Facing impulses, finding freedom

An impulse comes from nowhere.
It feels like boredom, craving, anxiety, pain even.
It urges you to move—toward that familiar road which takes you nowhere—a well-trodden circular path.

The worst of impulses comes when you are not looking—so look first.
Look for profitable discomfort—you'll find the impulse to escape it.
Try slowly entering cold water—enough to make you want to get out, but not enough to harm you.
Or go for that run when your body resists, or sit in meditation when your mind wants to be distracted.

When you notice an impulse, face it, play with it, feel the accompanying discomfort.
Take hold of that latent energy and focus on it.
You'll see it calm down, disperse on its own.
Hold your ground now, stay the course.
You'll feel a small wave of accomplishment, peace even; it tastes like freedom.
It breaks the cycle and fosters momentum.