What Is the Purpose of Habits

In trying to describe a habit I think of anything that I lean to naturally, any behaviors that lead to known quantities or expected outcomes. In doing any sort of body work (yoga, deep breathing, anything related to singing are examples) the efficiencies provided by our physical systems are meant to assist in ease of completion, yet over time, they provide negative benefits. Even habits of discipline can aid lack of mindfulness, blinkered thinking or stuffiness when looking at new material.

Donna asks, "what are helpful habits and what are not, and what makes up the difference? Where do these habits come from...what kind of habits are actually going on inside and/or are characteristic of "the big middle?" Does one have to identify habits in order to bust out of them...." (see her comments attached to the transformation post for the full monte).

The big middle is the ideal 'location' to challenge habits because getting those pesky bad habits exposed to sunlight and examination reduces the likelihood they can do lasting damage. However some habits are of a friendly nature and need nurturing. Which are the weeds and which the flowers?

One place to start is where I am now, what exactly is the big middle?
- of the country
- my possible existence
- a transitional spot or the main event
- is my big middle full of the same artifacts and milestones as it is for others (hunting for universality)

Examination of habits invites a review of roles. A feature of the big middle is where there is room for pre-defined roles to be set aside for more rewarding, dimensional and bespoke behaviors and processes. Recent writings on mass behavior suggest that American men returning from the horrors of WWII sought structure and predictability and laid out the suburban landscape that directs family life in this country since the 1950's up to today (see this week's Economist magainze). Well defined roles do enable hard work, stability and goal setting. They also occasionally stifle creativity, hinder innovation and at worst provide the backdrop for atrocity as smothered individuals thrash about.

As we assume a role, we acquire habits to suit. This is where danger lurks, definition becomes hardened and the imposition of external expectation leaves us in a strait jacket. Stieg Larsson's thoughts on girls with dragon tattoos exemplifies the unpleasantness of society that imposes views on individuals without flexibility or attention to room for individuality.

So dump all habits and bust out of our roles? Like all of creative conundrums, it's never that easy.

Transformation

To bring 2010 to a close I signed up for transformation. Really? Yup, I made a plan, I told a couple of people, I set off. That's a big word, what's the idea here?

I wanted to know if it is possible to pursue real change actively, alone or with assistance. Within the big middle does change only arrive as a kick in the head or on the crest of some unwonted disaster? I have defined 'the big middle' as a time for semi-affluent types that spans 30-65 (the Heartland says 38-70, so I'm in the ball park; Jonathan Franzen also has ideas on this topic). The idea is to explore how we behave when we step outside what is required and play in the space known as what is possible with a bit of extra effort.

I have become increasingly averse to risk taking, hesitating to state a sketchy goal that might require inconvenient follow up. I find I never get after myself in ways that hold me fully accountable or skirt the possibility of humiliation, can I share my privacy if it means later awkwardness. How can I unload this behemoth of mindset, behavior pattern and limiting construct? Is this a safe haven or a nice box with what looks like a control panel painted in pastels that drip down the wall when it rains?

With only a few days left in the calendar, I headed off to the Midwestern hinterland, literally the Heartland (which is a place, not a concept; check the reference using: Illinois, Gilman). I had a few stated goals, mostly less well conceived, hazy hopes. Sounds like my favorite bad dream on the day before school starts.

Since this is just a lighthearted post, I feel the need to post disclaimers. This isn't a recipe for anyone else, I can't repeat it, there is no pattern for good luck or happiness. It's just a reminder to myself not to be so lacking in initiative or, better yet, in courage. Lots of help is out there but a small request is the first order of the day. It turns out that the instant I ask for assistance help is at hand.