Re: Advice on Being Present

[Guest guest]

For me I find that I'm present through my 5 senses (and nit my thoughts). So if I find it difficult to be present I inventory my senses - slowly- for example start with sight - what am I seeing? Then what am I hearing? Next touch then smell & taste....JodySent from my iPhone

Hi all,

I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to get it. I used to just tell myself "be present" and there I was: present! But now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not theory.

Could anyone help?

Thanks so much!

Mali

[Guest guest]

For me I find that I'm present through my 5 senses (and nit my thoughts). So if I find it difficult to be present I inventory my senses - slowly- for example start with sight - what am I seeing? Then what am I hearing? Next touch then smell & taste....JodySent from my iPhone

Hi all,

I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to get it. I used to just tell myself "be present" and there I was: present! But now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not theory.

Could anyone help?

Thanks so much!

Mali

[Guest guest]

For me I find that I'm present through my 5 senses (and nit my thoughts). So if I find it difficult to be present I inventory my senses - slowly- for example start with sight - what am I seeing? Then what am I hearing? Next touch then smell & taste....JodySent from my iPhone

Hi all,

I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to get it. I used to just tell myself "be present" and there I was: present! But now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not theory.

Could anyone help?

Thanks so much!

Mali

[Guest guest]

Hi Mali;

I'm just starting with IE, so I'm still struggling too. What I do to "get present" is a meditative process - I focus on each part of my body, starting with the top of my head and moving down, noting how each part feels. I've worked so hard all my life to bury my feelings, this is a valuable exercise for me. It also helps to talk about it, so this is definitely helpful for me - hope it's valuable for you as well!

To: IntuitiveEating_Support From: ammi_mali@...Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:08:02 +0000Subject: Advice on Being Present

Hi all,I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to get it. I used to just tell myself "be present" and there I was: present! But now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not theory.Could anyone help?Thanks so much!Mali

[Guest guest]

Hi Mali;

I'm just starting with IE, so I'm still struggling too. What I do to "get present" is a meditative process - I focus on each part of my body, starting with the top of my head and moving down, noting how each part feels. I've worked so hard all my life to bury my feelings, this is a valuable exercise for me. It also helps to talk about it, so this is definitely helpful for me - hope it's valuable for you as well!

To: IntuitiveEating_Support From: ammi_mali@...Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:08:02 +0000Subject: Advice on Being Present

Hi all,I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to get it. I used to just tell myself "be present" and there I was: present! But now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not theory.Could anyone help?Thanks so much!Mali

[Guest guest]

Hi Mali;

I'm just starting with IE, so I'm still struggling too. What I do to "get present" is a meditative process - I focus on each part of my body, starting with the top of my head and moving down, noting how each part feels. I've worked so hard all my life to bury my feelings, this is a valuable exercise for me. It also helps to talk about it, so this is definitely helpful for me - hope it's valuable for you as well!

To: IntuitiveEating_Support From: ammi_mali@...Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:08:02 +0000Subject: Advice on Being Present

Hi all,I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to get it. I used to just tell myself "be present" and there I was: present! But now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not theory.Could anyone help?Thanks so much!Mali

[Guest guest]

I Mali,

I know exactly what you are saying. It's like trying to hold on to the way the air smelled yesterday with the year's first fresh snow. Today I went out looking for it and it's not there. Searching, holding, grasping do the opposite of what I want.

I know you know what I'm about to say but there is no other way i know of to say it. I have to be fully present to whatever is really, really here right now. Even when it isn't my first choice of what I want. For me, I have to STOP. It helps to consciously relax my belly and shoulders. I drop my head onto my chest and gently breath. Then I "put my head" into my breath and just sit.

I wonder if you are looking to be present or are you looking for that empty feeling? Not that either is better. Judging, as we know, makes for more busy-ness. My search for the empty/quiet always ends up being an exercise in trying to catch the wind. It seems it is a gift for being with what is actually here and then quiet shows up

Yay on us for doing as well as we do,Audrey

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Mon, November 22, 2010 6:08:02 PMSubject: Advice on Being Present

Hi all,I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to get it. I used to just tell myself "be present" and there I was: present! But now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not theory.Could anyone

help?Thanks so much!Mali

[Guest guest]

I Mali,

I know exactly what you are saying. It's like trying to hold on to the way the air smelled yesterday with the year's first fresh snow. Today I went out looking for it and it's not there. Searching, holding, grasping do the opposite of what I want.

