Each year after the spring cleanse it usually takes me a few weeks to go from cleansing mode to “eating normal” again. I personally love those weeks in between. I find it an opportunity to know myself better through my relationship to food.
I get to watch my cravings, my desires, my thoughts and my impulses. I love that moment when I start to reach for something that I decided not to eat during a cleanse, and then ask myself, why am I reaching for THIS ….NOW?
Is it habit? Am I craving something? Am I reaching for comfort food because I am emotional? Am I looking for “entertainment” through food? Is this really what I want? What would most satisfy me now? Is it something to eat or do I need nourishment from a NON–food source?
I know I geek out on this food awareness stuff. And I guess secretly I hope I can inspire you to do the same.
When you take on being aware with your relationship to food you have the chance to “awaken” every time you taste, smell or look at food, Actually every time you even think about it.
This is food as a spiritual practice.
I know that as I write this I may be challenging some of you. For many, food is a place we go to for comfort or as an escape. I know this place because I used to use food this way until I realized that I didn’t always have time to get on the yoga mat, but I always ate. And I was curious and interested in awakening so I started to use eating as my meditation cushion.
My invitation to you is to stay conscious; I am requesting that you stay awake with each bite. But let’s make it simple and not overwhelming.
The first thing to make note of is this: It’s not about eating “perfectly”.
Your aim is to start to notice who you are when you relate to food.
Below I have outlined some key places to look at your SELF with food.
- Seasonal changes
Seasonal transitions are a perfect time to start this process because the food choices, weather and personal needs are usually changing.
They are also one of the easiest times to watch ourselves because we can expect them each year. Mark your calendar for the seasonal change and how you relate to food. Pay attention to the way you have been eating this season and as you transition to the next notice what still serves and what doesn’t. - Health condition changesOur health is constantly changing, yet we might not be aware of it. More obvious health changes happen if you get a specific diagnosis. But even if you get a little head cold and end up in bed for a few days notice how your relationship to food shifts when sick and when you feel back on your feet.If you are a woman you have a chance every month to experience hormonal changes. And who doesn’t love a bite of sweet at that time of the month? Check it out. See what happens when you bring awareness to your monthly cycle and what you crave.
Digestion is another health condition that changes for people, especially around the seasons. Pay close attention to which foods support your digestion and which don’t. You may ask yourself do you need food or a “mini fast’ and give your body a break from working hard to digest anything.
Your energy, or lack of it, can often fee like a health condition. Do you wake up in the morning tired or full of energy? How do you feel in the afternoon vs. the early evening? In these moments start to notice if you turn to food for the pick me up. Who is reaching for the food? You or the tiredness?
- Living / family situation changes.Maybe you have lived solo and now you live with a roommate or a partner or visa versa. Maybe now you have kid. Cooking for one is different than cooking for two or cooking for a family. That’s a whole different can of worms. Where do you check out and where do you check in when it comes to cooking for yourself and others
These are just some of the tools to work on to make food your spiritual practice.
For more information about this feel free to contact me directly or check out my upcoming class at:
http://findfoodfreedom.com/breakthebingecycle-2/
I am thrilled to support you towards your FOOD FREEDOM!
Darshana Weill is a Food Freedom Coach and yoga teacher. She founded Break the Binge Cycle- 21 days to taking control of food without feeling deprived and the KISS COMPUSLIVE EATING GOODBYE-5 months to Food Freedom Program. All her programs aim to support women to use consciousness with their relationship to food. She works with individuals and groups. She also teaches a variety of health related workshops around the Bay Area, Santa Cruz and nationally.
WORKSHOPS DARSHANA TEACHES AT THE YOGA TREE
Cleanse and Renew; A 3- week springtime cleanse- The Yoga of Food: How is life feeding you?Nutrition 101, Sugar can be Medicine, Women’s Wellness: Treat PMS Naturally, To Be or Not To Be a Vegetarian and Yoga and Food For Emotional Eating.
To find out more about Darshana’s program
FINDING FOOD FREEDOM
Check out www.darshanaweill.com or
www.findfoodfreedom.com/liberate
To contact Darshana directly call 510-423-0603 or email her at darshana@darshanaweill.com
Want more recipes? Check out Darshana’s 50 quick and easy recipes Ecookbook: http://darshanaweill.com/page/cookbook-1
