Addictive Patterns: The Ultimate Form of Mindfulness

Addictive Patterns: The Ultimate Form of Mindfulness

by

L.T. Force, Ph.D.

Gerontologist

Today, there is a major focus on the field and practice of Mindfulness*.

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Definition of Mindfulness:

mind·ful·ness

/ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs/

noun: mindfulness

1. the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something."their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition"2. a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

(Oxford Dictionary)

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I started to think about this definition of Mindfulness. As we know, today there is a significant public discussion, training programs and opportunities on how to: “create and use a Mindfulness Practice” - the major focus is on how to: “stay in the moment and how to use breathing techniques to focus on the “now” to be present” . For sure, it is a practice. And then I started to think are there areas in my life (personal and professional) of where I see evidence of: “people staying in the moment”? And the answer is, Yes.

In the presence of individuals who are wrestling with “patterns of addiction” - I do see people who are not only "present in the moment"….”driven by obsessive-compulsive thoughts” coupled with being driven by: “the activities of consumption” - they are: “consumed by the moment”. Their whole focus is on the: “Now”. Unfortunately, they are not only focused…. but they are captured by their thoughts, behaviors and actions. Here is the thought, this group of individuals know how to focus - but unfortunately it is on behavior that usually has a negative outcome. Wouldn’t it be great if we used this opportunity to help people addressing addictive patterns….to shift to a Mindful Practice....a Practice that has a positive, good and meaningful outcome. The focus would be on not telling them to stop their behavior - (where they are truly focused)….instead the suggestions and guidance would be to assist them in transfering that skill-set to something positive. They know how: “to attend….and now the introduction is to a practice and focus that would be of value”.

There is enough evidence surrounding us that a Mindfulness Practice can be of benefit: psychologically, emotionally, physically and spiritually. However, we want to make sure we don’t overload or burden the person (or ourselves) with tons of recommendations, literature and advice on how best to free oneself from an addictive pattern. Sometimes an easy way is to: “lean forward into change as the best way forward". The major question to the person (or self) is: “you already know how to focus and pay attention....are you interested in change?”. If the answer is: “Yes!” - here is a suggestion .... take a quick glance at some videoclips, You-Tube channels, Books, Blogs….etc. focusing and highlighting ways to develop a Mindfulness Practice. Explore options and recommendations on how best to “develop this new habit”. Knowing, this is a: “habit of change and growth….not a habit of stagnation and loss”. One recommendation is: MindfulText (www.mindfultext.com). You will find - they have developed an: "easy way to change….an easy way to develop a Mindfulness Practice….an easy way to: ‘see things differently’….one text at a time".

It is a “Practice”….You won't regret it.