I know you know what I'm about to say but there is no other way i know of to say it. I have to be fully present to whatever is really, really here right now. Even when it isn't my first choice of what I want. For me, I have to STOP. It helps to consciously relax my belly and shoulders. I drop my head onto my chest and gently breath. Then I "put my head" into my breath and just sit.

I wonder if you are looking to be present or are you looking for that empty feeling? Not that either is better. Judging, as we know, makes for more busy-ness. My search for the empty/quiet always ends up being an exercise in trying to catch the wind. It seems it is a gift for being with what is actually here and then quiet shows up

Yay on us for doing as well as we do,Audrey

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Mon, November 22, 2010 6:08:02 PMSubject: Advice on Being Present

Hi all,I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to get it. I used to just tell myself "be present" and there I was: present! But now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not theory.Could anyone

help?Thanks so much!Mali

[Guest guest]

Great way of approaching eating with presence, Jody. Sounds so nurturing. I will

try it today.

mj

>

> > Hi all,

> >

> > I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time that I

was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was also the

time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have been trying

really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to get it. I

used to just tell myself " be present " and there I was: present! But now, I have

my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its the weighing

that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I just want to

feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

> >

> > I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even been

going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel that

last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking this

time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not

theory.

> >

> > Could anyone help?

> >

> > Thanks so much!

> >

> > Mali

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Great way of approaching eating with presence, Jody. Sounds so nurturing. I will

try it today.

mj

>

> > Hi all,

> >

> > I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time that I

was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was also the

time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have been trying

really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to get it. I

used to just tell myself " be present " and there I was: present! But now, I have

my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its the weighing

that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I just want to

feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

> >

> > I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even been

going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel that

last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking this

time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not

theory.

> >

> > Could anyone help?

> >

> > Thanks so much!

> >

> > Mali

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Great way of approaching eating with presence, Jody. Sounds so nurturing. I will

try it today.

mj

>

> > Hi all,

> >

> > I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time that I

was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was also the

time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have been trying

really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to get it. I

used to just tell myself " be present " and there I was: present! But now, I have

my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its the weighing

that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I just want to

feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

> >

> > I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even been

going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel that

last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking this

time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not

theory.

> >

> > Could anyone help?

> >

> > Thanks so much!

> >

> > Mali

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Abigail,

You are absolutely right! That is exactly what is happening and what just said

made me realize that I am very unforgiving to myself if I take breaks or do

something enjoyable as I expect myself to be working all the time. This was how

I was brought up and I'm still having trouble overcoming it and valuing breaks.

But I know its exactly what I need... I need to focus on doing more enjoyable

things and making my work more enjoyable as well so I wouldn't feel the need to

be mindless and distract myself from it all with food. I know its a simple

concept, but not one that I was raised with so I tend to forget that I simply

deserve breaks! Thank you for reminding me of that!!

Mali

>

>

>

> What has worked for me to practice mindfulness when eating is to pretend to

> be a food critic in my head. I look at the food and describe it as though I

> were writing a piece about it. It�s fun to come up with descriptions! It

> can be silly too, the thing about mindfulness is we often take it too

> seriously. I then taste a bite and describe it in my head. I give a

> scathing review if it doesn�t pass my high standards! Having been a former

> binger, I am getting quite picky with eating and that just delights me!

> lol.

>

>

> *From:* mj

> *Sent:* Saturday, November 27, 2010 3:55 PM

>

>

> To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> *Subject:* Re: Advice on Being Present

>

>

> hi mali,

> Oh yes, I've often experienced not wanting to be in the present. My mind

> seems to ENJOY t...

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I base all of my eating decisions on two things...how they taste while eating it and how I feel afterwards....and not just immediately, but until the next meal. I use these feelings as a reminder of my own wellbeing. I remind myself that I like how I feel, if I have eaten well. I think about how I want to feel this way all the time. When I don’t feel well after eating and have a sense of over fullness or indigestion or heaviness, I use this as a reminder that I could feel so much better if I paid a little more attention to the food selection at the next meal. I try to avoid thinking in terms of good or bad, right or wrong and especially never again dialogs. I just think about feeling well.

