Have you ever wondered why alcoholics and smokers (or any other addicts for the matter) find it hard to quit their addiction? The main reason lies in the fact that not only they are trying to get rid of the physical addiction but they are also attempting to kick the habit at the very same time.
As the old saying goes: "Old habits die hard." and habit energy (as Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh terms it) can be a very powerful force. The energy and its momentum has been reinforced and accumulated over an extended period of time, seeds watered constantly and roots grown deep and strong. There is little wonder why most addicts will find it an uphill task and a struggle in their process of ridding their addiction.
This is when the practice of mindfulness can help to lessen and weaken the habit energy. Of course, the weakening and uprooting of the habit energy will not happen overnight. Like how the seeds of the habit had been watered and strengthened over time, it will too, take time for the energy to weaken.
How can the practice of mindfulness help? When we are mindful, we will know when the craving arises and when it arise, we can then mindfully take of it. We do not run or turn away from the sudden craving, instead we acknowledge it. At the same time we also recognise that we do not have to give in to the addiction and habit energy for the matter and realise with wisdom that the craving will pass, such is the law of impermanence.
Once we are able to do that, the craving will no longer hold sway and the habit energy naturally weakens a little. And as we practice more mindfulness, the habit energy will weaken a little more each time we practice earnestly and in time, the addiction will wear off and the habit energy dwindles down to such a weaken state that it can hardly be felt. At this point, we will know that we have successfully conquer our addictions, our bad habits.
