Guest guest Posted November 22, 2010 Report Share Posted November 22, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2010 Report Share Posted November 23, 2010 Hey Mali, I struggle with this too, there are times in my life where everything seems to flow and work out. I am able to do things so easily that I could never do in the past. Then life happens and all of a sudden I feel so completely out of balance again and I can't find my way back to where I was. I have come to realize that there is NO going back and the harder I struggle to obtain some sort of "peaceful being" that happened in the past the less peaceful I become. Being "present" doesn't mean that everything works out the right way and feels easy and simple and free. Being "present" means that you feel what you are feeling right now and focus on what's happening right now and find acceptance for it. It will pass just as the time that you felt free passed. Life is a series of ups and downs. We are always going to be challenged to grow in one way or another. It will always be ebbing and flowing. I also had the same experience with IE, where in the first year or so I found myself really flowing, really having a positive experience with it. As I look back on it, there were challenges at the time, but I overcame them. However after losing about 25lbs my focus went back to the weight and I have been roller coasting in and out of weight and body obsession again for the last 2.5 yrs. I found this group and got back in touch with my nutritionist. I read the book again and had to start back at square one, legalizing ALL foods. That was about 4-5 months ago and I am on a new journey. Today I am at a place where I am so over thinking of myself and my body, I would give just about anything to not have food and body be an "issue". So I am practicing focusing on what's happening inside. I don't always know for sure if I am hungry or what I want to eat, I don't always know for sure if I took a bite or two to many or not. I am trying to be ok with not doing it perfect, its not easy but I can tell the more I do it, the better it will get. I went to the dr today and forgot until we were right in front of the scale that that was part of the deal. I got on backwards without explaining myself and also kept myself from looking at the paperwork because I have seen my weight number there in the past. This is just another brick in the wall of moving towards weight and body being a non-issue. One brick at a time. Hope this was helpful,Tana To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Mon, November 22, 2010 9:08:02 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 24, 2010 Report Share Posted November 24, 2010 I wonder sometimes if we lose focus on the middle path because of the pull to the extremes. There is unhappiness in the extremes and comfort in the middle path. For me, it is like steering a vehicle down the middle of the road, I have to pay attention to where I am in the road and whether I am drifting to one side or the other and feeling stress because of it. If I start to drift, I become alarmed and worry about the consequences of my actions, like will I have an accident or delay my journey in any way? I have become so use to ringing alarm bells within me that I don’t realize that having just paid attention to the task at hand (driving down the middle path) actually induces peace and calm and it is never necessary to ring those bells! lol. When I get too wrapped up in calories and my weight, I lose focus on the truth. I have thought extreme thoughts in regards to my body and eating habits over the years and that keeps me from the truth. The truth is that I need to nourish my body AND my mind and not create unnecessary drama in response to those needs. From: Tana Havlan Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2010 8:01 PM To: IntuitiveEating_Support Subject: Re: Advice on Being Present Hey Mali, I struggle with this too, there are times in my life where everything seems to flow and work out. I am able to do things so easily that I could never do in the past. Then life happens and all of a sudden I feel so completely out of balance again and I can't find my way back to where I was. I have come to realize that there is NO going back and the harder I struggle to obtain some sort of "peaceful being" that happened in the past the less peaceful I become. Being "present" doesn't mean that everything works out the right way and feels easy and simple and free. Being "present" means that you feel what you are feeling right now and focus on what's happening right now and find acceptance for it. It will pass just as the time that you felt free passed. Life is a series of ups and downs. We are always going to be challenged to grow in one way or another. It will always be ebbing and flowing. I also had the same experience with IE, where in the first year or so I found myself really flowing, really having a positive experience with it. As I look back on it, there were challenges at the time, but I overcame them. However after losing about 25lbs my focus went back to the weight and I have been roller coasting in and out of weight and body obsession again for the last 2.5 yrs. I found this group and got back in touch with my nutritionist. I read the book again and had to start back at square one, legalizing ALL foods. That was about 4-5 months ago and I am on a new journey. Today I am at a place where I am so over thinking of myself and my body, I would give just about anything to not have food and body be an "issue". So I am practicing focusing on what's happening inside. I don't always know for sure if I am hungry or what I want to eat, I don't always know for sure if I took a bite or two to many or not. I am trying to be ok with not doing it perfect, its not easy but I can tell the more I do it, the better it will get. I went to the dr today and forgot until we were right in front of the scale that that was part of the deal. I got on backwards without explaining myself and also kept myself from looking at the paperwork because I have seen my weight number there in the past. This is just another brick in the wall of moving towards weight and body being a non-issue. One brick at a time. Hope this was helpful, Tana To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Mon, November 22, 2010 9:08:02 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 24, 2010 Report Share Posted November 24, 2010 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------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 24, 2010 Report Share Posted November 24, 2010 Welcome . I have enjoyed reading your posts. This one on patterning is very insightful. Thanks JodySent from my iPhone 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------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 27, 2010 Report Share Posted November 27, 2010 hi mali, Oh yes, I've often experienced not wanting to be in the present. My mind seems to ENJOY taking me back to the past or forward to the future but doesn't seem to want to enjoy what I have right here, right NOW. I even noticed that this happens when I am doing my weight routine at the gym. My mind would be all over the place so I started counting the reps with 1 NOW, 2 NOW 3 NOW....... that helped because there was no time for my mind to wander. Helps to keep me focused on exactly what i am doing. I wonder if there is a similar method that might work for eating. Although I do like the using your senses that Jodie talked about. It's just that I have to get into the habit of remembering to do it, like I did at the gym. Eating has become mechanical for me & it will take time to establish a new routine. But I'm willing to give it whatever it takes. 