Via Basel: Consumption Addiction Season Or….
‘Tis the season for over consumption more than anything else, but, before we go deeper, a couple of definitions courtesy of Merriam-Webster:
Consumption – act of using up in great quantity, destroying or squandering material or non material objects, stuff, food or information.
Addiction – compulsive, chronic physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior or harmful activity. Or a strong inclination to do, use or indulge in something repeatedly whether news or fossil fuel.
My own addition is that short of the basic necessities for sustaining life, anything you cannot or will not stop for even a short period, say, at least three or four months or so, then you’re most likely addicted to it. I use that term, addiction, not in a judgmental way but as a matter of fact with consequences which can be both helpful or harmful to the individual and societal wellbeing. For example, some are habitual generous givers and others hoarders and takers mostly.
Two examples from my own life. In the late 90’s under a variety of stresses I had a problem sleeping which affected my work as a surgeon. After consulting with a psychiatrist he suggested first I should stop my alcohol consumption (I usually had one drink 4 to 5 times a week). I stopped immediately and didn’t consume any for a six-month period. My problem continued even with abstinence since there were other causes that needed to be addressed. I proved to myself that I am not addicted to alcohol and since then I drink occasionally and can stop anytime for an extended period.
Over the last 22 years I developed a daily meditation practice. Occasionally when traveling I miss my daily routine. I probably can stop it but choose not to because of its positive effect on my physical and mental wellbeing. Could that simply be a healthy habit? I believe so.
Now let me count the ways we as a society are addicted, some you may be familiar with and a few that may be a surprise to you, dear reader.
1- Material possessions …too obvious to comment on.
2- Food, especially carbs and sugar…thanks to the food industry and processing over the last 150 years.
3- Control over others. From the smallest patriarchal family unit to the largest authoritarian nation.
4- Stimulants/tranquilizers category: includes, drugs, alcohol, coffee, and a lot of others, manufactured or natural.
5- Competition, always trying to compare ourselves and be better than others.
6- Over-breathing; we breathe more frequently and deeply than necessary since we only really need a fraction of the oxygen we inhale, exhaling the rest out. Not so efficient. If you have trouble believing that, please read Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, by James Nestor, with all the remedies and breathing exercises he recommends.
7- Knowing everything, finding a cause, analyzing, dissecting anything our senses come in contact with (including thoughts). We can’t stand not knowing, or “mystery.”
8- Finally, the most difficult to get control of: Thinking. We can’t stop thoughts from invading our minds even if they are detrimental to our mental health and have nothing to do with essential and necessary functions of living and wellbeing. Sometimes called rumination. It’s an impossible task, but we can slow it down and minimize the damage by, guess what, practicing Mindfulness.
I’m sure you can add a few more, but isn’t the above enough to keep you worried and occupied for the rest of your life. Of course you can also ignore all of the above and live perfectly and superficially happy.
Or, you can pause, be humble, acknowledge a few of the above, make an effort to reduce your excesses, and focus on what truly matters: your relationships and connections with all that is around you, family, friends, others, as well as nature, and reflect on them with kindness, compassion, and love.
I bet by now you’re thinking this about me: too preachy, smart aleck, maybe even a little arrogant. I actually agree, you have a point and I acknowledge my imperfections. My columns may be provocative and unconventional at times. That’s because what I love and need more (than expounding my views) is the dialogue, the challenge, and the reflection that you, my readers, provide to me in varied forms, oral and written, virtual and in person, public and private. It could be a word, a sentence, or an essay. No response indicates agreement (appreciate that too), shyness, or you may be tired and exhausted and want a break from everything. I grant you that too.
May all have a less consumptive and more reflective holiday season.
P.S. I highly recommend John Pavlovitz’s short piece, “Don’t Lose Your Light This Christmas,” at his column “The Beautiful Mess” at Substack!
Basel Al-Aswad, father of EIL founder Christopher Al-Aswad, is a yogi trapped in an Orthopedic Surgeon’s body. His loves in life include reading, writing, hiking, enjoying nature, meditation, and spending time with his large Iraqi family; now, semi-retired, he is exploring new avenues in medicine, education, public speaking, teaching, and social engagement.
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