I could use some support the ANE way for overcoming my addiction to coffee/caffeine. I was free of it last year, for a few months, but got back at it again.

Emotional issues triggered my running to it I bet. I was upset about something. Oh, yes, my computer was down for a few days and I thought, it won't hurt to have one cup in the mornings, about 3-4 days of that, and I was hooked again. Back to an all day habit.

I am exercising now, so possibly it would be a good time to stop the addiction again. I do want to get off caffiene.

Yep i still have a few addicitions. I think Eckhart said all addicition is repetive thought.....I just had a little pain in m head...I thought I need an Advil...Then i stopped and felt the pain...It greatly diminished, I passed on the Advil...I like to throw in a little Byron Katie. I have a coffee addicition too. I am drinking some now. If I say i want to quit...Byron Katie would say, "is that true? Do you really want to stop?...Reality says you want to keep drinking coffee....

Hi being with 6 g,

Last year, my tv addiction was so bad, due to depression, I wanted to escape my life, so I watched show after show after show. I didn't turn off the tv even when I was sleeping, couldn't stand the silence.

While reading the ANE before the webcast, I read what Eckhart had to say about addictions. I really wanted to make a change in my life, I cut off my cable subscription around easter time. I haven't watched tv since. I read the newspapers for news. I have time for the other things to do in my life. I didn't miss tv at all. I was careful though not to have a substitute addiction life web surfing. I limited my time to the internet for 2 hours tops, to answer email, go to the boards, do research and all.

Lissirom

Hi Lissirom,
Thanks for sharing your success story. That is encouraging.
beingggggg

Hi cowabinga,
Thanks for the response. It does seem like the desire to be free of addiction conflicts with the desire to give into the compulsive urge of the substance or activity at times. I guess the strongest desire wins. Tolle's suggestions to take three conscious breaths when the urge presents itself and then to feel the urge and take a few more breaths have helped me to check out which desire is really the strongest at any given time. Then not to make giving into the urge a problem if that is what happens. All this is what I am willing to continue to practice. The best to you!
beingggggg

Hi inthenow55,
Thanks for the response. I am happy to offer my support to you in overcoming that addiction. I have been free of that one for a long time and I am thankful. Tolle's suggestions could certainly be applied. I look forward to hearing about how it is going for you.
beingggggg

Hi beingggggg,

Today, I am drinking coffee, first thing, as usual. Maybe I will switch to warm cups of water later. What do you think? Should I start today?

I am going to go start another pot of coffee to think about this.

Any support will be greatly appreciated, I do want to quit, just not sure if I am ready because I feel like making some more and drinking it right now.

Hi inthenow55.....Me too. I had a good laugh at myself around this issue....Silly isent it? I too am caught in this little trap....I just decided I am not going to quit. I am going to bring some space and presents to my addictions....I will let the presents decide. Ohh i just did it.... took a drink unconsciously...OK I will start taking 3 conscious breaths before I have a drink..

Let me go get my coffee, we can talk and think and breath about this together. I think I may try quitting later today.

Ok goodie I just went a got a fresh cup!!! Deep breath....ah the warm cup...another breath... ummmm the aroma...another...ah the taste so familiar, so smooth.

Yeah!

The taste so familiar, but that's it for me, I never really liked the taste, so why do I drink it???????? Help! It is definately an addiction for me, one that I do not want, but I run to it.

How about you?

The aroma of coffee is ok, but not that refreshing for me. Maybe I should get some of those scented oil lanterns going that I have.

Ok yep I do not think it is the smell bla bla for me either. That is all conditioned thinking...the un examined mind...What is it? The Buzzzzz....The FEELING.I am going to hook my self up to my Bio-feed back game after I have a few cups....This may help me show myself how coffee does not help me to be balanced and at peace...which is what i say i want...Maybe i still want a bit of jitteriness in my life? Yes...that may be it. I still like the feeling of uncomfortable...Ya know what? I do not like the WORD addicition. It has been used so much it has lost its meaning for me...Can you think of another word for this?

The word addiction? Could it be replaced with the phrase "Bad habit?"

Ok good I like that. Thanks i also thought of the words.... Compulsion and Routine..........Say more about you, what is it? Why do you drink coffee....? Part of my insanity is the thought that I do not have enough energy....A silly repetitive thought I have believed for a long time....How would i feel if I had the thought...I have an abundance of energy...Energetic Ok I am going to work on my thinking.

Hi inthenow55,
Thanks for sharing what is going on with you.
Sounds like you are in the now and bringing awareness to the behavior.
I am thankful for every moment that I am free of unwanted behavior. In this moment, I am free from the behaviors that I do not want in my experience--such as indulging in tv watching, excessive eating, and caffeine. I am thankful to be doing what I am doing right now. I am enjoying this moment.
I am thinking about what Tolle says about acceptance, enjoyment, and enthusiasm in Ch. 10. Accepting that you are drinking coffee when you have or have had thoughts that you want to stop is the beginning--then there is a chance of stopping or enjoying it. We can only start where we are. Thank you for sharing where you are.
Love,
beingggggg