Freedom from Emotional Eating, Food & Weight Obsession

Freedom to Move…or Not

For nearly two months I stopped “exercising”. At the same time, I was expending huge amounts of energy outward; physically, as well as emotionally.
 
Between the stressors of the holidays, unforeseen needs of my children, a studio relocation coupled with an increase in professional opportunities, and a mindless mishap in the kitchen leaving me with 6 stitches in my thumb (even those of us who practice and teach mindfulness have our moments… ouch),  I experienced an emotional and physical fatigue that seemed to overtake my body and my life.  

Of course some people would call these “excuses” for my sedentary lifestyle.  These same folks might call me lazy and unhealthy.  Admittedly the judgment voice in my own head echoed similar criticisms. 

My truth was that my desire, energy and motivation for movement / exercise was replaced with the need for a physical and emotional recovery.

What became clear is that I needed to give myself and my body the freedom to rest and live more quietly. This insight mirrored what my clients were sharing; they appreciate and value the freedom to listen and respond to what their bodies need, even if that means sitting or lying quietly. I was being challenged to integrate this practice into my own life and I am offering you the challenge to do the same: to really learn to listen and honor your body’s messages…all of them.  Learn to notice desire for whatever emerges and begin to act on those; be it rest, stretching, sitting, lying, walking, running, dancing… Let’s keep each other posted on our progress.

______________________________

Robin Okun, LMSW, is a coach, therapist, speaker and Founder of Mindful Movement, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Learn more about Robin at http://www.robinokun.com

Found this article useful? Please share it with your followers!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Free Guide + "Ellen's Weekly Empowerment Tips"

About Ellen Shuman

Ellen on the phone

I have worked in the Wellness Field for 30 years. I created an Emotional Eating & Binge Eating Disorder Recovery Program way before most people knew BED was an eating disorder, NOT a “willpower” issue. Personally, I suffered for years before finding answers and the help I needed and deserved! I became a Coach in 1997 to help others who were still suffering as I had. I love being a Coach!

Categories

Related Articles

Connect With the Expert Within

In an effort to make the “right” choices regarding our bodies, eating, exercise and health we can feel bombarded by “the experts.”  This can be

Doctor’s Advice and Denial

______________________________ Ellen Shuman is a pioneer in the field of Binge Eating Disorder; a Life Coach who specializes in helping people overcome emotional eating, compulsive

Holiday Self-Care Strategies

“Feeling satisfied isn’t just about being full. It’s also about getting enough pleasure.”  ~David Spero   During the holidays, we may find ourselves wanting to

Diet Insanity!

______________________________ Ellen Shuman is a Life Coach who specializes in emotional and binge eating recovery. She is the founder of A Weigh Out & Acoria