Marc Ribot (pron.: /ˈriːboʊ/) (Newark, NJ, May 21, 1954) is an American gui… Read Full Bio ↴Marc Ribot (pron.: /ˈriːboʊ/) (Newark, NJ, May 21, 1954) is an American guitarist and composer.
His work has touched on many styles, including no wave, free jazz, rock and Cuban music.

Ribot is also known for collaborating with other musicians, most notably Tom Waits, Keith Richards, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, John Zorn, Electric Masada, The Lounge Lizards, Arto Lindsay and Medeski, Martin and Wood, as well as leading a number of his own bands such as Shrek, Los Cubanos Postizos and, currently, Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog and the Marc Ribot Trio featuring Henry Grimes and Chad Taylor.

Ribot's earliest session work was featured on Tom Waits' Rain Dogs (1985) and helped define Waits' new musical direction. Ribot worked with Waits on many of his following albums including Franks Wild Years (1987), Big Time (1988), Mule Variations (1999), Real Gone (2004), Orphans (2006) and Bad as Me (2011). He has appeared on Elvis Costello's Spike, Mighty Like a Rose (1991), and Kojak Variety (1995). Ribot has appeared on numerous recordings by John Zorn, including many of Zorn's Filmworks recordings, solo performances on Zorn's Masada Guitars (also featuring Bill Frisell and Tim Sparks), and is a member of Zorn's Bar Kokhba Sextet and Electric Masada. Ribot's first two albums featured The Rootless Cosmopolitans, followed by an album of works by Frantz Casseus for solo guitar. Further releases found him working in a variety of band and solo contexts including two albums with his self-described "dance band", Marc Ribot y Los Cubanos Postizos (The Prosthetic Cubans), featuring compositions by Arsenio Rodríguez.
Ribot admitted to Guitar Player a relatively limited technical facility due to learning to play right-handed despite being left-handed: "That's a real limit, one that caused me a lot of grief when I was working with Jack McDuff and realizing I wasn't following in George Benson's footsteps. I couldn't be a straight-ahead jazz contender if you held a gun to my head, but that begs the question of whether I would want to be one."
He currently performs and records with his group Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog with bassist Shahzad Ismaily and drummer Ches Smith of the avant-garde band Secret Chiefs 3. Ribot's most current studio work involves several tracks accompanying the legendary pianist from John Coltrane's group, McCoy Tyner on his late 2008 album and DVD Guitars; which also features work with John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Béla Fleck, and Derek Trucks.
In late 2010, he toured Europe with his band SunShip (Mary Halvorson, Chad Taylor, Jason Ajemian).
A biographical documentary film about Marc Ribot was made, called The Lost String.
Ribot was also a judge for the 6th annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists' careers.

Exercises In Futility
Marc Ribot Lyrics

We have lyrics for these tracks by Marc Ribot:

03 I'm Getting Sentimental Over You Never thought I'd fall, But now I hear love call, I'm gettin…
03.I'm getting sentimental over you Never thought I'd fall, But now I hear love call, I'm gettin…
3. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You Never thought I'd fall, But now I hear love call, I'm gettin…
Bella Ciao One fine morning I woke up early Bella ciao, bella ciao,…
Body And Soul My heart is sad and lonely For you I sigh, for…
Dinah Carolina Gave me Dinah; I'm the proudest one Beneath the…
Don Ever since the lucky night I found you I've hung around…
Don't Blame Me Ever since the lucky night I found you I've hung around…
Happiness is a warm gun She's not a girl who misses much Do do do do…

I I'm in the mood for love Simply because you're near me. Funn…
I'm getting sentimental over y Never thought I'd fall, But now I hear love call, I'm gettin…
I'm getting sentimental over you Never thought I'd fall, But now I hear love call, I'm gettin…
I'm In The Mood For Love I'm in the mood for love Simply because you're near me. Funn…
Martha My Dear Martha, my dear Though I spend my days in conversation, ple…
Mood Indigo You ain't never been blue; no, no, no, You ain't…
Solitude In my solitude You haunt me With dreadful ease Of days go…
St. James Infirmary It was down by old Joe's barroom, on the corner…

These Foolish Things Oh! Will you never let me be? Oh! Will you never…

The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@RandomChicky147

8y↑1.3K

I feel like this is huge.
If you think about it, you often don't have control over your environment or exposures, but you do have control and the ability to choose how you act in those environments or resond to those exposures.
So it makes sense to learn how to not act on the craving.
Previously I would avoid going into certain stores or driving a particular route to avoid the temptations and cravings for foods or to buy new things. But the reality is I cannot always do this and avoiding the stimulus is not practical. It also teaches a behavior of avoidance of negative feelings.
Rather than avoid the stimulus or feeling, learn how to manage it.

So yes, recognize you're having the feeling. Recognize it for what it is; I'm having cravings but my emotions don't control me, I do. Do I really want that cookie? Think of the full scope of your actions. I feel like I want that cookie but I really don't because I know that I want to eat healthy. Reaffirm yourself, I am in control not my emotions. I have a strong craving, but this will pass. I am making a positive choice.
Once you have overcome that temptation, celebrate by singing "I've got the power!" :)
Take pride in your ability to face cravings and decide nope, that's not me talking, it's my cravings.
If all else fails, repeat to yourself: what's my next positive step? ... imagine it, and follow through.

