369: Judson Brewer – Habit Change & Overcoming the Craving Mind Through Mindfulness
Summary
Judson Brewer MD PhD is a thought leader in the field of habit change and the “science of self-mastery”, having combined nearly 20 years of experience with mindfulness training with his scientific research therein.
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A psychiatrist and internationally known expert in mindfulness training for addictions, Brewer has developed and tested novel mindfulness programs for habit change, including both in-person and app-based treatments (below).
He has also studied the underlying neural mechanisms of mindfulness using standard and real-time fMRI. He is the author of The Craving Mind: from cigarettes to smartphones to love, why we get hooked and how we can break bad habits.
This is a very insightful and inspiring discussion.
Discussion Topics
- Addiction definition: continued use or action despite adverse consequence.
- The formation of habits – reward based learning.
- The evolution and science of pleasure driven activities.
- Restless and/or stressful cravings vs desires that come with qualities of calmness. How they differ.
- How to go about changing habits to focus on those that bring us into greater states of being.
- What is the flow state? A state in which we are selfless and characterised by a sense of effortlessness and timelessness.
- The review of contracting states and expanding states.
- Why awareness combined with curiosity can move us towards equanimity.
- Thought about reduced cravings that lead to greater focus, clarity and calmness not complacent or passivity in life.
Quick round questions
Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?
Paying attention and getting out of my own way.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
To notice how painful it is to try and feed that ego.
What is the meaning of success?
Helping to decrease suffering in the world.
What is your number one productivity advice?
Turn off all the distractions.
What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make change?
Favourite Food
Dark Chocolate
Favourite Leisure Activity
Mountain bike ridding.
Favourite Book
The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel
The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love – Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits
Favourite Quote
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” Albert Einstein
Do we all have a why?
Yes! It can be expressed in so many different ways but really is about the deep curiosity about life or some aspects of life.
What does living with passion and purpose mean?
FLOW
How to find Judson Brewer
Find our more about Judson Brewer at his personal website here.
App Based Treatments
Check out some of his TED Talks
Further Reading and Resources
TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading
Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y
Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.
The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.
Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain
Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate
The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.
The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.
Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.
Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.
Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.
Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.”
Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.
The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.