Cravings

Cravings appear to be made up of a sensation and a thought.

There is a sensation in the body - perhaps a grumbling tummy - and almost immediately after the sensation arrives, the mind labels the sensation - in this example, hunger, and seeks to satisfy it, in this example, with food. It happens so quickly - the focus from being aware of the sensation to engaging with thoughts about it - that we often don't consider that a craving can 'end' at the sensation itself.

When a 'craving' arrives, there is the opportunity to be aware of the sensation, not label it (hunger, nicotine withdrawal, horniness) and not 'do' anything about it. When Alex and I have tried this (me with hunger, Alex with hunger and nicotine), we notice that the 'craving' passes within seconds or minutes - and the next time it arrives, it has less 'pull'. The 'craving' is no longer in control.

It has been helpful to me to know that we have the power to 'end' the craving at the sensation-point - if 'fulfilling the craving' is not wanted or practical.