@grannygrammar6436

8y↑16

Satanic Soulhunter
Soulhunter,
I can see it pretty clearly, I'm pretty sure: his trope is a simple little bit of self-aggrandisement, a common enough thing in YouTube videos, don't you think?

Rather than saying "Here's what I know about self-control" or maybe "Here are a few things I can teach about self-control" instead he does this big set-up routine.

"Oh, woe is us. The world is going to hell in a handbasket. Nobody has any self control. Self-gratification is the only thing happening here.

"Fortunately I'm here to solve this horrible problem..."

Your normal average preacher at work. Just send money.

@sankalpa_dahal

25w

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

00:00 🏃‍♀️ Jonathan Bricker's mom started exercising at 42, emphasizing the value of health.
01:47 🌍 An epidemic of unhealthy living affects half a billion people globally, with obesity and tobacco use being major preventable causes of death.
02:47 🔑 The new science of self-control, called "willingness," can help combat these epidemics by allowing cravings to come and go without acting on them.
05:45 🚫 Traditional approaches encourage avoiding cravings, but the willingness approach suggests accepting and making peace with them.
07:29 🚭 Research shows that willingness-based interventions can be twice as effective as avoidance-based methods in helping people quit smoking.
11:12 💭 The "I am having the thought" exercise can create a space between thoughts and actions, enabling better choices.
13:21 🚷 The secret to self-control is to give up control over cravings, allowing them to occupy space in your body until they lose their power.

All comments from YouTube:

@RandomMusicWorks

4y↑6.5K

“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

@littlebaby4256

3y↑35

wow

@Blazeww

3y↑46

So true. Yet so many constantly do what they disagree with all the time.

@aronvillaluna548

3y↑34

You just save me in procastinating. I feel motivated

@schoolschedule6939

3y↑2

@Aron Yeah me too

@vibeswithnea3284

3y↑3

a word whew

59 More Replies...

@nikholm3823

4y↑3.2K

"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." -most underrated quote

@chandruselvam1103

4y↑13

Very well said

@BilalAli-yt4ir

4y↑3

Thanks

@TB-dv8bx

4y↑46

It was said by Victor E. Frankl in his book, "Man's Search For Meaning"

@Jibbie49

4y↑12

@T B That is a book everyone should read, along with M. Scott Peck M.D. "The Road Less Traveled" and Wayne Dyer PhD's "Your Erroneous Zones."

@jimjackson1662

4y↑7

It’s a certain truth hiding in plain sight. Peace, contentment, happiness ... and the survival of humankind is a choice. Being present in each moment between stimulus and action is the most beneficial place to steady our mindfulness ... to place it anywhere else is of lesser value.

17 More Replies...

@xoxo_angieo

4y↑1.2K

"The secret to self-control is give up control." Letting go. To stop fighting yourself. To allow yourself to feel whatever you're feeling and take it in as part of the human condition. That really, really spoke to me.

@brianfarmer7425

2y↑22

hmm.... it didn't speak to me at all - this is snake oil pycho babble

@user-in1yw9ty5t

2y↑4

letting go...taoism

@user-in1yw9ty5t

2y↑5

willing to not act on your instinct despite how you feel the urge to do something. letting go of the tension that you have to be compulsive. willing to let go of that compulsive behaviour because you accept that you can live peacefully by not comparing the choices. to think and accept about the choice that you can survive without acting( by willing) to let go of the anxiety to do things compulsively. acknowledge your feelings. it is part of acceptance. you dont deny it is not compulsive yet you don't think too shallow. you go through it and accept the hard feelings the urge the itch to do anything that is a bad habit. this is not struggling to make a choice. this is learning. then you see there is a choice and you don't have to be compulsive anywore and the consequences aren't that bad to miss those habit but altogether you see that there is no opportunity cost but just nothing to stress about choices because you have eliminated that and there is no anticipation or reward thereafter to smoke a cigarette or overeating...there are no choices.

@user-in1yw9ty5t

2y↑5

stop being perfect. dont give in. dont let the shame anxiety compulsive thoughts destroy you. its not that only if you become strict, prude or a purist only if you have positive thoughts you can go through the day. it shouldn't be based on a condition. dont depend on the sun to brighten your day. be without any condition to be able to do things. start somewhere. dont avoid the feelings and go for comfort. be willing to face the monster. dont hide. dont play the game. there are no rules.

@freetime_np3284

Nah wrong

12 More Replies...

@conacc

4y↑891

I did practice this technique and its amazing how well it works: everytime you feel anxious or sad or depressed or some irrational thoughts enter your head, open your arms and welcome it into your heart. Say it out loud: “dear craving, I can’t control you, come in, you are welcome to stay as long as you want or you can go whenever you want. You will always be a part of me and I’m ok with that.” This might sounds like some esoteric whoowhoo advice, but it’s not. It’s je actually how the the human psyche works: by not resisting these feelings or thoughts and just observing them as if you were looking from a distance, you remove all powere these feelings have over you. It takes some training but it’s worth it.

@SM-xd2xv

2y↑51

Esoteric whoowhoo is my favourite adjective for the day

@kalyanimahendra9381

2y↑3

Thank you ❤️

@FoodShowFan

2y↑2

Thanks!

@thunguyen-jz8jx

2y↑2

@SM Please show me the meaning of "whoowhoo". I still don't understand it.

@thunguyen-jz8jx

2y↑2

Thank you for your share. It is very good for me to do your way.

