path and, as you get stronger from your little workouts, you wake up one day - even if it takes years - and you realize that you have become a separate person - you have become yourself! Free from any critical outside influences. It is not easy, but nothing absolutely is easy. This is a major karate lesson that applies to everyone.

Overcoming Addictions