I have many habits that would benefit from being reexamined . . .
worrying at scabs and peeling sunburned skin,
getting lost in projects, forgetting everything else,
neglecting to take receipts out of my pocketbook after food shopping,
procrastinating,
putting off tasks until I just can’t avoid them anymore,
not looking in the mirror after I brush my teeth in the morning
and then going out . . .
These things I can work on
and tolerate,
but in spiritual matters
I sometimes forget lessons I’ve learned
and then forgotten . . .
I can get caught up in the lesser evils
and put my better goals on the back burner.
I think
if I can get my procrastination under control,
then my spiritual practice can move forward more quickly.
The truth is,
they all work together . . .
to work on one
is to work on them all,
and I am more focused and balanced
when I pay attention to the whole,
and not just the parts.
There is no lesser
and no greater . . .
everything counts. ♥
Spending time watching Facebook short videos is one of my habits. It would be better for me to reduce the time I spend on them. Instead, talking to real people should be considered, because time with my loved ones is valuable.
I think I need to reexamine habits in general and be open to change. I have been listening to Health videos while working. One today was about cell phones and children. They learn from watching adults which makes sense. So they suggest periods of time when not to have them on you like dinner time or family times together. I know my phone and internet is a huge habit of mine. Something to ponder over Also the fact that it is not good for your eyes (Blue light).
I could go to bed earlier. Then I could get up earlier.
This would make a big difference in my day.
My intention today is to notice more and to say less,
in other words focus on presence.
I sink into the couch in the evening and get “couch locked” in front of the TV. Depending on what we’re watching, this can be helpful or not. I’d rather not have this habit be my default.
These devices really do lock a person in, don’t they? I think I’ll put a little note on my TV/phone that says “Do you want to get locked in?” Maybe that’s a way to be more conscious about deciding to look.
Ah, it’s the phone for me, too. Is it all doom-scrolling, though? I do get some joy watching funny dog and cat videos, foster-dog or foster-cat videos where you see how beautifully their lives get turned around with love and care, Gen X things that make me laugh. I gave up Facebook a few months ago, and that has definitely made a positive difference in my life. It’s such a weird (but wonderful!) world we live in. While I use current technology daily, I think the world would be just fine without cellphones/pocket computers.
I watched a story about a cat for weeks! The foster mom was so patient and wonderful to the poor, scared, abused cat. The cat’s life got totally turned around and she was adopted into a loving home. My video matrix is filled with animals!
I spend way too much time on my phone.
I admit I am addicted. I do believe tho, that this technology was designed to keep us addicted, distracted, that however is a discussion for another time. I try to make it my intention almost everyday to spend less time on it. Some days it works, some not. I have made a conscious choice to spend more time reading & doing other things. I often find myself getting sucked in time & time again because all my business stuff involves my phone too!
I gave up watching tv, the news specifically & struggled releasing that addiction. I did it. I am much better mentally without fear porn(news) & tv in my life. 😊
It is a constant battle & a discipline. I am trying & learning to release my phone addiction.
🕊️🩷
“fear porn(news)…..grabbed my attention dear PKR. My wife gets wrapped up in Food Network and Yummy programing. I refer that particular programing as food porn! I also have reduced my consumption of news over the past three years to only reading news. Mostly just the headline.
Tech companies hired psychologists with expertise in gambling to inform user interface design, you’re 100% correct that it’s addictive on purpose. The battle is real. Good on you for giving up TV news, that is super hard and you deserve a lot of credit for that!
I have become very attached to my phone and the notifications. I have been practicing not to read the notifications the instant they ping. I often have to disrupt another activity to answer. This defeats my intention to stay in the moment. This is a round robin of juggling to get a balanced life.
All of my habits should be examined regularly.
Especially the habit of resisting. It’s good for me to examine why I resisted something. Especially something that could be beneficial.
Good old Socrates said it all. It’s with looking up the meaning of this phrase. We could use much more of this, in this crazy upside down world.
“The unexamined life, is not worth living”
– Socrates
From ai:
For Socrates, an examined life involves actively questioning assumptions, seeking knowledge, and engaging in thoughtful deliberation about one’s choices and goals. It’s about living a life guided by reason, virtue, and moral principles.
for sure my habit to search for relaxation after exhausting days or when feeling tense or sad through watching TV. Usually it is after really long days of work where i just don´t want to think anymore or tired of whatsoever fully had caught my attention and in a way, going numb emotionally and mentally, seeking distraction with watching bulshit then, as doing something like reading, playing music or working on the to-do´s is not what would offer to me to shut down to recover. In the same time I am aware that this is no constructive habit at all, so i will ponder on this and on alternatives and looking forward to your replies.