7 More Replies...

@almostfamiliar3256

5y↑31

This guy gets it. Amazing speaker. He breaks down mindfulness and overcoming the weight of the human struggle. The key points that I'd like to remember are to honor the negative as part of the human experience and to offer yourself thoughts of caring and kindness as if you were offering them to a friend with the same struggle.

Negative feelings are temporary and okay, when we watch the feelings arise and identify them as feelings or desires rather than impulses that we immediately act out, we create some space and enable ourselves to let the feelings pass. One by one we let negative feelings and impulses pass until we "know" they will pass and we create the clarity and space to make choices based in caring and kindness.

Great video. Wonderful speaker.

@amruth098

4y↑482

“If you accomplish something good with hard work, the labor passes quickly, but the good endures; if you do something shameful in pursuit of pleasure, the pleasure passes quickly, but the shame endures”
― Musonius Rufus

@oscarcandiales4641

3y↑2

Damn

@SK-tk6bi

2y↑1

Profound, eternal truth.

@dracodaym715

When ur doin hard work, it does not pass quickly

@varticasharma3092

💯💯💯

@ambercooley4701

31w

lmaooo@@dracodaym715

@neithanm

7y↑5.1K

Basically 3 points:
1) Be aware of the cravings whenever they appear, detect them and think "I'm feeling I'm having a craving for X."
2) Don't fight it. Let the craving rest in your brain and be conscious of it
3) Instead of shaming yourself for giving in to a craving, tell to yourself what you'd say to a friend of yours who's had a slip up.

@Winkxgirl25

6y↑41

Neithan Thank you!!

@brandonjimenez902

6y↑8

Neithan bravo 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

@Kim-jo8px

6y↑21

Brilliant summary

@RY-qs6hb

6y↑158

3) If craving overpowers you, "TALK to YOURSELF", in the same manner you would talk to a friend if he/she is struggling.
Be kind and caring.

@manjunathakamath4601

6y↑31

Thank you for saving my time

45 More Replies...

@etiennes1

4y↑1.5K

When I quit smoking I said to myself that I will always be a smoker and that will never change. I am only going to try not smoke for a while and when I get a craving it was easy because I made peace that I can smoke if I want to but I chose not to. It has been 7 years and 7 months and I still have cravings but they don't bother me anymore.

@pyttpytts2690

4y↑15

Well done, I'll try that

@SureshKumar-uy5fq

3y↑79

Procrastination used in a positive way. Kudos mate 👍

@4edwardfire

3y↑19

Awesome, this comment worth as much as the video

@kgthevibez

3y↑6

Did u smoke again

@mello.1483

3y↑4

Congrats👏🏾👏🏾

30 More Replies...

@goldeneducation9004

19w↑5

00:00 Unhealthy living is a global epidemic
02:28 Willingness can help reverse addictive behaviors like smoking and overeating.
04:46 Willingness is part of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach to behavior change.
06:46 Willingness approach helps quit smoking
08:49 Helping Jane quit smoking by tracking her cravings
10:18 Increase awareness of thoughts before acting
11:37 The secret to self-control is to give up control.
13:40 Allowing cravings to occupy a space in your body can make them less threatening.

@bernadetteohanlon209

5y↑33

This was so great. I used the letting go technique years ago on another issue I was dealing with. Watching this video today made me realize how similar this was and that I could use this on my battle with food. By accepting and being willing to accept that I may always crave that Pepsi or that candy I can maybe be able to overcome it by simply letting the battle just go.

@malekaren7241

2y↑2

I'm drinking Pepsi while reading that wow

@bernadetteohanlon209

2y↑2

@Male Karen I would love a pepsi right now.

@bernadetteohanlon209

2y↑2

@Ranjit Shinde After more than a week without, physically you have kicked the habit. The harder part is afterwardsb which is emotionally dependent on it. Most of the foods we feel we need is an emotional reaction to it. I tend to eat chocolate and pepsi more often when feeling stressed. It's like my body craves it as a way to comfort itself. But in truth junk food is the worse thing to give in too.

@adnababala6218

6y↑109

This man is phenomenal! Makes you laugh while you learn something new. He's excellent at explaining things and his charm cheers you up

@JustKhristene

Adna Babala those are the best videos!:)

@MarkNiceyard

4y↑34

This talk has definitely changed my life. It helped me losing weight which I was never ever be able to do before. Thanks a lot for this, Jonathan Brickler!

@thefrankmiller5030

2y↑1

How did that change happen in your life though? Currently in that same period in my life so I wanna get to learn more on the matter 👀

@FoodShowFan

Nice!!! Please share!

@CrimsonDawn-ou4og

Please share

@banjosan

7y↑1K

Jonathan ...your video changed my life. It's been more than a month since I took my last puff after 25 years of smoking a pack a day.....and this video and the concept of acceptance in it made this happen. The cravings are still there, the demons of the mind do appear....I notice them but do not engage with them and make them bigger. They go away on their own if they are not pampered....and that's magical. It really does work. I can never thank you enough Jonathan.

@wofjjdifnek9468

5y↑17

great to hear that. So what are you saying is when that craving comes, you are aware, and wait for some time until they go?

@harshag5423

5y↑9

Terrific mate!!!

@kmac713

Ridiculous.

