Published in the Westchester Guardian, November 2011
The Issues
I’m not proud of it, especially when you my son is speaking. Here I am glued to some military history program or channel surfing: its night and I find great difficulty in pulling myself away from the set. I could be spending some of the last moments of a long day in conversation with my son before he heads back to college. Somehow, both the electric frequency of the television screen and the reinforcement/familiarity of prior knowledge are so magnificently soothing to the brain. I could be reading on the Spirituality of St. Augustine, The Apparitions of Mary or even Calvin and Hobbs, all of which are enjoyable and comforting ways to end the day.
As the mail, papers, books pile up; I’ve become overloaded with trying top read everything. From talk radio to political discussions on cable, news events entrance me. Slowly, I’m trying to break out of the habit of being an information junkie, convincing myself that not every article or piece of mail needs to be read – that every book contains wisdom that will change my life forever.
While working of a jigsaw puzzle, there’s a cassette tape in the other room with some interesting religious ideas that I can listen too while configuring the various pieces, however, I just have such great difficulty in pulling myself away from the puzzle. I know that the tape offers some vary interesting aspects of the Mass, but physically getting up, retrieving it is difficult struggle.
Are these bad habits, soft addictions or just procrastinations? Maybe it’s all three. All are related to being human – a definite incomplete state of existence where spirituality tries to exert its faith, blessing and hope on our supposedly growing but lost souls.
The Problem
Addiction is a terrible term to apply to ones condition. It is a terrible, dreadful way to live. We are surrounded by, tempted by so many obstacles in our culture, it is amazing we have survived to our varied present states. Many of these obstacles have been around since human consciousness. From sexual addiction, to drugs, tobacco and alcohol some of the greatest minds and saints (St. Augustine and his sexual addiction) suffered. Those of us, who consider themselves free from these hard core fates and their snares, should put aside their pride and look closer to their own lives and those addictions that can take control so easily of ones behavior.
We all have our little habits. Is it television? Is it overeating? Do they consume what little free time we may have? Do electronic gadgets rule? Do we have difficulty in changing our behavior? Can we avoid complaining, having the last word or our cynicism? Soft addictions are not just the things we do, but can involve our attitudes, activities, over-consumption (food as well as over use of gadgets), interactions with loved ones, friends, anyone.
Fighting Back
As a news junkie, I must try to find an enjoyable substitute. A first step might be to unlock the car radio button from a news/talk to music or play a cassette – I have an old car. Maybe I don’t have to read all these e-mails from various humanitarian groups or every solicitation that arrives in the mail. It is not a sin to ignore the numerous requests. I must remember I can do only what I can do! There are limits and I must know mine. My insecurity leads to guilt and a sense of incompleteness. (Leading to an addiction of over-compensating those items I do well.)
Food can represent many facets leading to a number of issues. I can have some junk food – every item I eat does not need to have redeeming, nutritious values. Chips with lunch every now and then will not offset a healthy diet.
Just 5 more minutes of channel surfing can and usually does lead into another hour of lost sleep, companionship or reading time. I must acknowledge: there are better substitutes for television; items that will enhance my life and spirit(uality)
There are too many book sales, garage sales, supermarket specials. I do not have to look at every tag sale. I do not have to stock up a months supply on every household item that’s on sale – so I spend a few extra dollars. I do not have to be busy all the time. I must let go, learn how to let go.
Beware, changing one bad habit into a good one may not resolve an issue; you may just be replacing one compulsion with another. Switching from milk chocolate to healthier dark has changed one craving to another. A least its better for me, but it still is an addiction. What will the temporary absence of some life facet do? I must learn to abstain from certain activities. The change might be good. The human condition is fallible to so much. Life is complex. Don’t go it alone. There are many people willing to listen, willing to help.
Glenn Slaby Blog