Addiction

"You're just addicted " came the accusation, "we shouldn't be addicted to anything" they continued, " it's not healthy " screamed the conclusion as the person walked away from our discussion on bhakti yoga.

Todays addictions are subtle and sometimes even accepted parts of society.

There are so many negative compulsions these day that we could talk for months about their variety and means in which they are cultivated and experienced. this could be another blog post pointing out the dangers of addiction in its multifarious manifestations. The dangers of drugs, TV and the Internet.

But it isn’t.

Instead I want to examine linguistics.

Addiction as a word is so often seen from the negative perspective. That it must be a destructive thing. Something that will eventually degrade and destroy if not stopped and refused indulgence.

But is this the case? What is an addict? What does the word actually mean?

Interestingly enough the 1964 edition of the Oxford University dictionary defines an addict as someone who is devoted.

When seen in this context can we not start to maybe view the phrase of “addiction” in another light. All of a sudden it has a more positive connotation, one connected with love, spirituality, upliftment and enlightenment.

The feeling of being compelled by devotion.

In the ever changing world we find that the meanings of words also change, the context of them along with the connotations that go along with them.

So the question I ask of you is this: Can you become aware of yourself by not being an addict?

Can such a thing as a positive addiction exist. One that enriches our lives? an addiction that culminates in ultimate happiness.

Urban Meditation: Addiction

Wednesday 28th May

6.30pm - 8pm

@ Cafe Atma

£5 inc meal