@SUPERW0MANHER0

5y↑2

did you quit entirelv

@saurabhsinkar9767

4y↑7

Legend says he is smoking right now....;)

15 More Replies...

@teijeiro74

6y↑585

I love when they say they "discovered" or they "created" a method. Buddhist monks have been using this technique for thousands of years where you basically become aware that there's a thought going on without attaching yourself to it. Like yogis say all the time: I'm not my body. So basically you're separating yourself from the thought, not taking action, just noticing the thought process.

@heathert2310

5y↑44

Completely agree!! I wish he would give a little credit to buddhism.... But, would that scare people off? By bringing "religion" or "spiritually" into it?...

@KittyKate18

5y↑55

@Heather Tolliver that is exactly why they changed the therapeutic name to "Willingness", but this is straight up Zen Buddhism. It's awesome to see the teachings starting to influence our Western sciences though!

@windflier1684

5y↑14

Actually he just gave a buddhism's protocol in the end, the Namaskar. I belive he has the influence from the Buddhist

@ahmadnaufaldai

5y↑4

Yogi or buddhist monk?

@vishusharma1779

4y↑11

Before the Buddhism...meditation and yoga are part of Sanatan dharm (Hinduism)...meditation and yoga originated in Hinduism and then transferred to Buddhism and Jainism...
Lord Buddha was born as a hindu prince...whose earlier name was Sidhartha...now known as buddha..

15 More Replies...

@jbonceu2457

2y↑18

I really needed this. I'm a person who is easily distracted by other things and I always give in to them, whether it may be social media, doing hobbies more often, resulting to sacrificing my time for work and study which I also really value. It's also really hard for me to detach myself with this kind of urges, and instead I always tend to internalize everything that is happening to me, so I react very quickly and impulsively. Starting from today, I'm gonna start letting go of that urges and try this method of letting that craving sit for a while. Hopefully I can also learn to be more kind to myself as well. Thank you so much!

@scorpiod5088

3y↑6

11:55 onwards is when it all begins to make sense! having that time & space in-between your craving and thought process is what allows us to be in control and make a better decision. I love this technique and will be applying it to my life. Thank you!

@unpolishedpearl3769

4y↑20

From what I've been learning recently, this is basically one huge chunk of what people in East and South Asia have been using for generations. Awareness, acceptance, compassion.

@RandomChicky147

8y↑1.3K

@johnbrown1314

8y↑1

Random Chicky: Sounds like you have it all figured out...come back in five years and look at how stupid you sound, it never fails:-)

@Teresahorner

8y↑13

well said.

@didijoubih4581

Deco

@Flaxxseed

7y↑5

RandomChicky147 needed to read this.

@dnadna6917

7y↑9

Maybe there's something in what she says? You sad old cynics . . . .

15 More Replies...

@khushi-rs3js

24w↑1

Dealing with adicts with compassion and not indifference is really the message here. Thank you for your insight!

@mastermanipulator2777

3y↑4

One of the best Ted talks I've seen. Clear, concise, & delivers an important but largely overlooked message in a fun way. Replace Self Control with Self Love & watch as the magic of living your life to the fullest begins to unfold ❤️

@Anna_Helena

5y↑720

Fighting these cravings costs more energy than just being aware of them but not acting upon them

@erastoshedrack7118

3y↑12

Am here because of a failure to control myself not to act upon my cravings. My craving is even worse (not smoking craving)

@entelektuel.yolculuk

Anna where are you from? From which language is Helena?

@JustMe-ob3nw

3y↑1

Just like that

@goochipoochie

3y↑4

Awareness of the craving makes absolutely no difference to the craving.

This entire concept and video is absolutely useless, maybe that's the actual awareness the author needs to work on

@Ashen1Always

3y↑1

@Wall Street Tz same i know that feeling 😞

3 More Replies...

@sninjaprojectyay

6y↑5

Oratória impecável e dicas fantásticas. Um dos melhores TEDx que eu já vi

@asutepung5516

3y↑193

I’m not gonna lie, if you watched the whole video without skipping even 10s of it, you mastered self control

@Roger-qc8ex

3y↑1

Aye aye tuoppo

@Levendo

3y↑21

Also if you watched the whole thing without checking the comments section midway. I failed :<

@laurenjacques3292

Fkn funny 😅

@bringthesprite

1y↑1

I put it on 1,25x speed 😭

@titaniumteddybear

8y↑803

He's talking about mindfulness: paying attention to your thoughts and accepting what comes up, but not necessarily acting on it. This is great :)

@toskemusic

5y↑13

that is the essence of meditation.

@gianni.santi.

5y↑4

Better packaging.

@ThisMomentInMind

5y↑9

It is definitely mindfulness, they use the same strategy for chronic pain sufferers as well. Acknowledgment of the pain and letting it be has greater success than trying to shut out the pain. John kavat zinn.

@turnercariker7578

5y↑2

@STRATOS My thoughts exactly. Good strategies brought up here as well that are separate🙏

@michaelmccallum7960

4y↑6

Definitely -- it almost seems like he worded his talk to avoid using that term and scaring off those who don't take it seriously.

1 More Replies...

@ravitejakatta2615

5y↑5

An excellent video! Really loved the way he demonstrated the tussle we have with ourselves.

@adrianna8993

5y↑8

This is great to ppl with not only food addictions, cigarette addictions or any type of addictions, this talk was not only entertainment but educational, I need to start paying attention to my cravings, acknowledge them and be caring with myself in order to not giving in, I need to stop feeding them. Thank you 🙏🏼

@sarahporter6397

20w

This was how I overcame my OCD. I never thought of doing it in terms of cravings. Great talk.

