Dallas Bragg explains why cravings aren't random and how panic feeds them like gasoline on fire. His method: say the craving out loud, then turn your attention inward and examine the physical sensation in detail. Repeat this and cravings lose their power.
All right, so here's the connection between mindfulness and Tina cravings. A craving is the internal response to an external stimulus. You may think that cravings are random, but once you begin observing yourself and observing the overall process of experiencing cravings, you will find that they are not. What happens often is that men come to me freaking the fuck out because they have cravings. The freaking out is what is feeding them more energy. Cravings are normal, and cravings may not ever go away. You are adding meaning to them, and when you pay attention to them, it's like gasoline on a fire. Mindfulness quietly removes the oxygen from the fire, meaning the craving dissipates. Here's a simple but powerful practice. Once you feel a craving come on, and only you know the distinct sensation of a craving, the first thing you do is make it known. Text, call a friend, or better yet, say it out loud. I am experiencing a craving. That will take a ton of its power away. And then just turn your attention to your body. Ask, where do I feel the craving? What color does it seem to be? How big is it? Is it moving? What does it want? Why is it here? By the time you've asked these questions and turned awareness away from the craving and into your body, the damn thing is gone. You keep doing this as often as possible, and I promise cravings are no longer controlling your life.
