Do you have a hidden addiction you can't let go?

[Saiisha]

I'm not talking about the obvious ones, like alcohol or drugs, but the hidden ones that feel seemingly ok on the surface, but you can't imagine letting it go!

For example, I'm addicted to books. I've always been. To the point that it might be the only thing I'd choose to bring to an isolated island, even if it meant forgoing food (I'm exaggerating of course, but probably not much!). I also know that I don't support the felling of trees in order to publish these books (can't stand electronic readers!). And yet, I give into it - I borrow from libraries, and only buy from used bookstores - but still, I give into my addiction.

I'm also aware that I'm using reading as an escape, when I could be practicing meditation, or as a crutch to lean on instead of standing in my own being. So the question I haven't dared answer is if I could survive a week without books. Could I withstand past my withdrawal symptoms?

What's your hidden addiction!? I'm curious.

[Barbara]

You made me smile Saiisha. I am also addicted to books. I too only check out from the library or buy at the Half-Price Book Store ( except when I really really have to buy something I can't stand to wait for)! I would rather read than go out with friends which isn't really healthy, but it's my truth. I'm also newly addicted to oil painting. This is my 3rd year painting and I'd rather paint than go out with friends also, but when it comes to books, it's a tie.

[Saiisha]

Barbara wrote: "You made me smile Saiisha. I am also addicted to books. I too only check out from the library or buy at the Half-Price Book Store ( except when I really really have to buy something I can't stand t..."

LOL... I totally get it Barbara - I'd rather stay in and read than go out with friends too :) Oil painting sounds like a great addiction to tie with books!

[Elena]

Through my yoga practice I realized that lots of things that I do could qualify as addictions. Actually, some days yoga is my addiction - ironically. Drinking coffee, exercising, reading, browsing Facebook, shopping ... all of those come up with I am trying to divert my attention from something I do not want to deal with. Its all about recognizing when those addictions kick in and staying the course.

[Saiisha]

Elena wrote: "Through my yoga practice I realized that lots of things that I do could qualify as addictions. Actually, some days yoga is my addiction - ironically. Drinking coffee, exercising, reading, browsing ..."

That's so true Elena - we use these things as diversions, and then they take over as addictions! Yoga has a way of revealing these things that might have gone unnoticed. And as they say, awareness is always the first step :)

[Elena]

Except that I am in no way ready to let go of coffee and books addiction. Those ones rule! 😜

[Saiisha]

Elena wrote: "Except that I am in no way ready to let go of coffee and books addiction. Those ones rule! 😜"

Ha Ha... I think we're all in agreement so far!!