@yippee2000

5y↑3

Hearing what he had to say, one thing came to my mind crystal clear... this is essentially exactly what we are taught regarding meditation, and 'thoughts' we may have...thoughts we may be dwelling on...and which we are trying to ignore and 'push away' so as to not 'intrude' on our quiet and meditation. In meditation, they tell us that instead of trying to push away any thoughts that may be running through our minds, we should instead simply 'acknowledge' the thought ...... 'gee, I'm thinking about work right now.... I'm thinking about my neighbor' etc.

@jehanhadjinasif7746

4y↑3

When you are swayed to do something, think of the possible consequences it might cause you. It is about you so before you made the decision always try to bring a spirit of caring and kindness to yourself. Thank you so much for this talk I’ve learn a lot.

@rulesforrebels

9y↑1.7K

Great video. In a day and age where everyone wants instant gratification and nobody wants any discomfort I think we as a society have lost a sense of hte imporantance of self control and patience. This is a great topic.

@VisualMind

8y↑5

Agreed!

@factsverse9957

8y↑3

Yes.

@grannygrammar6436

8y↑11

When and where is this "day and age where everyone wants instant gratification and nobody wants any discomfort." Rules?

I haven't noticed it. I think it's in your own mind, whiner.

You don't have anything to complain about, but fortunately you were born with a fantastic imagination, so you make stuff up. A "day and age where everyone wants instant gratification and nobody wants any discomfort"? Well done! You win today's imagination prize.

@flickthebean2124

8y↑40

You are the only one not living in reality if you can't see where he's coming from with that comment.

@grannygrammar6436

8y↑16

14 More Replies...

@clariceramos10

5y↑1

I watched this after binge watching netflix. This is a serious issue. We should have had a class on self-gratification in grade school through college. I'm very grateful for the impact these speakers are having in our lives & the awareness that is being spread of delaying gratification. :)

@gisele968

37w↑2

Muito emocionante, uma aula sobre auto cuidado, amei 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💖

@mbrights3158

4y↑2

For me the most valuable part starts at 10:41. It enables you to get perspective on what you are "experiencing" and that's the first step!

@TheWolfSaidPoofy

6y↑1

Great talk and no coincidence that he mentioned Avoidance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as that is where this kind of approach has been formulated (by Steven Hayes and his team). I recommend learning more about ACT if you want to learn more about what Jonathan Bricker was talking about here. It has really been helping me.

@streily1

Unhealthy living and negative behavior methods of
justifying the anxiety for me has just made the battle
of calmness of mind that much harder to achieve. Willing
to find the absurdity and actual humor of the thought while in
time the thought just goes away...quicker each time you practice
the method of not carrying out the insanity. Great message.

@2MorrowInc

9y↑9

This TEDx talk by Dr. Johnathan Bricker does a great job at explaining why "fighting" our unhealthy urges or craving is so challenging. Better yet, he provides hope by teaching us to be kinder to ourselves and more willing to live with our urges. Excellent talk.

@dazzlingT

Such a profound message delivered in such a simple, natural and engaging way!! I have struggled with this craving monster followed by the criticism monster all my life but I know better now! Will try this next time I am tempted to open a packet of chips to de-stress myself.
Thank you for sharing this!

@denverharrison5124

5y↑5

This is one of the best behavioural change video that I've watched. Because Its been a few days that i have applied these techniques to my daily life which the speaker has said. And it is really helping me a lot. "I have this thought" what a powerful way to end that war between you and your thoughts. Just an amazing video wish i knew this earlier, but anyhow nothing is too late in life when we apply it & do it for our self growth. People who have watched this and the one's who will be watching anytime later. Wishing you success to get relived from your craving and habits you wanted and want to quit.

@aishasaddique2358

3y↑4

This is the problem I couldn’t control myself, I had managed to loose a lot of weight but then started eating unhealthy again and this time I couldn’t stop it. I tried doing what I did last time and I craved so bad and I got so stressed over it. This really helped, THANK YOU

@kepspark3362

1y↑1

1 important thing to keep in mind I think is:

Know that it takes time. It doesn't happen suddenly.

Unrealistic expectations will only lead to the feeling of inadequacy in self, so you'll fall into the old habit that provides comfort.

@hornedlobster

5y↑6

This man is a phenomenal speaker! Great pacing and usage of pauses and kept the speech entertaining all the way through. Bravo!

@julianmcnally4166

9y↑48

This was brilliant Jonathan! I'm sharing this with all my clients with addiction/impulse control problems. Loved the way you illustrated the struggle with cravings.
P.S. You're a very good singer too!

@ChrisCorson

5y↑2

Found this so true. We call it acceptance. We are released from its power when we accept and acknowledge its power.

@gosuckyaself

4y↑3

Thank You Jonathan. I watched this video in 2014 and I have been using and teaching what I call the create space technique I learned from you in this video ever since. I couldn't for the life of me remember where i learned it from and finally some closure. Thanks again for such a powerful speech.

@derinden15

5y↑5.2K

Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.
-Abraham Lincoln

@beemo9

4y↑119

@Lyrical Terrorist - I think he tweeted it.

@Chroizt123

4y↑19

xD I am not so sure Abraham Lincoln said that.

