How To Break Free From Habitual Turmoil The Power Of Mindfulness

Discover how to escape the cycle of unconscious habits and emotional turmoil through mindfulness. Learn to embrace your inner storms, find peace, and create positive change.

• The story of a man on a horse symbolizes our lives being controlled by "habit energy."
• We often run through life without knowing where we're headed, driven by unconscious habits.
• Unresolved emotional storms lead to turmoil, self-destructive behaviors, and conflicts.
• The importance of becoming mindful and embracing our habit energies to find peace and make positive changes in our lives.

In the Zen tradition, there's a profound story about a man on a horse. This man is riding at breakneck speed, seemingly with an urgent purpose. A bystander along the road shouts, "Where are you going?" The rider responds, "I don't know! Ask the horse!" This simple yet profound tale is a mirror reflecting many of our lives. We are like the man on the horse, often galloping through life without a clear destination. We are driven by an invisible force, a relentless power called "habit energy," and we are often unaware of its influence. This habit energy keeps us running, even during our supposed moments of rest. We become our worst enemies, in perpetual conflict with ourselves, which, in turn, leads to conflicts with others.

When powerful emotions surge within us like a storm, we find ourselves in a state of great turmoil. We lose our peace, and our knee-jerk reaction is often to seek solace in distractions like television or comfort foods. However, the storm does not subside with hours of binge-watching or a bag of chips. We hate ourselves afterward, regretting our indulgences and dreading the consequences. We make solemn promises to ourselves never to repeat these actions, but inevitably, we do. Why does this happen? It is because our habit energy exerts an irresistible force.

So, how can we break free from this never-ending turmoil? How can we quell our fears, despair, anger, and cravings? The answer lies in learning to become as stable as an oak tree amidst the emotional storm. We must master the art of stopping – putting an end to our ceaseless running so that we can confront and embrace our habit energies, such as worry, blame, guilt, and fear. By doing so, we can calm the tempestuous emotions that dictate our actions and start living fully in the present moment. This process involves practicing mindful breathing and cultivating awareness.

When we practice mindfulness and delve deeply into the present moment, we gain better understanding, acceptance, forgiveness, and self-love. Our desire to alleviate suffering grows, and we increase our chances of experiencing joy and peace. The energy of mindfulness is crucial in recognizing and being present with our habit energy, thereby preventing it from dominating us and steering us in destructive directions. Each time our habit energy arises, we can acknowledge it with a simple "Hello, my habit energy. I know you are there." By mindfully smiling at our habit energy, we can weaken its grip, ensuring that the chips stay in the cupboard, and the ice cream remains in the freezer. The storm eventually passes, and we observe it while continuing to breathe mindfully.

As we become calmer, we can perceive our weight problem more clearly and acknowledge it rather than denying it. This process might not be easy, and you may experience feelings of anger, frustration, or despair about your weight. However, as taught by the Buddha, it is essential not to suppress these feelings. Instead, embrace them with the tenderness of a mother cradling her crying baby. Your negative emotions and inner turmoil are like crying babies, seeking your attention and care. By embracing your negative emotions when they surface, you can prevent yourself from being swept away by the emotional storm and find calmness within. With this newfound calmness, you can recognize that you already possess the power and tools required to initiate positive change in your life.

In summary, stopping, calming, and resting are prerequisites for healing. If we cannot halt the ceaseless cycle of our habits, we will inevitably continue down the path of destruction caused by mindless consumption. By practicing mindfulness and embracing our habit energies, we can find peace, break free from the cycle of turmoil, and take the first steps toward positive change in our lives.

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