Whether applied to overeating, substance abuse, or other unhealthy behaviors, the idea of “urge surfing” (attributed to the late psychologist Alan Marlatt, PhD) is to help people not fall back into old habits.
Usually these urges or cravings begin, peak, and dissipate over a brief period. Urge surging involves noticing where in your body you experience the urge or craving, getting to know these sensations, and then using the breath to sit with the experience and “surf the wave” of it without giving into it.
If you want to learn more about "urge surfing," stay tuned for the June 2019 Saturday Scoop schedule. Dr. Burnett will be leading a special "urge surfing" scoop.