@assy368

Ghandi**

@brendaramirez5974

4y↑36

Well, whoever did say it. Learn something from it. Does the source really matter that much?

@frenchfries9258

4y↑1

derin den even when you know that it doesn’t magically let you make the right choice.

17 More Replies...

@bharat.maharshi

4y↑1

Thank you ✨ your talk about building self control just by allowing craving to be as it is. Is one of the most unique concept I've ever watched.👍🙂♥️

@keitha.neubert3063

I like this presenter's style and his information. I've tried almost everything to sidestep compulsive behaviors. This presentation finally revealed the missing piece of puzzle. Thank you!

@rfabbri

7y↑2.9K

Summary: self control is enhanced through awareness, letting go and less drama. Be water, my friend.

@wezichirwa5398

4y↑41

Eastern philosophy is amazing

@tylerbuck2993

4y↑34

Nice Bruce lee quote👌🏼

@Zeitics

4y↑12

So when you crave sugar you do what?

@rfabbri

4y↑10

love drink lots of water :) if you are going to need the energy you crave, drink lots of tea with honey

@araratqarachatani3806

4y↑15

love you notice the craving and talk with them gently. Say to cravings I know you, I don’t want to listen to you. I love you

25 More Replies...

@user-mu3iy8fq3d

21w

Incorporating positive affirmations and quotes into my daily routine, as suggested in the video, has proven to be a powerful tool in boosting my confidence and overall self-worth.

@alicearredondo3835

4y↑1

Great advice and exactly how it feels to fight cravings, thanks!

@haany123

I completely agree. However one thing I have noticed is that the less time I have to myself the harder it is to do this. During corona I managed to do this, I managed to let go of control of a few things and it worked. Now that I am back working full time I find it much harder to have that moment between stimulus and response...

@ResilientIzShe

1y↑1

If you're reading this & believe in God then this principle applies to everything. GIVE UP CONTROL - SURRENDER! I'm talking to myself... this was great advice & just confirmation of what I've already added to my knowledge box. 👏🏽

@LeoEckl-DerAbiturCoach

7y↑15

Living in a body that wants to do everything to be secure and to survive, while we want an amazing, fulfilling life, self-control might be the most important skill ever. Great talk!

@simple8530

4y↑2

We are the masters, we have the power to make a choice. Thank you Jonathan, you made it clear that it’s important to wait , pause , see , and make a choice , take a wise decision 💁🏻‍♂️

@beatboxbill

Wow! What a great video... I've been smoke-free for over 7 months now, but I still feel the impulsive urge to do other things, and needed encouragement to deal with impulsiveness.

@damuyang9185

2y↑6

Awareness--- Notice the cravings including hidden ones
Willingness---Allow your cravings to come and go
Acceptance---Give up control
Compassion---Be kind to yourself

@sankalpa_dahal

25w

@jeanphilippepuyravaud439

I am not sure it is a discovery as suggested in the description. It looks more like a confirmation. These mechanisms have been explored in depth by a lot of people in India thousand years ago. You can see in the comments that people of Indian origin are perfectly attuned to this. Among many techniques, one is observation without judgement. This said, congratulations. The talk, its message and the research are beautiful.

@Theaterofthepilgrammige

7y↑35

I love this man and his message. You can run your entire life, but it's ultimately futile. Relinquishment and acceptance is the key to true freedom. Embracing the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's the only way. "What you resist not only persists, but will grow in size" Carl Jung

@ellesrevisionsession

Brilliant talk. “Willingness” must be the basis of DBT which I discovered a couple of years ago and have been trying to apply to my life ever since, even though I don’t have a disorder that it is usually used to treat.

@mikiramirezjr.2835

2y↑1

This was amazing. I died when he said “as we are breaking for lunch” lol 😆 such a great educational speech!!

@user-fo1et7sw3k

51w

Thank you for the useful information! Every day we face some life problems that our brain processes 24/7. And in order not to get bogged down in this state, it is necessary to find time for joy, time to disconnect from the outside world and hear your inner voice. It is in such moments that we live, do not deprive yourself of life. Running, walking in the fresh air, reading, yoga and meditation - as tools to hear yourself. And in matters of mutual understanding of people, trust the Volikov test. The test is absolutely free to help you find the key to understanding every human soul, tell you the strengths and weaknesses of each, open your eyes to the person standing in front of you: is he hardworking, honest, selfish, etc.

@diegotheodoro9577

2y↑1

Vim aqui pela Fundação Bradesco - Curso: Desenvolvimento Pessoal e Profissional ( Controle do impulso e Maneja da Raiva, Vergonha e Inveja) . Desenvolvendo esse tema para minha vida pessoal, passo por um problema de comer muito e fumar. estou à 07 meses sem fumar e agora meu problema e com as balança vou levar esse vídeo para minha vida. Gratidão.

@ahakansahin

40w

Bricker made a crucial point that we should not overly concern ourselves with our thoughts . This is the basic principle of mind rules. If you focus on your thoughts that what you don't want to do, you will obsess that in your mind. But If you release your thoughts and ignore them, you can treat them as a ordinary options, allowing you to decide to do that or not.

@marymcevoy8005

8y↑5

I'm really grateful for this Ted talk and refer to it frequently to get me back on track. I mindlessly overeat on sugar..the cookie scenario is brilliant and says it all, and more importantly teaches me how to let go .. gives me the space to make the right decision. From start to finish, this really is an excellent, spot on talk. Thank you Mr. Bricker.