Have you ever played with eating? I once set out 10 chips and took an hour to eat them. To make the taste last, I pretty much let them dissolve in my mouth. I found that I wasn’t all that impressed with them by the time I got to the last chip. I am always playing with my food....trying to see what it is about that particular food I think is so intriguing. I am learning that many foods I had put on a don’t eat status because I believed I could not control eating them, are actually the very foods I really don’t like. I use to eat these foods so fast, why? I think it was because it was punishing myself with food. I must have known deep down that I didn’t really like them, but I wanted to punish myself and in a way, cause myself pain with food. It’s pretty say when I look back on that part of my life, but I am glad to know now that I can chose to feel good about myself, the foods I eat and I keep honing in on the sense of wellbeing that means everything to me now.

From: mj

Sent: Sunday, November 28, 2010 8:39 PM

To: IntuitiveEating_Support

Subject: Re: Advice on Being Present

wow, I really like this food "critic" suggestion. Will try that for sure. Thanks. I noticed today that I ate an average serving of veggie chips which I really like & after I finished them I realized that I only like eating them while I am eating them, after they were gone my mouth tasted yucky from all the salt & I needed to get water for the thirst from too much salt. That was a very useful discovery because in the past I have binged on them big time & never paid attention to how I felt after eating them. YES!!!!mj

[Guest guest]

I base all of my eating decisions on two things...how they taste while eating it and how I feel afterwards....and not just immediately, but until the next meal. I use these feelings as a reminder of my own wellbeing. I remind myself that I like how I feel, if I have eaten well. I think about how I want to feel this way all the time. When I don’t feel well after eating and have a sense of over fullness or indigestion or heaviness, I use this as a reminder that I could feel so much better if I paid a little more attention to the food selection at the next meal. I try to avoid thinking in terms of good or bad, right or wrong and especially never again dialogs. I just think about feeling well.

Have you ever played with eating? I once set out 10 chips and took an hour to eat them. To make the taste last, I pretty much let them dissolve in my mouth. I found that I wasn’t all that impressed with them by the time I got to the last chip. I am always playing with my food....trying to see what it is about that particular food I think is so intriguing. I am learning that many foods I had put on a don’t eat status because I believed I could not control eating them, are actually the very foods I really don’t like. I use to eat these foods so fast, why? I think it was because it was punishing myself with food. I must have known deep down that I didn’t really like them, but I wanted to punish myself and in a way, cause myself pain with food. It’s pretty say when I look back on that part of my life, but I am glad to know now that I can chose to feel good about myself, the foods I eat and I keep honing in on the sense of wellbeing that means everything to me now.

From: mj

Sent: Sunday, November 28, 2010 8:39 PM

To: IntuitiveEating_Support

Subject: Re: Advice on Being Present

wow, I really like this food "critic" suggestion. Will try that for sure. Thanks. I noticed today that I ate an average serving of veggie chips which I really like & after I finished them I realized that I only like eating them while I am eating them, after they were gone my mouth tasted yucky from all the salt & I needed to get water for the thirst from too much salt. That was a very useful discovery because in the past I have binged on them big time & never paid attention to how I felt after eating them. YES!!!!mj

[Guest guest]

How powerful that is that you can recognize how you feel overwhelmed.

I know when I feel overwhelmed, I am usually tired. Are you getting enough

rest? Maybe your need to zone out is because you are tired?

Can you give yourself permission to sit and zone out watching TV? I find when I

give myself permission, it removes the guilt. I do have to set a time limit -

" Ok, I am going to veg and zone out watching TV tonight " but then tomorrow I

will then feel a bit more motivated to do whatever I need to do the next

day/night. But I definately agree that it is a good idea to take baby steps and

break down what you need to get done. And then congratulate yourself, and

celebrate, when you do get somethng small accomplished.

Hope all this helps.

Alana

> > > >

> > > > > An idea I have for you is that when it just isn’t coming to you, to

find comfort in patterning until something arises from it that makes you aware

again of what you are seeking. Patterning for me is a repetitive task that is

so pleasurable that it makes me smile and feel peaceful. It can be as simple as

finding the perfect tea cup, performing a tea ceremony, lighting a fragrant

candle or knitting with a lovely colour of wool on wooden pins. When I am

peaceful with small things that I enjoy doing, the irritable things lose their

power and significance. Repeating the tasks until the stresses have receded

aligns my mind in a receptive thought process instead of focusing on the

negatives.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > From: ammi_mali

> > > > > Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 8:08 PM

> > > > > To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> > > > > Subject: Advice on Being Present

> > > > > Hi all,

> > > > >

> > > > > I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time

that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was

also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have

been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to

get it. I used to just tell myself " be present " and there I was: present! But

now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its

the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I

just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

> > > > >

> > > > > I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even

been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel

that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking

this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not

theory.