I kind of wonder if TV has replaced the communal campfire as something to stare at when tired at night. Maybe we need some relaxing ways to space out, but it’s silly that the TV is the most ready, obvious, and available option. Maybe there is a workaround, like putting the TV on a fake fire image, and cracking open a book? I’m with you on needing to work this habit.
Ose, I am right there with you. After a lifetime of too much TV, I finally turned it off. Ahhhh. But slowly, I have replaced it with scrolling. I also work long hours and feel I need some time to just spectate and watch. It’s such a terrible impulse. I have gotten better on this front, but still have a ways to go. 🙏
My propensity to observe human behavior and catching my egoic mind judging those behaviors. Generally behaviors that seem to propel the western worlds obsessions with class, possessions or fame. None on my business, for none of that interferes with my so called life or my ability to live the one that I have chosen or maybe the one that chose me. Always best for me to remember ‘Live and Let Live’. May all encounter some peace and love today.
Joseph, your comment makes me think of how satirists use both judgement and detachment to bring humor to the behaviors you described. For some reason this Tacitus quote came to mind: Rome is a place “where all things horrible or shameful in the world collect and become fashionable.” Has anything changed?! Anyways, your comment got me thinking about the different (even useful or funny) ways judgement can be applied, if we must live in our current flatulent era.
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I have many habits that would benefit from being reexamined . . .
worrying at scabs and peeling sunburned skin,
getting lost in projects, forgetting everything else,
neglecting to take receipts out of my pocketbook after food shopping,
procrastinating,
putting off tasks until I just can’t avoid them anymore,
not looking in the mirror after I brush my teeth in the morning
and then going out . . .
These things I can work on
and tolerate,
but in spiritual matters
I sometimes forget lessons I’ve learned
and then forgotten . . .
I can get caught up in the lesser evils
and put my better goals on the back burner.
I think
if I can get my procrastination under control,
then my spiritual practice can move forward more quickly.
The truth is,
they all work together . . .
to work on one
is to work on them all,
and I am more focused and balanced
when I pay attention to the whole,
and not just the parts.
There is no lesser
and no greater . . .
everything counts. ♥
Spending time watching Facebook short videos is one of my habits. It would be better for me to reduce the time I spend on them. Instead, talking to real people should be considered, because time with my loved ones is valuable.
My Ngoc, those short videos bring great pleasure. The novelty wares off fast.
I think I need to reexamine habits in general and be open to change. I have been listening to Health videos while working. One today was about cell phones and children. They learn from watching adults which makes sense. So they suggest periods of time when not to have them on you like dinner time or family times together. I know my phone and internet is a huge habit of mine. Something to ponder over Also the fact that it is not good for your eyes (Blue light).
I could go to bed earlier. Then I could get up earlier.
This would make a big difference in my day.
My intention today is to notice more and to say less,
in other words focus on presence.
I sink into the couch in the evening and get “couch locked” in front of the TV. Depending on what we’re watching, this can be helpful or not. I’d rather not have this habit be my default.
I know what you mean. I get “IPad locked”
These devices really do lock a person in, don’t they? I think I’ll put a little note on my TV/phone that says “Do you want to get locked in?” Maybe that’s a way to be more conscious about deciding to look.
I spend too much time on the Internet.
Ah, it’s the phone for me, too. Is it all doom-scrolling, though? I do get some joy watching funny dog and cat videos, foster-dog or foster-cat videos where you see how beautifully their lives get turned around with love and care, Gen X things that make me laugh. I gave up Facebook a few months ago, and that has definitely made a positive difference in my life. It’s such a weird (but wonderful!) world we live in. While I use current technology daily, I think the world would be just fine without cellphones/pocket computers.
I also have a weakness for rescue animal videos. So heartwarming.
I watched a story about a cat for weeks! The foster mom was so patient and wonderful to the poor, scared, abused cat. The cat’s life got totally turned around and she was adopted into a loving home. My video matrix is filled with animals!
I spend way too much time on my phone.
I admit I am addicted. I do believe tho, that this technology was designed to keep us addicted, distracted, that however is a discussion for another time. I try to make it my intention almost everyday to spend less time on it. Some days it works, some not. I have made a conscious choice to spend more time reading & doing other things. I often find myself getting sucked in time & time again because all my business stuff involves my phone too!
