Becoming the observer is the next step in our mindfulness journey.  It involves non-judgementally viewing of our own emotions and places of vulnerability so that we might find where they are rooted and begin to released their hold over us.  When we can look at our emotions and behaviors without judgement then we can begin to determine how we would like to act on the world around us rather than reacting to it without thought.  We move from judgement and reaction to acceptance and reasoned action.  This is a powerful tool for getting in touch with our triggers, traumas and cravings and removing their ability to control our lives.

This week I interview Duane Osterlind who talks about his work in the field of pornography and sexual addictions.  Duane specializes in what we call process addictions where the process itself becomes the arousing and addicting behavior whether that is food addiction, gambling or sexual addictions.  We discuss how deeply rooted in trauma sexual and pornography addictions are and the damage it can do to families in addition to the promise of treatment.