flashbacks

i don't know how many of you get this but last night i got this a lot. intrusive flashbacks of videos and actresses i used to like, popping up in my head without my control as if someone is putting them in front of my eyes without my will. when this happens, it's so important to employ some meditation techniques. notice that these intrusive thoughts are just that; thoughts. observe them and don't attach to them and don't go down that rabbit hole. it's a process of consciously redirecting your attention and letting these thoughts pass; don't attach to them. notice that you are not the urges or the thoughts; you are the one who experiences them so you are the one who chooses wether to engage with them or let them pass. do something to redirect your focus, watch an educational video, get out of your room if you can, go on a walk etc. but moments like this is when you really make progress in recovery. it would've been easy for me to attach to these thoughts, seek out the videos that were coming to my mind. but i know the urge to do that and the intrusive thoughts can only last so long, and then i am left with the consequences. in times like that, remember your streak, the fact you paid for this app. think of your sexual function and imagine not being able to get it up with a good woman because of your porn use. odds are after properly looking at the ramifications of this urge, it will become less attractive. stay strong and stay in control. THIS is what it means to control yourself. it's easy to say you're abstaining when you don't have urges. but how in control are you when your brain is actively trying to get you to relapse? observe, redirect, recover.