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 28, 2010 Report Share Posted November 28, 2010 When I first started working on being in the present I would tell myself what I am doing at that moment for example " right now I am typing on the computer " , " right now I am driving to work " , " right now I am stamping a check " etc. It might be helpful to be as detailed as possible. I found the work of Eckart Tolle extremely helpful in this area. Some questions for you Mali, is what feelings come up for you when you think of the past or the future? what is it you are getting out of staying in the past or thinking of the future? And what feelings are you avoiding here in the present moment? 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 28, 2010 Report Share Posted November 28, 2010 Alana, those are great suggestions. I have read Power of Now & New Earth & did study group on Now plus watched all the Oprah chapter interviews with Ekhart & I still have trouble remembering to " check in " . I think for most of us it takes a loooooooong time until we get " it " . It is very rare to have an " instant " of clarity that changes our perception of everything (like Ekhart & Byran had). Would be an incredible experience BUT unfortunately I think I will have to do it the slooooooooow & conscious way. Oh, well, it will be worth it in the end. 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 28, 2010 Report Share Posted November 28, 2010 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 taking me back to the past or forward to the future but doesn't seem to want to enjoy what I have right here, right NOW. I even noticed that this happens when I am doing my weight routine at the gym. My mind would be all over the place so I started counting the reps with 1 NOW, 2 NOW 3 NOW....... that helped because there was no time for my mind to wander. Helps to keep me focused on exactly what i am doing. I wonder if there is a similar method that might work for eating. Although I do like the using your senses that Jodie talked about. It's just that I have to get into the habit of remembering to do it, like I did at the gym. Eating has become mechanical for me & it will take time to establish a new routine. But I'm willing to give it whatever it takes.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> > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 28, 2010 Report Share Posted November 28, 2010 Hi Alana, That's a great suggestion! I will keep reminding myself to check-in. And I think you definitely hit the nail on the head with your questions. I think I usually get overwhelmed. So its great to think about how I'm going to get things done in the future. This procrastination behavior in my work (which is very demanding) also causes me to not be present when I'm eating. I know that its classic work avoidance, and I do know that when I'm in the present, the overwhelmed feeling somehow goes away... but then I reach a point where the more I do, there is more there is to do and I feel like I barely even make a dent, so its so easy to get discouraged, overwhelmed and shut down. When this happens, I feel like I'm in a haze... neither in the past, present or the future. Its a very frustrating feeling. I just like to sit still and do nothing... or just watch mindless TV... which all makes me feel guilty... I know that I should just trust that things will work out and take small steps now, and take it one moment at a time. When I think like that, I get back on track... but it usually doesn't last long and its like I rebel and don't want to be in the present and be dealing with stuff all together. I feel that it takes all my energy to be in the present, so I just rather check out all together. If any of you have any suggestions about how to deal better with the demands of the present without eating or checking-out, I would really appreciate it!! Thanks so much! M > > > > > > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 28, 2010 Report Share Posted November 28, 2010 Hi M, It seems to me, from what you are saying, that if you are being present to focus on your work demands, but if you are not being present, you " get to " distract yourself with food and TV. (Correct me, please, if I misunderstood.) If this is right then that means you pay a steep price for doing the desired behavior and you get at least a partial reward for doing the unwanted behavior. Can you find a way to reward the desired behavior? Maybe you need a way to zone out sometimes... but can do so in a healthier way? Like if you do your work for 60 minutes, then you get to read a magazine, or call a friend for 15 minutes. It's hard to change a behavior when you get punished for doing so! 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 PMTo: 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... ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 28, 2010 Report Share Posted November 28, 2010 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 > > > > > > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2010 Report Share Posted December 1, 2010 Thanks MJ! I have been doing more thinking about how one can become present. Breathing, mediating, and other strategies are helpful, but I think I realized that at the core, its all about self-love and acceptance. Whenever I get frustrated with myself, start being harsh on myself, for the life of me, I can't be present. But the minute I choose to accept, forgive and be kind to myself, I am back! I used to think the key to everything is in being present, but struggled with how to get and stay there. But now, I think the first step to being present is in loving and accepting ourselves and our experience in the present moment. Based on your experiences, would you all agree? 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2010 Report Share Posted December 2, 2010 Yes, I defintely agree. 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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