@joycemeyerministries7669

3y↑17

I thank you Jonathan Bricker for motivating my daughter when thing went really had for her.
It was really so bad that she attempted committing murder until you invited Mrs Lyra Holt Dean for your TED show program.
Am really so grateful for her finical assistance in my daughters life thank you so much once again.

@joycemeyerministries7669

@Lewis Hamilton i figured out Mrs Lyra Holt From a TED show hosted by Jonathan Bricker .
He invited this particular woman and she introduced this fabulous type strategy for making money.
It looked like a scam until we took the risk and tired it out and it worked

@joycemeyerministries7669

@Lewis Hamilton Honestly is not something we can talk about on the comment section i can give you her direct so you can contact her.

@joycemeyerministries7669

@Lewis HamiltonKindly contact@lyraholtdean. com that her direct mail feel free talking her and talk me later SMILES.

@dhanikaponnamperuma9145

2y↑1

This is actually very similar to buddhist techniques of dealing with (and eventually uprooting) cravings. We're taught to see those cravings as not ours and therefore not our problem to deal with. When you don't interact with them in any way, you can remain unaffected while there is craving present and then nothing can faze you. The same principle can be applied to other types of feelings as well such as anger and fear.

@CalculyticCuber

32w

I think I end up taking a cognitive-behavioral approach to the same thing. I just realize that I really want to eat the food I want to eat, but I also realize the self-shame that I'll have to deal with after if I take part in eating it. I do honor the craving and I realize that the craving is just a part of who I am, and so is the shame that comes as a result of giving into that craving. And I feel better for not giving in.

@beckyhanson5797

5y↑2

Wow I came to an awareness of autopilot mode of the fight or flight part of my brain as a result of 45 years of mental abuse. I’ve been toiling over ways to fix this and have all ready seen results in my life and how I show up in the world. Maybe better said is how I show up for myself. Your talk excited me! I will add those words to what I’m doing and consider taking perspective considerations inventory on all my thoughts. After all the most common advice I’m given is to chill out. Now that I’ve decided to stopped dodging phantom bullets, which might take a while. I should finally be able to experience how to chill out for the first time in my life. But Damn if it didn’t make me and incredible problem solver and critical thinker. Enough to come to this conclusion on my own and more that you touched on. Thank you

@gpgp

Excellent presentation. The secret to self control is to let go of control. Absolutely. Also, one thing, it is not a "monster" that is on a tug of war, it is basic human instinct that says that you need that cookie. No need to label it as a monster either.

@davidj.kosinsphd7540

9y↑12

It was such a privelage to be in the audience when my good friend Jonathan gave his TED talk. What a terrific speaker, and such an important topic, about which his passion comes through loud and clear. I was excited to share this video with the private Facebook page I host for members of my support group for people with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. It turns out, urges to pick skin or pull hair compulsively can be handled the same way Jonathan describes handling cravings to smoke or eat unhealthy food. Thank you, Jonathan, for making this concept so easy for people to "digest."

@kendrewreviews

This has been around for thousands of years. It's called mindful meditation or vipassana meditation. It's great to see it to become supported by science. When doing mindful meditation we become more conscious and aware of our mind. All you got to do is sit in a chair or any comfortable position and focus on your stomach rising and falling with each breath. Whenever you have a distracting thought or energy or crave or anything, you just make a mental note about it three times silently and your mind and then you go back to feeling your stomach rise and fall of each breath. Do that for five minutes a day and work your way up as much as you can from there. Great video!

@DanWillisMillennialMotivator

Great video! Will definitely be putting this concept into practice.

@klilly6035

3y↑1

you are not loud, yet you are heard! thank you for sharing your organized thoughts on this subject! it was a layered presentation and you seemed so relaxed, I have to love this!

@dmitrysamoilov5989

This video gave me a thought. It may be nothing, but worth a read if everything else has failed. After we have a self-control failure, we feel frustrated and sad. We know we want to do something, but are simply unable to. It's an emotion which stops you. That emotion is anger. The switch from being content to being angry is terribly disheartening to us, and that's when we quit doing something we intellectually know we need to do. The trick here is if you know you're going to do something that'll make you angry, instead of being surprised by the anger when you experience it, make yourself angry first, or at least try to, and maintain that feeling of anger. Doing that, you will avoid the transition from happiness to anger which causes you to stop doing whatever task you want to do. I don't know if that will work for you. It's whatever. Good luck, people.

@SkyAaronBrink

21w

well said! It's all about accepting what you want. But can it truly help us to get where to go and what to do? thanks

@aeonsleo2

8y↑15

Self-control is like a battle when the enemy is within you. It really overpowers you particularly when you are down and depressed, a weak target. But knowing that this enemy can't strike you if you don't strike it, it seems futile to fight. Yet we fight and get into much trouble.
Some of the stuff is easier to fend off like craving for food but others like tobacco addiction is deeply ingrained. The withdrawal symptoms are not just thoughts in your head. Its pain in your abdomen, itching in your throat and eyes, no concentration at work & headaches. You just can't ignore it. It will ruin your life.
Quitting smoking doesn't need a moment of truth, it needs awareness and meticulous planning and execution. Its like a project for your next client who will take away your job and all the good that you have done until now if you fail. You just don't wake up one day and commit to his project. You need to show him the blueprints for success, a sound project plan and execution strategy.

