Over the last year or so I’ve been trying to be more conscious of my decisions. I try to ask myself why I am doing something, particularly little things that I generally don’t give much thought to.
Why did I log on to Facebook? Am I trying to communicate with someone? Am I just bored? Am I trying to see what is going on in the world? Is there a better way to reach my goals?
Why am I drinking another beer? Am I trying to get drunk? Is it social lubricant? Am I just satisfying my oral fixation? Can I find a healthier alternative?
This practice has gotten to the point where it is almost unconscious… most of the time. Through this practice I have noticed that I spend less time on wasteful activities and direct my energy to more productive ends. That isn’t always the case, sometimes I’ll think “Why am I surfing this political blog? Is it making me happy or more informed?” and the answer will be “I’m bored and this is bumming me out”, but I keep doing it anyway. Maybe I am just a masochist sometimes or maybe my will power is reduced to the point where even my conscious analysis doesn’t give a fuck.
Anyway, I like this practice and I’m going to keep it up. There is value in challenging our impulses, habits, and the things we do because we are told we should.
Wandering Oak 