I've been a smoker since the early days... I was what, 14? Geez.

What a habit, it managed to stick with me for years even tho' I don't even like the taste. From day one, I didn't want to continue smoking. I tried this way and that way. I stopped smoking atleast 10 times for periods longer than 2 weeks. Nowadays, it's very easy to quit for me... But to start again too.

There are many methods to stop smoking. I would say the only sincere ones are those that are applicable to all bad habits. Anyone offering you a product is scamming you. Even if it does work, there is free stuff... So why spend money when you can use your mind power?

One second principle

Inside the pile of techniques for getting rid of bad habits, I've found many useful things. My favorite example is the one-minute principle. It's a Japanese technique for getting used to good habits. The theory is, if you start practicing something for only one second a day, and you maintain consistency of that one second, you'll get used to it and building up won't feel like hard labour. I've never had much success with this method simply because I get bored too quickly doing the same stuff every day. Maybe you will.

I'm not writing this to tell you about the one-second principle. I'm here to talk to you about the GEM!

Generative Empathic Mindfulness

Now this is something you never heard before, right? It's because I just made it up! My thought process was, mindfulness is a real gem in the stack.. Hey hey, maybe it's the GEM! Both extra words seem to be appropriate.

Generative, meaning it produces an effect, it's not purely observation.

Empathic, meaning you will not punish yourself (mentally, emotionally, physically) for your bad habits.

Mindfulness, signifying awareness, being present, not just in the moment, but in everything you are aware of.

I don't have a specific method for getting myself in that state. I used to practice meditation and being aware of my breathing, but I didn't feel like the yield of those methods would ever make a big enough impact on my life compared to the amount of effort I put in. It's not useless, but there are better things for me.

Mindfulness is one. So simple - focus and that's all.

Why is that useful with quitting smoking?

For me, one of the greatest obstacles when stopping smoking is seeing other people smoke. As long as I am aware of that, I won't reach for a cigarette. When I'm not I'm much more likely to. If I don't have a cigarette, the need will haunt me for the rest of the day.

Also, the nervousness caused by a nicotine withdrawal is eased out. If anything, you'll cause less harm to others while being a nervous fuck if you're aware of yourself. Be aware that the side-effects you feel from the withdrawal will all go away in a week or so and you'll feel better than ever!

You have to find out for yourself why you push yourself to a relapse, and you can't find that out without being present. Make that mindfulness generative by the power of your free will! Lastly, don't punish yourself if you smoke another one...

How do you guys cope with bad habits?

How do you stick to a good habit?

Looking forward for your answers...
With love,
@freegardens!