The stimulus and the gap

When was the last time you checked your phone?

Perhaps right now? Are you reading this on your phone? Before Instagram. Or after Facebook?

Does the buzz on your phone distract you from your meal?

Technology is an easy scapegoat for addiction. It’s everywhere.

What about sugar, cigarette, caffeine, alcohol, gossip, dishonesty, self-pity. The list is endless.

Addiction to anything physical, emotional, or psychological imprisons us.

It robs us of our freedom of choice.

When we have to choose between a biscuit and an orange, our freedom of choice locks down. We think WE are the one going for the biscuit, but it’s something more deep-rooted.

Addiction is a habit that is not working for you.

It is working against you. Without you knowing it.

But there is a way out.

In any given situation, there is a stimulus. Something external that requires you to take part. To react or respond.

And there is the actual response.

Between the stimulus and the response lies a gap. And in that gap, lies your freedom.

We have to learn to step between the stimulus and the response. How? Through daily, persistent, practice.

Each time we face a stimulus, stop. Take a breath. And CHOOSE the most appropriate response.

Every. Time.

We MUST reclaim our FREEDOM.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU CAN DO TODAY?

Pick your favourite addiction. For the next 24 hours, try to be fully aware of how you are participating in it.

Each time it calls out, stop. Take a breath. And then consciously DECIDE how you are going to respond to it.

Make a choice through awareness. Not by habit.