> > > > >

> > > > > Could anyone help?

> > > > >

> > > > > Thanks so much!

> > > > >

> > > > > Mali

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > >

> > > > >

[Guest guest]

How powerful that is that you can recognize how you feel overwhelmed.

I know when I feel overwhelmed, I am usually tired. Are you getting enough

rest? Maybe your need to zone out is because you are tired?

Can you give yourself permission to sit and zone out watching TV? I find when I

give myself permission, it removes the guilt. I do have to set a time limit -

" Ok, I am going to veg and zone out watching TV tonight " but then tomorrow I

will then feel a bit more motivated to do whatever I need to do the next

day/night. But I definately agree that it is a good idea to take baby steps and

break down what you need to get done. And then congratulate yourself, and

celebrate, when you do get somethng small accomplished.

Hope all this helps.

Alana

> > > >

> > > > > An idea I have for you is that when it just isn’t coming to you, to

find comfort in patterning until something arises from it that makes you aware

again of what you are seeking. Patterning for me is a repetitive task that is

so pleasurable that it makes me smile and feel peaceful. It can be as simple as

finding the perfect tea cup, performing a tea ceremony, lighting a fragrant

candle or knitting with a lovely colour of wool on wooden pins. When I am

peaceful with small things that I enjoy doing, the irritable things lose their

power and significance. Repeating the tasks until the stresses have receded

aligns my mind in a receptive thought process instead of focusing on the

negatives.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > From: ammi_mali

> > > > > Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 8:08 PM

> > > > > To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> > > > > Subject: Advice on Being Present

> > > > > Hi all,

> > > > >

> > > > > I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time

that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was

also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have

been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to

get it. I used to just tell myself " be present " and there I was: present! But

now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its

the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I

just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

> > > > >

> > > > > I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even

been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel

that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking

this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not

theory.

> > > > >

> > > > > Could anyone help?

> > > > >

> > > > > Thanks so much!

> > > > >

> > > > > Mali

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > >

> > > > >

[Guest guest]

How powerful that is that you can recognize how you feel overwhelmed.

I know when I feel overwhelmed, I am usually tired. Are you getting enough

rest? Maybe your need to zone out is because you are tired?

Can you give yourself permission to sit and zone out watching TV? I find when I

give myself permission, it removes the guilt. I do have to set a time limit -

" Ok, I am going to veg and zone out watching TV tonight " but then tomorrow I

will then feel a bit more motivated to do whatever I need to do the next

day/night. But I definately agree that it is a good idea to take baby steps and

break down what you need to get done. And then congratulate yourself, and

celebrate, when you do get somethng small accomplished.

Hope all this helps.

Alana

> > > >

> > > > > An idea I have for you is that when it just isn’t coming to you, to

find comfort in patterning until something arises from it that makes you aware

again of what you are seeking. Patterning for me is a repetitive task that is

so pleasurable that it makes me smile and feel peaceful. It can be as simple as

finding the perfect tea cup, performing a tea ceremony, lighting a fragrant

candle or knitting with a lovely colour of wool on wooden pins. When I am

peaceful with small things that I enjoy doing, the irritable things lose their

power and significance. Repeating the tasks until the stresses have receded

aligns my mind in a receptive thought process instead of focusing on the

negatives.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > From: ammi_mali

> > > > > Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 8:08 PM

> > > > > To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> > > > > Subject: Advice on Being Present

> > > > > Hi all,

> > > > >

> > > > > I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a time

that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It was

also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have

been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to

get it. I used to just tell myself " be present " and there I was: present! But

now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its

the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I

just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

> > > > >

> > > > > I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even

been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel

that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking

this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not

theory.

> > > > >

> > > > > Could anyone help?

> > > > >

> > > > > Thanks so much!

> > > > >

> > > > > Mali

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > >

> > > > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Alana,

Thank you so much for your words! I was definitely tired and I think this

Thanksgiving break was exactly what I needed! So I'm feeling a lot better now.

