Practice Curiosity, Mindful Presence, and Love to End Compulsive Behavior

As I read Geneen Roth's book, "Women, Food and God," I had major epiphanies about my relationship with food. See, me and food have duked it out over the years, and although I know we may still have our battles, I have definitely been winning the majority of our matches recently. Roth talks about how food, just like any other compulsion, whether it be alcohol, drugs, overworking, etc., becomes the quick fix to comfort us, fill our empty spaces, and make us "happy." But the fact is that we just use food to masque, run away from, and "bolt" as she puts it, from our mind-made story lines, ideas of ourselves, and connections to our struggling past.

A few weeks ago, I started out on a walk in my neighborhood. When I was about ten minutes in, I felt the ground shake beneath my feet. Then the sky lit up with a brilliant flash. My first instinct was to run home and find an alternate workout to do inside. But then I remembered what Geneen Roth had told me. I decided I wasn't going to bolt this time. Instead, I walked with courage, confidence, a smile, a playful heart, and with a little trepidation about the unknown journey to come. But I faced that thunderstorm head on. I not only continued my walk in the rain, but as it poured harder and harder, my clothes heavy and soaked, I walked in the opposite direction of my house. I totally embraced my direct, real experience and looked at my mind-made story of why I was afraid in the first place.

I thought about my inherent reactions to storms. Well, thunderstorms are scary; they sound scary and they look scary! And getting wet is not a good thing! We are supposed to avoid getting wet because it is uncomfortable! And then there is the lightening that is very dangerous! Not to mention my phone and I-Pod can't get wet!

Then I looked at the facts and embraced every part of the moment I was in and put aside what my culture, past people, and ego had to say about my situation. I felt the warm rain and thick air, put my phone and my I-Pod in my pocket, and joked with myself that the probability of getting struck by lightening was probably like one in infinity.

This concept of not "bolting" was a huge light bulb for me. Over the last few weeks I have been examining my compulsions and bad habits. I put my use of food and my feelings of anxiety in the spot light, poking and prodding them for answers. I was curious what purpose both of these compulsions had been serving me. What did I think they were going to solve? Why was I allowing them to hang around and harass me on a daily basis? They were no friends of mine! But rather than bolting and turning my compulsions away, I graciously invited them in. I even have been offering them some tea and cookies. I ask them questions, study them very carefully, and give them my complete and utter love and attention.

I look to see what feelings, emotions, and sensations in my body are really there. What am I trying to cover up, heal, save, or fix with food and anxious feelings? I sit with these feelings, invite them in, let them stay awhile, and let them know that they are safe. The feelings begin to feel comfortable, take off their shoes, and soften and open up to me. They know they are welcome. They are met with love, patience, and complete attention. And they don't need food or anxiety. Because the feelings know that a little love, attention, and kindness is all they really want. So from now on, instead of bolting to food and anxiety, I will delve into what I am really feeling, and walk graciously into the storm...

Kelly

Outdoor Interval-Walking Workshop Announced

"Fitness Walking Interval Training"

Presenters: Pam Holt, One-to-One Personal Training and Wellness Coaching
Kelly Holt, One-to-One Creative Movement
Date: June 24, 2010 (Rain Date: July 1, 2010)
Time: 5:15pm-7:00pm
Location: New Haven Rivergreenway
Parking Lot Trailhead on North River Road Just West of Landin Road
Enrollment: e-mail: workshop@pamholtonetoone.com or call 260/749-7226
Limited Class Size
Pre-Pay Deadline: June 17, 2010
Fee/Refund Policy: $35/No refunds will be given after June 17, 2010.
Make checks payable to: One-to-One
Mail checks to: One-to-One
5430 Green Road, New Haven, Indiana 46774
Who Should Attend: Any fitness level and all ages.
What To Wear: Exercise clothing and walking/running shoes.

Workshop Description: Do you need to reduce body fat? Are you getting bored with your same cardio routine? Do you notice you are not making significant improvement in your cardiovascular fitness? Then join us and take your walking program (or any cardiovascular activity) to a new, more efficient, and FUN level! Improvement in fat loss and cardiovascular fitness are achieved only when exercisers challenge their bodies with progressive workloads. But how do we progress without over-training or injuring ourselves? You can accomplish this with interval training - short bursts (30-60 seconds) of higher intensity/speed followed by periods of rest or low intensity activity. Learn how to apply this method using perceived exertion or heart rate monitor training and shake up your outdoor (or indoor) summer movement program. Interval training has a positive impact on post-exercise caloric expenditure, is time efficient, reduces boredom, increases exercise adherence, and slows down aging. Interval training intensity and recovery is based on YOUR current level of fitness. So call or e-mail us now and treat your mind and body to a wonderful new way to move!

"Nature Is My Playground" Outdoor Circuit/Interval Workshop A Success!

The "Nature Is My Playground" a circuit/interval workshop is available now for individual, small and large groups and businesses on-site or at location to be determined by individual or group. This workshop may also be combined with additional workshops and customized for the individual or group culture.
E-mail workshop@pamholtonetoone.com or call 260/749-7226 for more information.

Coming this week, look for details about our June 24, 2010 workshop, Fitness Walking Intervals Workshop. Take your walking program to a new, more efficient - and fun - level! Learn how to maximize fat loss, increase your fitness level, slow down aging, maximize your workout time (shorter workout sessions with interval training are shown to have the same benefit as longer, moderate paced sessions), add variety to reduce boredom, and have a workout that can be done indoors or in the great outdoors.