Re: Re: Some of my favorite quotes...

[Guest guest]

Sometimes we can get so stuck on certain principles or concepts that we tend to put them in black or white realms. Even in IE principles. For instance, I had trouble with the idea that food was not the solution to the problem, but it is okay to eat when I want to. So if I was having a moment of struggle because I could not deal with feelings or a situation and I wanted to eat, it was hard for me to think it was okay to eat, because I felt it was the wrong reason. At the same time, eating while emotional and receiving the benefit of calmness afterwards was also ok, as long as I was aware of the connection. It still boggles my mind that eating is not an absolute thing, it is a nourishment and flows like the tide. To understand that it is all about mindfulness and not about rules of conduct is still a very hard concept for me. Sometimes I feel like I am grasping at something too elusive.

From: josiesjunkmail

Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 7:59 PM

To: IntuitiveEating_Support

Subject: Re: Some of my favorite quotes...

Hi ,I think you are on to something there. I have been aware of the concept of emotional eating for ages, perhaps decades. But until earlier this year, I would have sworn up and down on a stack of bibles to anyone that would listen, that I was not emotional eater. I started IE in July, started reading Geneen Roth's books in about August, and started working with a therapist that specializes in eating disorders and IE in October. Now, I find it amazing that I never realized what an emotional eater I am. I posted in my blog in November about how I was struggling with a problem and trying not to eat over it and trying to resist, but when I finally gave in and went and had a big 's feast, I could literally feel myself being so much calmer immediately afterward. It was the first time that the effect was so pronounced to me, perhaps because I'm becoming more attuned to my body. That said, I'm still far from accomplished in this. I think we all have to just slog through and figure it out little by little.It is very very difficult work through, and if you are at all impatient, like I am, that amps up the stress because it feels like it will never happen. Keep at it. We're all here to support you. Don't know if that helps at all, but sometimes it just helps to know that others are experiencing the same thing.Josie