What is Craving?

And what can we do about it?

Ever wondered about the roots of those cravings? Sure, we get it, it’s part of addiction. But deeper still, where do they come from? Neuroscience tells us that in the brain, it’s all about the dopamine. And it’s good to understand the science. But some days, I get to feeling this thing that is so deep down inside, it is insidious. It is a longing, a calling, a crushing pull that feels like it is centuries old. Maybe you know what I am talking about. When I am feeling this thing, it feels like science is not going to give me the answer I am searching for…I wish it were that easy.

Maybe it is that kind of longing, deep down search, that sends us all on that spiritual quest. Makes us seekers. Makes a book like the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous tell us that the only thing that will speak to our condition is a spiritual or psychic change. So lately, because I have become a practitioner of mindfulness, which has its roots in Buddhism, I have begun to study the Four Noble Truths in earnest:

1. The truth of suffering’s existence: nothing lasts.

2. The truth of suffering’s cause: craving.

3. The truth of suffering’s end: remove desire, hatred and delusion.

4. The truth of the 8-fold path: the Buddha revealed to liberation from suffering. Mindfulness is only one step on that path, there are 7 other steps.

If you are curious to learn more, there’s a marvelous little course being offered by Tricycle Magazine, Buddhism for Beginners. It will help you to understand the basics of Buddhism, the various types there are, and the basic teachings.

In the coming month, I am striving to talk about the specific third noble truth as it pertains to recovery and craving, and how we apply mindfulness to helping to relieve craving.

In the end of February or beginning of March, I’m offering a two-day workshop on applying mindfulness to dealing with craving. This does not only mean working to get sober, but also to craving in the everyday life of recovery.

We deal with craving in all aspects of recovery, from shopping to eating, to managing our life online, to relationships, to communication, to the way we have little conversations in our head. We are never free of craving. Mindfulness and mindset are the way we manage keeping a positive frame of mind. They are the way to eliminating chaos and conflict from our lives.

There is no easier, softer way — no immediate gratification way to peace.

And therein lies the rub. We all wish for the easier, softer way.

We just need to learn how to stand still, in the moment.

And often that is the hardest thing we will ever learn to do.

So, take a breath. Hold it a moment. Notice what you feel in your body, and where you feel it.

Now exhale all at once, and try to release that tension.

There. That’s your first step in letting go of the easier softer way.

Try it once more. Do you have tension in your belly, jaw, or shoulders? Breathe into that area and hold it a moment.

Now all at once, exhale and try to release that tension, just a bit. AHHHHHH!

One more time…If we can release a bit of the tension that is in the body, we can also release what is being held in the mind. See if you can feel that connection. Drop your tongue from the roof of your mouth. Breathe in and hold it for a count of four. Now breathe out all at once with an audible sigh through the mouth…Ahhhhh…..

That’s all there is to it to try.

Try to practice it a bit each day. Even a few times, if you are motivated. Let me know how it feels, here in the comments, or through a DM…Remember, most of what we think is happening, is a delusion.

Suffering is what we tell ourself in our brain is happening. It may or may not be true. It is a story. See what happens if you challenge that story in your mind. Do you think the person across the room from you has the same story you have? What could their story be? What is their suffering? Walk a hundred steps in their shoes. How does it change your story?

Breathe as they would breathe. Now go back to being you. How are you now?

Remember to breathe.

Namaste.

I wish you peace.