@ScrappyXGC

8y↑3

Bullshit. I decided to quit drinking, I quit. I decided to quit smoking, I quit. Decided to go on a 3 day fast, it was 80 hours, I fasted. It is not a battle, it's you making it a battle. Let go.

@sarahtiktin8419

8y↑6

+XGC Scrappy then congrats on having a shitload more control than basically everyone

@johnbrown1314

I have found hashish works very well to settle my addictive behaviors, usually with a cup of mint tea!

@johnbrown1314

Sarah Tiktin: You nailed it honey:-)

@jaigi2

Superb. As a senior citizen trying to give up -- very helpful.

@layladventures

1y↑5

To fight the monster of cravings I’m gonna try this method: whenever it happens, take 5 minutes of “ no action “ and attempting to shift the focus by doing something else, preferably enjoyable, fun… I hope this works for me and anyone willing to try this

@jubsology

6y↑7

He is very entertaining in presentation.Laughed many times.

My takeaways:
1. Turning off cravings doesn't work in real life.
2. Willingness is the key to avoiding a bad habit.

@MarwanTube

3y↑4

I'm having a thought that this is such a life-changing talk and it should be in school classes!

@estefaniaabadiacolindres4975

El autocontrol se logra cediendo al control. Hay que ser conscientes de las ansias de nuestro cuerpo, reconocerlo y aceptarlo, después y no dejar q mis ansias o deseos me controlen. Para hacer un cambio hay q quitarlo poco a poco y no todo en un tirón.

@JustMe-ob3nw

3y↑9

Amazing, I’ve been doing that way before I ever listened to this podcast and it’s been helping me to keep my weigh off for three years now - I embrace my cravings, but rarely or never, ever act upon them -

@Lusiasilfiapuloboli

8y↑3

Listening to this talk has given me a strength and a way to face my problem. Thank you Mr. Bricker for responding to my problem with such a valuable advice..

@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs

This was a very nicely layered presentation! It kept my attention. Now time to practice being kind to oneself during unhealthy cravings when the "monster tug O war" happens. Thanks for this. Canada during covid.

@jyotidubey4890

2y↑1

What a wonderful talk 💫 thank you so much 💚

@gpgp

2y↑3

Bro determining to change your life is an amazing feeling. Discipline isn't a sacrifice, it is an enrichment.

@justinchoijcjc

so just be honest with yourself right? accept who you are and say your thoughts out loud to split the difference between you and your thinking. This man taught us that we are not our thoughts... a great speech indeed

@gabrielangelo5937

Self - control is the true epitome of human existence.

@Wadzzz

7y↑3

Very motivating video. I really liked how he ended it, climbing the mountain, just like his mother did; all for the common goal of living a healthier life, very well said.

@thedude951

4y↑3.5K

"We are facing a epidemic, it's not ebola"
"Corona, it's corona"
"Epidemic of unhealthy living"
"Ohh yes, that too."

@8cyber.muse8

4y↑41

LMAO totally my reaction.

@maneesha3331

4y↑24

I really thought it’s corona and eh how come they are having Ted talks 🤔 and then he said healthy living...
Ofcourse then I went and checked the time it was uploaded and this is 5 years ago! Lmao

@thedude951

4y↑6

@Maneesha E Lack of self control is really bringing us together.

@maneesha3331

Woody! Ah yes!

@satyam8100

4y↑1

There's a new ebola wave going on in africa

17 More Replies...

@shaikhonemon

6y↑37

In 3 days I'll be one year nicotine free (after 7 year addiction) and i can relate and endorse this, though i did not know that such a science existed. Every time I'm with my smoker friends i take a cigarette and put it in my mouth without lighting it, partly inspired by that fault in our stars guy. I am kinda at peace with it now, Its no more threatening to me. One thing I've learned is that our brain is an amazing organ. Your current condition is your brain's comfort zone and any change is resisted by brain, but after the initial impasse, its starts adjusting itself to new realities. Quit today! You'll be fine and thankful to yourself.

@simonlevy2154

Well done.

@harshitrautela6585

Very good bro

@lifestyle-lines

This talk has helped me so much in my own struggles! Eye opener

@davidyomtobian8505

I just saw this for the first time yesterday but I have to say Thank You. Very few times in life one can say a youtube video is life changing. By creating that time and attention space awareness between my cravings and actions I'm one step closer to behavior modification.

@MrEyanlakhani

8y↑5

The world is blessed to have people like you !! Thank you for caring for other humans with no strings attached.

@memsahibproductions

6y↑1

Best ted talk I've ever heard, the technique has already cut down my sugar cravings. Brilliant speaker, thank you sir

@nayabks5927

What a good man and what a unique idea. Loved it.

@kimandari2750

3y↑1

This is an amazing presentation!!!! I'm reading about a new book that seems to have all of this same info in it but by a different author. Love this.

@poisson6673

Indistractable?
The happiness trap?
Stoicism stuff?

@boya92_

One of the approaches to achieve self-control reposes in that it's a matter of acknowledging one's weekenesses to thus embrace them for the sake of internalizing them as a fundamental part of the human being, subject to the experience and the effort required to control one's cravings. That is ultimately the reason why the problem doesn't lie in the craving itself but in the way in which its solution is approached, for one can't get control of anything until understanding how it works as a whole, and understanding presupposes willingness to acknowledge its behaviour.