At the beginning of this program we talked a bit about how we will be approaching this process with a spirit of curiosity and openness, without judgement. As we move forward I want you also to be conscious of your internal dialogue. Every eating experience is an opportunity to learn, regardless of whether you feel that experience was positive or negative. Intuitive Eating is process of self discovery and learning- there are no mistakes or failures, just more opportunities for learning. Cultivating self compassion, rather than shame and blame towards difficult experiences relating to your body will help facilitate Intuitive Eating and over come body dissatisfaction.
Our happiness, well-being and ability to take greater personal initiative to make necessary changes are inherently linked to our ability to show self-compassion. Our default response is usually not compassion. In many cases our first response to pain is to self-protect. We look immediately for someone or something to blame in an effort to protect ourselves. In certain cases we may turn to judgment or go right into fix-it mode.
Our happiness, well-being and ability to take greater personal initiative to make necessary changes are inherently linked to our ability to show self-compassion. Our default response is usually not compassion. In many cases our first response to pain is to self-protect. We look immediately for someone or something to blame in an effort to protect ourselves. In certain cases we may turn to judgment or go right into fix-it mode.
"Compassion practice is daring.
It involved learning how to relax and allow ourselves to move gently towards what scares us."
-Pema Chödrön
You might worry that self-compassion could be used as an excuse to overindulge or be letting yourself off the hook, but I assure you this is not the case. Having a neutral and compassionate understanding view of yourself and your behaviours will help you overcome the guilt associated with your eating choices.
Self-compassion is a powerful tool we can use to promote positive changes in our behaviour. You may know from your own experience that being overly self-critical or bullying yourself when you make a mistake, can be very damaging, and over time this erodes your self confidence. Individuals who are more self compassionate find it easier to show vulnerability and make mistakes, change unhealthy behaviours and take on new challenges (like re-discovering Intuitive Eating).
"With self-compassion we mindfully accept that the moment is painful, and embrace ourselves with kindness and care in response, remembering that imperfection is part of the shared human experience".
- Kristin Neff
In this journey to re-discover Intuitive Eating, progress is not linear. Instead, think of progress more in terms of a spiral of healing, where momentum is onward and upward. Notice how the spiral loops back on itself. These loops might be times when you revert back to unhealthy coping mechanisms or old ways of thinking or doing. Just notice these events, without self criticism or judgement.
The self-reflection exercise in the link below is designed to help you begin to cultivate self-compassion.
The self-reflection exercise in the link below is designed to help you begin to cultivate self-compassion.