I gave up watching tv, the news specifically & struggled releasing that addiction. I did it. I am much better mentally without fear porn(news) & tv in my life. 😊
It is a constant battle & a discipline. I am trying & learning to release my phone addiction.
🕊️🩷
“fear porn(news)…..grabbed my attention dear PKR. My wife gets wrapped up in Food Network and Yummy programing. I refer that particular programing as food porn! I also have reduced my consumption of news over the past three years to only reading news. Mostly just the headline.
Good for you. I gave up watching news years ago. With the constant barrage of ads and bad news, it always depressed me.
There is so much good in the world (still) but the news rarely covers it.
Yes, you are absolutely correct Linda, there is good news everywhere.
There are kind, generous, compassionate folks everywhere.
Tech companies hired psychologists with expertise in gambling to inform user interface design, you’re 100% correct that it’s addictive on purpose. The battle is real. Good on you for giving up TV news, that is super hard and you deserve a lot of credit for that!
Thank you Drea. Yes, I agree the battle is real. Seems like every day the sinister agenda rears its ugly head.
I pray for All of us.🙏🏻
Bravo,
dear PKR,
for breaking the fear porn habit . . .
I’m working on that myself
and have made progress,
but I am not completely cured. ♥
Thank you Sparrow.
You can do it, good luck.
All of them need to be let go of ! Thanks for reminding me ! Letting go of karma, habits and body !
I have become very attached to my phone and the notifications. I have been practicing not to read the notifications the instant they ping. I often have to disrupt another activity to answer. This defeats my intention to stay in the moment. This is a round robin of juggling to get a balanced life.
Try pausing notifications, an hour at a time
All of my habits should be examined regularly.
Especially the habit of resisting. It’s good for me to examine why I resisted something. Especially something that could be beneficial.
Good old Socrates said it all. It’s with looking up the meaning of this phrase. We could use much more of this, in this crazy upside down world.
“The unexamined life, is not worth living”
– Socrates
From ai:
For Socrates, an examined life involves actively questioning assumptions, seeking knowledge, and engaging in thoughtful deliberation about one’s choices and goals. It’s about living a life guided by reason, virtue, and moral principles.
Nice observation, Charlie. I never thought of resistance as a bad habit but I join you in that one. It’s almost unconscious … but often not useful.
for sure my habit to search for relaxation after exhausting days or when feeling tense or sad through watching TV. Usually it is after really long days of work where i just don´t want to think anymore or tired of whatsoever fully had caught my attention and in a way, going numb emotionally and mentally, seeking distraction with watching bulshit then, as doing something like reading, playing music or working on the to-do´s is not what would offer to me to shut down to recover. In the same time I am aware that this is no constructive habit at all, so i will ponder on this and on alternatives and looking forward to your replies.
I kind of wonder if TV has replaced the communal campfire as something to stare at when tired at night. Maybe we need some relaxing ways to space out, but it’s silly that the TV is the most ready, obvious, and available option. Maybe there is a workaround, like putting the TV on a fake fire image, and cracking open a book? I’m with you on needing to work this habit.
Ose, I am right there with you. After a lifetime of too much TV, I finally turned it off. Ahhhh. But slowly, I have replaced it with scrolling. I also work long hours and feel I need some time to just spectate and watch. It’s such a terrible impulse. I have gotten better on this front, but still have a ways to go. 🙏
I love integrity. Clean success honors the nature of the product for what it is. Keep sports in sports, politics in politics, and music in music.
My propensity to observe human behavior and catching my egoic mind judging those behaviors. Generally behaviors that seem to propel the western worlds obsessions with class, possessions or fame. None on my business, for none of that interferes with my so called life or my ability to live the one that I have chosen or maybe the one that chose me. Always best for me to remember ‘Live and Let Live’. May all encounter some peace and love today.
Joseph, your comment makes me think of how satirists use both judgement and detachment to bring humor to the behaviors you described. For some reason this Tacitus quote came to mind: Rome is a place “where all things horrible or shameful in the world collect and become fashionable.” Has anything changed?! Anyways, your comment got me thinking about the different (even useful or funny) ways judgement can be applied, if we must live in our current flatulent era.
My habit of ordering out – it’s very convenient but expensive and not the best food choices. Definitely need to cut back.