"Positive addiction" is a very useful concept. As a psychologist, I find it is beneficial to both those with, and those without, current problems in living. It is especially beneficial, however, to those in any sort of "rut". I believe it is essential to success in the martial arts. The concept is simple enough in itself and this article explains it in sufficient detail for you to implement it in your life. In fact, it is a startlingly simple notion.
We all know what comprises "addiction". "Addiction" is, in common usage, a harmful, socially disapproved and often illegal activity engaged in so as to quickly meet one's needs without real effort in any long term and constructive relationships or without any effort to develop oneself to be a better person or assist others. Most addictions occur in a relationship chain which is exploitive and harmful to others as well as the end-user. Addictions can be focused on activities as well as substances. The commonly used term "addiction" actually ought, more properly, to be called "negative addiction", as some addictions can be beneficial rather than destructive.
"Positive Addiction" is a notion developed by US psychiatrist Dr. Bill Glasser in 1976. He felt that it is possible to become 'addicted' to positive behavior, which develops the character and the body - for instance, running, aerobics, bike-riding, walking, mountain climbing, weight training, meditating, chanting, or regularly hitting a baseball, for a specific period each day ..... the list can be added to by you as long as the activity meets the seven criteria below and doesn't become negative in that it impacts negatively on your health, work or relationships. These positive addictions (having nothing to do with drugs, alcohol, smoking - or even overeating or drinking too much coffee) can strengthen a person so they can overcome negative addictions, and lead a more integrated and rewarding life. Of course, martial arts - such as Wing Chun Kuen also certainly fill the bill in terms of PA!
Positive addiction (PA) fulfills the seven following criteria:
- it is something noncompetitive that you choose to do and you can devote approximately forty-five minutes to an hour a day to;
- it is possible for you to do it easily, in the sense of organizing to do it, and it doesn't take a great deal of mental effort to do it;
- you can do it alone (more rarely with others) - but independently of others - not depending on their presence or encouragement to continue;
- you believe it has some value (physical, mental, or spiritual) for you;
- you believe that if you persist at it you will improve but this is completely subjective - you need to be the only one who measures that improvement;
- the activity must be one you can perform without negatively criticizing yourself;
- it must be undertaken several times a week until you reach "the PA state".
Engaging in an activity which is enjoyable without excessive concentration, in a non-self-critical way - a "Zen-like", "zone", or "transcendental" state in which you simply and relaxedly do something automatically without effort or concern, just as an experienced Wing Chun practitioner performs, is essentially what Glasser sees as a "PA state". PA energizes you to meet your needs and you will find the PA mind-set is exceptionally beneficial in practicing Wing Chun.
PA is a great way to energize yourself to meet your needs, overcome negative addictions and help in leading a happier life. Describing it is simple, doing it until it becomes an addiction (something you can't do without, become agitated if you don't have it, will work to indulge in, and enjoy intensely) is up to you. The choice is yours. If you choose PA, you certainly won't regret it!