Exploring 'Crispation': The Dangers of Sticking to Routine
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Chapter 1: Understanding Crispation
Recently, I made the decision to eliminate energy drinks from my diet. I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could manage without them. Since then, I have not consumed a single can. In addition, I also cut out pickles—an everyday, calorie-free snack that I genuinely miss.
To further explore new methods, I’ve incorporated low-impact carries into my cardio routine, trekking up and down steep hills for what feels like an eternity. My motivation stems from a desire to experiment with my lifestyle. Over the years, I have discovered that experimenting, eliminating, and provoking change has served me exceptionally well.
What do I mean by elimination and provocation? It’s a simple concept: you stop a certain behavior completely and then reintroduce it later to gauge the effects after a reasonable period. This approach is commonly applied to our diets, where we eliminate known culprits and later reintroduce them to determine if they truly caused any issues.
Section 1.1: Beyond Dietary Changes
However, this method is not limited to food alone. A few years ago, I decided to stop meditating for a month. This created at least an extra 20 minutes each morning for other activities. After a month, when I resumed meditating, I found that I appreciated it even more. It wasn't merely about the act of meditation; it was about recognizing that I tend to be a slightly more pleasant person during those moments of mindfulness.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of Exercise
Similarly, quitting exercise is rarely a sensible choice; it’s akin to testing if you can survive a five-story drop. Instead, there are countless reasons to adjust your workout routine slightly. Perhaps consider exercising in the morning rather than the evening or trying a workout session without any music. You might even double your frequency or cut it in half. The possibilities are endless, and the potential benefits are substantial.
Additionally, reading a few pages of fiction every night before bed could enhance your sleep quality. Similarly, establishing a consistent wake-up time might contribute to a more peaceful mindset.
Section 1.2: The Importance of Routine
It's crucial to understand that you need a routine in place to experiment with it effectively. However, this routine should never become a crutch or, worse, a prison that hinders your progress.
French philosopher Gabriel Marcel criticized this very tendency of becoming trapped in rigid habits, coining the term ‘Crispation’ to describe the restrictive nature of such adherence to routine while avoiding new experiences. He believed that it is the philosopher's role to remain adaptable and vigilant regarding their current convictions.
Chapter 2: Embracing Change
In essence, the message is clear: just because something is effective doesn’t imply that a better method doesn't exist. To discover what works best for you, stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new is essential.