The Art of Self Mastery
Breaking Habits - The Art of Self Mastery
Sorry, there is no art of self mastery, and habits are not always there to be broken. What if instead of fighting with yourself, you just listen, and try to discover what your habits are really about…
At times, there is merit in technique, structure, repetition, and self discipline, and you certainly can teach an old dog new tricks. However, what if despite all your efforts, your are still doing the ‘thing’ that you’ve been trying to stop, only now you have guilt and lack of willpower to add to your pain.
Is this really because you haven’t found the right self help books or podcasts? Have you not already practiced, and immersed yourself in the healthy pursuits that you have discovered? Maybe you aren’t really interested in teaching an old dog new tricks.
Perhaps you really don’t think it’s worth it… and you could be right, because whether or not the techniques work, it also depends on why the behaviour is there in the first place. Once you offer this genuine curiosity the sprouts of freedom will start blossom.
We have no problem asking why, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Why me? Why is this so difficult? Why can’t I just stop?'" Why do I do these things, attract these relationships, and despite my efforts, why am I still so unhappy?”
Give yourself a break; self-help can’t support your individuality. It doesn’t know you, and how your fears, emotions, behaviors, habits, perceptions, and expectations evolved. It can’t consider your uniqueness, because It hasn’t climbed your Everest.
Self-help speaks agrees with the logical part of the brain, however the emotional brain, the true master of feeling waits silently to be heard, because it possess an intelligence that outstrips logic. I’m sure you’ll agree that pain is a greater motivator than any fact.
Instead, why not look within? Listen to your emotions, become aware of your triggers, and what fuels your suffering. Catch it before it gains momentum, and be there with compassionate curiosity so that you may experience the ‘you’ within it.
No one is master, not even you, because when you’re in touch with the greater intelligence within, there is no needs for a master.