Re: IE 'stages'

[Guest guest]

Jane, I am NOT am IE professional, perhaps more a 'groupie'? (ha ha) But as I've

been a member at this group, and a couple of other groups, I have noticed

similar patterns that seem to develop as people embark on their IE journeys. The

following are only a quick sketch of what I've seen. If other members want to

add their comments to develop this further that could be instructive for us all.

Newbie

Becoming acquainted with IE - what it is - concept as well as basic suggestions

for practicing it. Questions and a desire to have-it-ALL(immediately) is a

general reaction common to many. Diet Mentality plays havoc because it is what

is known while IE is new and unknown. Feelings of overwhelm, black & white type

thinking, self judgmental and seeking of new 'rules' (to replace old dieting

ones) is common. Focus on food and weight issues usual too. Pit falls include

turning IE into a diet - making Principles into rules.

Junior

Has learned IE Principles. Beginning to practice those suggestions that they are

comfortable with and can manage in their lives. Incorporating self acceptance

and need for overnight success diminished. Able to not judge self as harshly,

more comfortable around foods and happier to work on areas of IE that suit.

Moving beyond cut-and-dry 'rule' mentality into guideline attitude. Have made

some good progress with feelings of success not totally ruined by any lapses or

set backs. Beginning to connect with emotions in a meaningful way. Focus on self

knowledge and acceptance hallmarks this step. Pitfall generally is some weight

gain usually from legalizing or 'relaxing' (diet mentality).

Senior

Has hung in with hammering out what IE they could manage and practice long

enough to incorporate (for the most part) in their lives. Probably has

7-out-of-10 IE Principles comfortably (but not 'perfectly'!) working for them.

Accepted that IE is a LIFE practice, not a 'program' to be mastered (or not).

Weight issues fade in importance, but not totally ignored either. Body

adjustments may happen but take a back seat to peace with eating as focus and

'reward' for efforts. INternal (self acceptance and knowledge) reigns over

EXternal expectations. Pitfalls are generally relaxing and dropping guard on

diet mentality.

Again, this is a quick and general overview. I think its easy to see how support

is most needed by Newbies, with Juniors stepping out of being so much group

supported and Seniors desiring support 'as needed'. When you consider the needs

of each 'level', it doesn't surprise me to see that there are less posts from

Seniors or even Juniors even though these are VERY much appreciated by Newbies.

(reassurance)

Katcha

IEing since March 2007

>

> So Katcha, what do you see those 3 levels as consisting of? I guess I'm

curious about the learning curve of IE. Seems like I'm not seeing a lot of

posts on this list from folks who have attained all that much long-term success

(which I suppose I define as both making peace with food and reaching and

maintaining a healthy weight). I figure that's natural, as those who do would

focus their time and attention elsewhere. But you've been around awhile, so

what have you seen as you've watched people learn IE?

>

> Jane