#22: Habits – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Repetition of a certain behaviour creates habits, and many of those truly control our lives. We may have some good habits, bad ones, or even some really ugly ones. We all know that it is very easy to get into bad habits - you do not need to make an effort to do it. But while bad habits start with some sweet taste to them, they always turn out very bitter. In this episode we take a closer look at how we with knowledge and determination can make good choices and get good results for our lives. The tendency to cheat is built in in the human form of life; that is why we have guidelines to prevent us starting on a path that leads to mistakes & misery. Knowledge allows us to make a conscious decision on where we want to go. In this context, we touch upon the difference between animals and humans; namely that being in a human form of life, we are not just controlled by instinct but have the facility to choose between good or bad decisions. Choices based on knowledge and determination lead to good results, while choices made in ignorance produce bad results. You’ll also hear how the Bhakti Yoga process gives us many opportunities to develop good habits; habits that function as an investment for our future wellbeing (for example, listening to this podcast!). And how we can be free from expecting other peoples' praise about our achievements through uncovering our true spiritual nature and intrinsic value. In the end the question really boils down to: where do I want to end up, in a good or bad situation? Highlights: (1:41) A recent study found that those who followed a plant-based diet (as recommended in the Vedas) had 73% lower odds of developing moderate to severe COVID19(10:39) There is no ‘magical pill’ - hard work is required to achieve the results we want. Good habits may appear difficult, while bad habits start off easy and yield a very difficult end result.(21:56) Habits are a spiritual concept. The Bhakti Yoga system is filled with guidelines and promotes a lifestyle with recommended daily activities/habits that leads to a very bright & fulfilling life.(31:31) How to avoid the pitfall where good habits become a source of false pride, simply a means by which we are recognized by others.(39:10) The topmost ‘good habit’ is hearing and repeating the absolute truth. Practice becomes habit, and habits have the strength to take us through any difficulty.(53:21) “By keeping regular habits and eating simple food, any man can maintain his health. Overeating, over-sense gratification, over dependence on another’s mercy, and artificial standards of living sap the very vitality of human energy.” Srimad-Bhagavatam 1:1:10, purport Recorded on June 28, 2021. Read episode transcript on https://breakingtrail.life/podcast/22 Episode links: ‘Plant-based diets, pescatarian diets and COVID-19 severity: a population-based case–control study in six countries’: https://nutrition.bmj.com/content/early/2021/05/18/bmjnph-2021-000272 Watch video version (with subtitles), contribute to podcast, join Facebook group, etc: https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail