Giving up is such drag - Meditation and addictive behaviours

Meditation and Addictive Behaviour

Standing in the evening sun under a beautiful beach tree I fumbled with the purple cigarette trying to maintain an aura of nonchalance but failing miserably. The first inhale seemed to go quite well but within moments I was spluttering and coughing as my friend laughed at my ineptitude. Over the summer holidays he had taken up smoking and on this first day of term he wanted to share with me his newfound interest.

He lived in Jersey and at the airport on his way back to the mainland had managed to buy some Sobranie Cocktail cigarettes which had a variety of coloured papers. To a 14-year-old it was a very sophisticated look but my ability to carry it off needed some practice.

The thrill of breaking the rules and feeling grown-up tempted me to keep going but my sore throat, dizziness and the foul taste and sputum soon made it feel it was a waste of time.

Knowledge about the effects of smoking at the time was scarce, and despite shock tactics such as attending a lecture where sealed packs of sliced human lungs with cancerous cells were passed around the dangers seemed very remote and unlikely.

Around the same time as my tobacco dalliance started I got into sport and quickly realised that I preferred being fit and did not want to compromise my training, which I enjoyed.

I was fortunate. I have seen at close hand the addictive consequences of a smoking habit and am grateful that I did not persevere and override the unpleasant side effects and finesse my ham-fisted technique.

Learning to meditate changes your perspective

A year later I learnt to meditate which changed my perspective of a number of things. All teenagers want to do their research on life without adult interference and having a daily technique in hand I was able to take a calmer approach and not make too many mistakes.

One of the most important benefits I have noticed from over five decades of meditation is the awareness of things in my life which are unsustainable and then following it up by taking action to remove them with grace and certainty.

When our awareness increases through a daily practice, such as Vedic Meditation, we can make decisions from a position of greater consciousness, recognising and understanding the nuances and subtleties which lie beneath the surface of our thoughts, actions and behaviour and many of those cognitions will keep us healthy.

Addictive behaviour soon becomes unsustainable and we become more reliant on our innate wisdom to override them.

Meditation for Addiction

Meditation combats stress, improves physical well-being and helps you stay youthful and young at heart by reducing cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease, and reduces the desire and dependency on alcohol, cigarettes and drugs.

No Smoking Day 10th March 2021

Today is No Smoking Day and the NHS are encouraging you to be a #covidquitter.

If you’re struggling with addictive behaviour, you may be surprised to find out meditation can help. Vedic Meditation is a natural, effortless technique that has numerous benefits including relief from stress and anxiety, increased energy and productivity, better focus and clarity of mind, improved sleep and better relationships. Attend one of our Free Introductory Talks and find out how Vedic Meditation may be able to support you in your journey to a happier, healthier life.

Anthony Thompson