And yes, I definitely need to work on developing a habit of being kinder to

myself: allowing myself to rest and take breaks, being compassionate, forgiving

and practicing positive self-talk. The key is to stay aware and catch myself

when I'm deviating from this. I've heard that it takes 10,000 hours to master

anything and the way I think about it is how I learned to play the piano. At

first, I had to learn each note, then keep on practicing, and I made slow

progress in the beginning and mistakes along the way, but forgave myself and

kept going, and now, I don't even think about it anymore... my fingers know

exactly what to do, and they create beautiful music! I see intuitive eating and

being present in the same way. I have just learned about these concepts and

becoming aware of them, and now, I need to keep practicing and applying them to

different pieces of my life.

Thanks again for all the advice everyone and for your encouraging me to keep

thinking and challenging myself. Ever since I joined this group, I feel like I

have a large group of best friends that I've never met but can always count on.

Many thanks,

Mali

> > > > >

> > > > > > An idea I have for you is that when it just isn’t coming to you,

to find comfort in patterning until something arises from it that makes you

aware again of what you are seeking. Patterning for me is a repetitive task

that is so pleasurable that it makes me smile and feel peaceful. It can be as

simple as finding the perfect tea cup, performing a tea ceremony, lighting a

fragrant candle or knitting with a lovely colour of wool on wooden pins. When I

am peaceful with small things that I enjoy doing, the irritable things lose

their power and significance. Repeating the tasks until the stresses have

receded aligns my mind in a receptive thought process instead of focusing on the

negatives.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > From: ammi_mali

> > > > > > Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 8:08 PM

> > > > > > To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> > > > > > Subject: Advice on Being Present

> > > > > > Hi all,

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a

time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It

was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have

been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to

get it. I used to just tell myself " be present " and there I was: present! But

now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its

the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I

just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there, even

been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I feel

that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not clicking

this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on experience, not

theory.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Could anyone help?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Thanks so much!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Mali

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Mali wrote,

> Thanks again for all the advice everyone and for your encouraging >me to keep

thinking and challenging myself. Ever since I joined >this group, I feel like I

have a large group of best friends that >I've never met but can always count on.

AWWWWW, that is exactly how I feel. In fact I can't imagine being as

comfortable/successful with this way of eating without everyone on here. I learn

so much when I read the posts. I find when I am having a rough day, I can come

here & either post about it or read other people's posts & it just all seems

less 'rough'. So thanks everyone for reading & posting, it really helps.

mj

> > > > > >

> > > > > > > An idea I have for you is that when it just isn’t coming to you,

to find comfort in patterning until something arises from it that makes you

aware again of what you are seeking. Patterning for me is a repetitive task

that is so pleasurable that it makes me smile and feel peaceful. It can be as

simple as finding the perfect tea cup, performing a tea ceremony, lighting a

fragrant candle or knitting with a lovely colour of wool on wooden pins. When I

am peaceful with small things that I enjoy doing, the irritable things lose

their power and significance. Repeating the tasks until the stresses have

receded aligns my mind in a receptive thought process instead of focusing on the

negatives.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > From: ammi_mali

> > > > > > > Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 8:08 PM

> > > > > > > To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> > > > > > > Subject: Advice on Being Present

> > > > > > > Hi all,

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a

time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It

was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have

been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to

get it. I used to just tell myself " be present " and there I was: present! But

now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its

the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I

just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there,

even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I

feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not

clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on

experience, not theory.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Could anyone help?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Thanks so much!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Mali

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Mali wrote,

> Thanks again for all the advice everyone and for your encouraging >me to keep

thinking and challenging myself. Ever since I joined >this group, I feel like I

have a large group of best friends that >I've never met but can always count on.

AWWWWW, that is exactly how I feel. In fact I can't imagine being as

comfortable/successful with this way of eating without everyone on here. I learn

so much when I read the posts. I find when I am having a rough day, I can come

here & either post about it or read other people's posts & it just all seems

less 'rough'. So thanks everyone for reading & posting, it really helps.

mj

> > > > > >

> > > > > > > An idea I have for you is that when it just isn’t coming to you,

to find comfort in patterning until something arises from it that makes you

aware again of what you are seeking. Patterning for me is a repetitive task

that is so pleasurable that it makes me smile and feel peaceful. It can be as

simple as finding the perfect tea cup, performing a tea ceremony, lighting a

fragrant candle or knitting with a lovely colour of wool on wooden pins. When I

am peaceful with small things that I enjoy doing, the irritable things lose

their power and significance. Repeating the tasks until the stresses have

receded aligns my mind in a receptive thought process instead of focusing on the

negatives.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > From: ammi_mali

> > > > > > > Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 8:08 PM

> > > > > > > To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> > > > > > > Subject: Advice on Being Present

> > > > > > > Hi all,

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a

time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It

was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have

been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to

get it. I used to just tell myself " be present " and there I was: present! But

now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its

the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I

just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there,

even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I

feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not

clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on

experience, not theory.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Could anyone help?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Thanks so much!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Mali

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Mali wrote,

> Thanks again for all the advice everyone and for your encouraging >me to keep

thinking and challenging myself. Ever since I joined >this group, I feel like I

have a large group of best friends that >I've never met but can always count on.

