Nourishing and Replenishing our Bodymind, with Wisdom

Eating. We all do it near constantly and yet, it is largely an unconscious behavior. We are inundated with supermarkets filled with foods of every sort, advertisers showing us the latest must-have delicacies, and physicians telling us what is good or not good for our bodies.

Yet, it appears we do not realize what we are doing, how we are eating, or what is even going on inside our bodies and minds as we eat.

Many can eat a full bag of potato chips or a carton of ice cream without even knowing it. Food enters our mouth without having even been tasted. We eat on the go, grabbing whatever is available in the moment, (usually some sort of chemical conglomeration filled with corn syrup and salt), and wonder why eating is filled with all sorts of emotional issues.

What we are really doing when we bring food into our bodies is nourishing our bodymind, replenishing our energy source, and providing nutrients to keep ourselves alive.

This is nothing to ignore. In fact, in my opinion it is one of the most important awarenesses we can have.

As a mental health therapist who embraces a holistic approach to healing, I often utilize hypnotherapy and visualization to assist with healing. When acquaintances discover I am a hypnotherapist, the most common request I receive is for help with weight loss.

I believe our weight issues and all issues surrounding foods and eating disorders are complex and often more involved than just exercising a little more or eating less carbs, fats, sugars, (or whatever the current fad happens to be at the moment). With clients in therapy, we move toward healing the totality of a person and do not just focus on what numbers are on the scale. So, with each client I use a unique approach geared toward the specific needs of the individual.

But one technique that I find helpful for virtually all clients is to move toward and embrace, conscious eating.

Our bodymind is brilliant beyond what we can imagine. It is capable of creating all sorts of powerful drugs to heal us if we give it the necessary nutrients. And, it knows what it needs. All we have to do is get in touch with the information. We do this through conscious eating.

In therapy, we bring deep awareness to our consciousness by discussing the bodymind's incredible wisdom and abilities. This is done consciously. Then in a state of hypnosis, through the use of various techniques I teach the subconscious mind (and body), to listen and to incorporate the following ideas into their eating behavior to increase conscious eating:

1. Check in with your body. Before taking anything into your body, ask you bodymind if you are hungry and if you need to eat. If your body says yes, that indeed you require more energy or nutrition, then ask what foods your bodymind need to function at its optimal level. Listen carefully. Take a moment to really get in touch with exactly what it is you need.

2. Express thanks. Before eating, take a minute or two to fill your mind and heart with gratitude for, not only the food you are about to bring into your body, but for all those who have brought the food to you, including those who grew, harvested, and prepared the foods. Both a prayer to God, or a thought of the wonder can bring about mindfulness.

3. Eat in a nice environment. Sit down when you eat and do not engage in negative distractions. The environment in which you eat is important. Either eat in silence, with family and loved ones, or with soft music, or with those you can have an enjoyable conversation. Eating while having a heated discussion; eating in your car during traffic, or eating while you are stressed on at your office desk, all detract from understanding and listening to your body.

While these ideas are extremely powerful, and virtually life altering when grasped by the subconscious, utilizing them in a more conscious way can also be life changing. In other words, one doesn't need hypnosis to incorporate these ideas into one's daily life.

Several years ago, I began my journey to conscious eating by spending five days during which time I remained in complete silence during eating. And, prior to any food entering my body, I spent five minutes in gratitude reflecting on what was about to occur. Eating became a holy ritual, or a behavior of merging myself with the earth.

I invite you to move toward conscious eating; to slow down; to reflect on what is occurring as you nourish or poison your bodymind. Try listening to your body, asking for its needs and giving it what it requires for your optimum health and happiness.

I guarantee you will notice improved health, vitality, and joy.



Vegetable soup photo courtesy of For the Love of Food