Breaking habits

Personal growth can be accelerated simply by changing one's habits. It is the condition of dependency inherent in habits that must be broken. When you find yourself saying or thinking, "But I can't change that.. .I always do that," then that is undoubtedly the first habit to break. Freedom of choice results from mastering habit. Independence from habits in the area of sexuality should be cultivated, as sexual habits are the most restrictive. Any intentional act of will has a magical potency and is far more effective than a habitual or unintentional act

The human body is capable of quite extraordinary adaptation, even when it seems set in a rigid pattern. The potential for change is always there, but it is better not to wait for a moment of crisis before ridding ourselves of habits. Our very survival as a species is due to our ability to change and adapt.

Mental habits are more difficult to deal with than physical ones, as they are less obvious. Often enough, they are inherited from parents or acquired through social conditioning.

They restrict our whole way of life, insidiously providing a false sense of security.

By causing us to forget our Higher Selves, they obliterate our awareness and are fatal to

an intimate relationship. Frequently, an unawareness of disagreeable habits or idiosyncrasies

is a source of contention between people. Yet often, all that's needed to overcome this obstacle is the willingness, on the part of both people, to change, grow, and evolve. When the initial fear of change is overcome, one can really begin to enjoy new experiences. Sexual habits are especially limiting

and it is here that Tantra requires absolute adaptability. All Eastern teachings on the sexual mysteries point to the need for variety and uninhibited spontaneity.

"Love resulting from the constant and continual performance of some act is called

love acquired by habit."

-KAMA SUTRA

"The louse of habit-forming

thoughts is both self originated

and self destructive. Kill this louse

and find the teaching."

-TILOPA

"Where there is ecstasy, there is Creation;

Where there is no ecstasy, there is no

Creation. In the Infinite, there is ecstasy;

There is no ecstasy in the finite."

-CHANDOGYA UPANiSHAD