Too often we battle against our habits. We muscle our grip against engrained impulses, try to quit cold turkey, dissect our habits under a microscope, and analyze our behaviour to death. Neuroscience has now explained to us what Buddhist monks have known for centuries: we can’t just fight against, undo or delete our habits; we can only create new ones to take their place.
As the New Year comes in, make the most of being a creature of habit! Instead of making New Years resolutions about abstinence, quitting, and deprivation, lay the foundations for wellness and thriving by cultivating habits of happiness. Choose just 1-5 of these 25 habits of happiness from R.L Adams and practice as often as possible. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t practice these every day, and don’t lose faith if it feels awkward at first. It is only with practice that habits become engrained and feel ‘natural’. With dedication and an appetite for imperfection, these habits of happiness can become as effortless as brushing your teeth before bed!
For more inspiration, check out this Ted Talk by biochemist-turned-Buddhist Monk, Matthieu Ricard, on how to train your mind into habits of well-being.
We at Kerry Moller & Associates are wishing you a happy and healthy 2017!
photo: Kristin Horsman