AWWWWW, that is exactly how I feel. In fact I can't imagine being as

comfortable/successful with this way of eating without everyone on here. I learn

so much when I read the posts. I find when I am having a rough day, I can come

here & either post about it or read other people's posts & it just all seems

less 'rough'. So thanks everyone for reading & posting, it really helps.

mj

> > > > > >

> > > > > > > An idea I have for you is that when it just isn’t coming to you,

to find comfort in patterning until something arises from it that makes you

aware again of what you are seeking. Patterning for me is a repetitive task

that is so pleasurable that it makes me smile and feel peaceful. It can be as

simple as finding the perfect tea cup, performing a tea ceremony, lighting a

fragrant candle or knitting with a lovely colour of wool on wooden pins. When I

am peaceful with small things that I enjoy doing, the irritable things lose

their power and significance. Repeating the tasks until the stresses have

receded aligns my mind in a receptive thought process instead of focusing on the

negatives.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > From: ammi_mali

> > > > > > > Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 8:08 PM

> > > > > > > To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> > > > > > > Subject: Advice on Being Present

> > > > > > > Hi all,

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I am really having trouble being present these days. There was a

time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive. It

was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and have

been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't seem to

get it. I used to just tell myself " be present " and there I was: present! But

now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my head... one day its

the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at work or stress. I

just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts again.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there,

even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I

feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not

clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on

experience, not theory.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Could anyone help?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Thanks so much!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Mali

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

In the chapter 9 of WFG Geneen talks about how in order to be present we need to

be " in our bodies " & that " you might need to bring yourself back to your body

about a thousand times a day........you leave and then return. Leave and return.

You forget and then you remember. Forget. Remember. One breath and then another.

One step and then another. It's that simple. And it doesn't matter how long

you've been gone; what matters is that you've returned. With each return, each

sound, each felt sensation, there is relaxation, recognition, and

gratitude........ "

I just love the way she writes. She has the ability to touch what seems buried

in the deepest part of my soul. To awaken me to what really matters & that isn't

how many calories I ate today or what I am going to have for dinner or how much

the scale went up or down but to be present for what is in front of me right

now. To appreciate THAT!!!! Here's to remembering and then forgetting and

then.......

mj

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > An idea I have for you is that when it just isn’t coming to

you, to find comfort in patterning until something arises from it that makes you

aware again of what you are seeking. Patterning for me is a repetitive task

that is so pleasurable that it makes me smile and feel peaceful. It can be as

simple as finding the perfect tea cup, performing a tea ceremony, lighting a

fragrant candle or knitting with a lovely colour of wool on wooden pins. When I

am peaceful with small things that I enjoy doing, the irritable things lose

their power and significance. Repeating the tasks until the stresses have

receded aligns my mind in a receptive thought process instead of focusing on the

negatives.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > From: ammi_mali

> > > > > > > > > Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 8:08 PM

> > > > > > > > > To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> > > > > > > > > Subject: Advice on Being Present

> > > > > > > > > Hi all,

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > I am really having trouble being present these days. There

was a time that I was so free of thoughts and worry and felt so awake and alive.

It was also the time that I was doing best with IE. I got really derailed and

have been trying really hard to get back there, but I don't know why I don't

seem to get it. I used to just tell myself " be present " and there I was:

present! But now, I have my moments, but generally I feel so stuck in my

head... one day its the weighing that gets to me, and another day is pressure at

work or stress. I just want to feel present, alive and free of my thoughts

again.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > I have read the books and know the theory of how to get there,

even been going to yoga and meditating, but still haven't seen much progress. I

feel that last time I was so present, something just clicked, and its not

clicking this time... I feel that I need some practical advice based on

experience, not theory.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Could anyone help?

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Thanks so much!

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Mali

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >