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Body Talk
ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz How many times have you zoned out in front of the television, only to discover an empty bag/bottle/carton of _______ (substitute your current no-no food) sitting in front of you and you have NO MEMORY of having consumed it, let alone enjoying it? Come on, we've all done it. It's OK - well, actually, it's not OK, but we'll talk about that in a minute. Mindless eating is a favorite recreational past time. It fills time and space and those emotional holes that sometimes cry out for attention. Mindlessness is a mindset that's narrow, inflexible, repetitive and automatic. It blocks development. But there's an antidote to all this - it's called "Mindfulness." What's "Mindfulness"? "Mindfulness," is a Buddhist term meaning being conscious and aware of everything we think and do ~ from the food we consume to the people we associate with. It is a simple yet profound approach to relating to your food and life and aging. What are the benefits of Mindful eating? 1. No more Cheetos bags stuffed into the couch Here are Ten Easy Steps to Mindful Eating: STEP 1: Make a conscious choice to eat. Eat only when you're hungry. Sometimes fatigue or dehydration can be mistaken for hunger. Eat to fill your stomach, not an emotional hole. If you're lonely, call a friend, or put on an old movie and have a good cry or laugh. STEP 2: Ask your body what it's hungry for. Be willing to experiment: eat what your body tells you it wants to eat and do it wholeheartedly. STEP 3: Express gratitude before eating. This can be in whatever form feels most comfortable to you. For some it would be saying grace, for others a brief meditation. Breathing and relaxing the body will allow the food to enter you in a more loving way. STEP 4: Eat with awareness. Be conscious when you eat and pay attention to all your senses. Chew food completely before swallowing. Pause before taking the next bite. STEP 5: Listen for feedback. See how what you ate and how much you ate makes your body feel and make note of it. Remember, it takes 20 minutes before your stomach registers fullness. STEP 6: Stop when you're satisfied ~ not full, but satisfied. Try to learn the difference. STEP 7: Release the meal. After the meal, forget about food or anything that has to do with eating for awhile and move on to the next activity. Avoid labeling food as "good" or "bad" depending on your weight or food choices on any given day. By letting go of such judgments, you de-escalate the importance of any one food experience. STEP 8: Breathe. Be aware of your breath throughout your meal. Take deep breaths, filling your lungs all the way down to your abdomen. Let oxygen nourish you as well as the food. STEP 9: Drink water. Water is the universal symbol of spirit. Let it flow through you and cleanse your body of toxins by aiding digestion. Some say that it's better to drink before and after, but not during the meal. See what feels best to you. STEP 10: Expand your mindfulness by practicing kindness and generosity to others and yourself. Practice mindful consumption by being aware of what magazines, books, plays, TV, and movies you consume, as well as the people you choose to have around you. Our bodies have an intelligence that's far superior to our brains. Sometimes the best thing to do is to stop thinking and just listen to our bodies. Have a happy, healthy and very mindful day!! Carol Moss, LCSW, Life Coach http://www.CarolMoss.com Sign up now for FREE e-course: "21 Days to Re-Ignite Your Inner Sparkle."
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RELATED ARTICLES
Body Talk ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzHow many times have you zoned out in front of the television, only to discover an empty bag/bottle/carton of _______ (substitute your current no-no food) sitting in front of you and you have NO MEMORY of having consumed it, let alone enjoying it?Come on, we've all done it.It's OK - well, actually, it's not OK, but we'll talk about that in a minute. Objective Meditations: What is Reality? Is reality a projection from within the mind, or is it an "altered lens" into the outside world? Let's look at the altered lens theory first. Obviously, we are not all looking at the world with the same lens or viewpoint. Basic Meditation Exercises (Authors Note: Before reading this you should see my other articles on Breathing and Full Body Awareness)Now that you've begun to develop the ability to move energy around in your body there are some things that you can do with it. 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Experiencing Peace as You Would Imagine Peace to be Peace can mean quiet, tranquility, serenity, peace of mind, mental calmness, friendliness, no wars, civil disorders or strife. Sometimes a word makes sense and other times there is no reference for it. Herbal Teas If you want to get hold of a particular tea and can't find it, then it is fine to use a combination tea, which contains the ingredient you want along with a few others.Some Health Benefits from Particular Herbal Teas:Heart and Circulation: Hawthorn berry. Healing From Within "We become sick because we act In sickening ways." Louis JourardModern medicine is based upon the notion of battle. Can Cognitive Fitness Be a Workout for Your Brain? There is growing interest to exercise your brain using something called "cognitive fitness."It's a known fact that exercise and meditation reduce anxiety, ease depression, and give you a general feeling of wellness. What Does Meditation Music Do To You? 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