“It is by suffering’s presence that we know there is something we need to address.” (Jane Hirschfield, Ten Windows)
Before a habit-pattern arises in experience, we can cultivation the intention not to be take over by it.
After the experience, we can remember that the experience was just an experience, and reflect on whether we were able to maintain our intention in the face of it.
But during the experience itself, we have an opportunity to look deeply into the nature of the experience itself, to see its true nature.
Being able to be present and intentional in the experience is stability (shamatha).
Looking deeply to see the true nature of what arises results in insight (vipashyana).
Kindness (metta) and compassion (karuna) are the attitudes that arise when we firmly intend to free ourself and others from suffering of destructive habits.