First overcome and then transcend all habits

First overcome and then transcend all habits

Two parts of our nature particularly propagate habit: the subconscious and what Sri Aurobindo termed the ‘physical mind’. In youth, every outside influence is absorbed and seeps downwards.

A major share in us has been ‘constructed’ since birth. This subconscious construction develops and if left unchecked, persists for the rest of our life.

There are many reasons why habits take over: education, upbringing and atavism, to name a few. But the common denominator is always a lack of awareness. They breed on unconsciousness in our instrumental nature. One has to be very present and conscious to reverse the trend. The subconscious must be made conscious. From this zone, the moment a pattern rises to the surface, it must be changed. The Mother said a more direct method is to enter the realm in full consciousness and work there: a difficult task, but the only way of ensuring a permanent solution.

The physical mind is that part of the mind which understands only externalities. “It knows no other Truth,” Sri Aurobindo says, “until it is enlightened from above.” It depends on the sense-mind and only concerns itself with physical things. So picture the mind as a clear, limpid pool for those descending drops of light to descend. This work is so vast and baffling there is no option but surrender.

Habits develop cumulatively and psychological ones reinforce those of the physical. How interconnected human nature is! Habits start inside and seep outward. Then the nature seeks reinforcement from outside. Any adversity can become habitual – look at pain. Habit is the source of all chronic pain. Another example is illness. A series of circumstances trigger an illness; the mind latches onto the event and turns it into a construction which is then forced down into the subconscious. The body remembers and the memory gets pushed down to the subconscious where it awaits a trigger to reappear. Once the memory crosses the mind, like a dart, the illness returns.

The body is a slave to habit. Usually it goes unnoticed. However once it is observed, Sri Aurobindo advised, the mind should withdraw its consent. Initially we must speak the ‘language of the body’ which means substituting bad habits with good ones. Ultimately though, to transform, humanity must transcend all habit. We want to soar to the Truth. The Truth is not bound by habit because the Truth is quite free. So ultimately, a new language has to be taught and that is the work of the soul. One function of the soul is to harmonise; one day, habits will be integrated into a vibration that defies all definition. The best process is observation and working inside. Ultimately, we need to trace habits to their very source. With the physical, the work needs supplementing from outside, too. One realises the cause-effect relationship behind every movement and uses the searchlight of the soul.

Habit is a Universal Law but the Mother has said, “There is no law of Nature that cannot be overcome and changed.” With faith and sincerity, anything is possible. The work marks the first stage of transformation, which can only be invited when every habit is effaced. It is strictly, work for warriors: the supreme collaboration.