Addiction Quote by Pema Chodron
“Most of us do not take these situations as teachings. We automatically hate them. We run like crazy. We use all kinds of ways to escape -- all addictions stem from this moment when we meet our edge and we just can't stand it. We feel we have to soften it, pad it with something, and we become addicted to whatever it is that seems to ease the pain.”
About This Quote
Source Book: When Things Fall Apart, Pema Chodron, 1996
People often react to discomfort by seeking distraction or addiction rather than confronting the underlying pain.
In simple terms: We avoid pain with habits, which can become addictions.
Key Takeaway
Face discomfort directly to break addictive cycles.
Themes
mindfulness
addiction
pain avoidance
self-awareness
Mood
reflective
calm
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- stressful workday
- relationship conflict
- grief
- health crisis
Key Concepts
Buddhist psychology
attachment theory
behavioral coping
Questions to Reflect On
- What discomfort are you masking?
- How could confronting it change your life?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding pain can delay healing and reinforce unhealthy patterns.
