Connecting with the breath is a powerful way of calming the nervous system. We can use the breath to stay present with cravings without reacting. The more we practice, the more we begin to automatically turn to the breath as a way to calm ourselves and addictive behaviors.

7 Days of Addressing those Addictive Behaviors

The Roots of Addiction

If we examine the behavior of addiction we often find stress and difficult emotions at the root. The behavior is an attempt to escape or soothe the distress we’re feeling.

Awareness

Curious Observation

Cognitive Flexibility

Attitudes of Mindfulness

Focus

The Delicate Balance

Mindfulness invites us to be aware of our emotions. We begin to pay attention to our emotional well-being and see the connections between the emotions and behaviors.

From Addiction to Alignment

Mindfulness brings awareness to those things that trigger addictive behaviors. We become aware of what’s happening earlier in the process. It helps us remember our intentions, supporting more mindful choices.

Stress Signals

Mindfulness allows us to choose our response. We can learn in the space of a mindful pause to shift perspective and to engage practices that support a more calm and relaxed state.

Facing Cravings

Managing cravings is key in overcoming addiction, but in the midst of intense cravings, we lose focus. It’s as if the craving takes command, making it difficult to think clearly and to stay on task.

Strength in Compassion

We can use cravings as an opportunity to practice self-compassion.  By being mindful of when cravings arise, we can observe the experience,
using the breath as an anchor.

Riding the Rush

Through mindfulness, we learn to pay attention to cravings without reacting to them. We can observe them as they come and go. We can use mindfulness practices to lessen the pull toward addictive substances and behaviors.

7 Days of Addressing those Addictive Behaviors

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