Freedom from Emotional Eating, Food & Weight Obsession

Watching a Chipmunk Watching

 In my hut this spring

There is nothing—

There is everything!

 ~Yamaguchi Sodo

Everyone thinks she is supposed to be perfect, but that is not the point of becoming mindful. It is the commitment to return to the bite, the moment, the direct experience of eating. That is the intent of a mindfulness practice. No matter how many times we leave the experience and no matter how many times we judge ourselves, we make a commitment to return to the direct experience of eating.
~Ronna Kabatznick

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This morning I glanced out of the sliding glass door and saw a chipmunk sitting on my terrace. As my cats will attest, there are several of them that scamper back and forth. So it’s not unusual to see a chipmunk or two scurrying around out there. But the reason I noticed this chipmunk was because he was not scampering; he was just sitting. Just sitting and watching. I felt compelled to watch him watching.

 
I saw his dark eyes seeing as he slowly turned his little head. Instead of the familiar and quick “What’s that?” or “Is that danger, gotta run” head movements, I watched him taking his time, gazing at what there was to be seen.

Then a thought popped into my head. “Oh no, maybe he’s hurt, and that’s why he’s not darting away. Maybe I should do something to help?” I became aware of a sensation of tightness in my chest, and I recognized

To Read More, Sign In >>
Members: Login for Full Access
Not Yet a Member?: Learn About Joining. Get Instant Access (21 Day Free Trial)

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

Pleasure Can Be Habit Forming

When my clients tell me they want to change the habits of a lifetime, they are setting themselves up for failure. Most of us have

Avoiding carbs?

Here’s a question posted for our A Weigh Out Circle Experts by Helen, an A Weigh Out Member. As part of mindful eating, does it

“I’m Loving the Journey”

I ask all of my coaching clients to fill out a Prep Sheet before each coaching session. One question on the sheet asks about shifts they’re making.