Yes, you may need more discipline AND….a bit of compassion. I spoke to a woman last night after I gave a talk on digestion. She recounted her years of struggling with digestive issues. After all that effort and attention, the issue was continuing to worsen. She mentioned that what she needed was “more discipline.” I get it, I’ve been there. I’ve gone to extreme elimination diets and still felt horrible. Discipline and diet are only part of the issue.
How we do one thing gives us a pretty good idea of how we do everything else in our lives.
Am I making this healthy eating thing complicated and difficult? Am I forcing myself into a mold that just doesn’t fit? Am I looking for that outside source – i.e. broccoli, a superfood, organic free-range chicken—to fulfill me?
Start from where you are, and love that.
Easier said than done sometimes, but it’s crucial for us moving through discomfort and disease. Acknowledge where you are. Acknowledge that you didn’t have time to make your lunch. Be grateful that you recognized that, and purchased a wonderful store-bought meal to nourish yourself. Be present with what is and start with gratitude. As you become more and more present, you will be more in touch with your needs. You’ll recognize that you didn’t have time today, and you’ll see the need to make time tomorrow.
Basically we’re balancing the masculine and feminine energies. The masculine is about form and function. It may be the specific foods and actions that support our health. And…we must hold the feminine energy as well. Whether or not the meal in front of us is the ideal, we can stop, smell the steamed veggies, and enjoy every bite. In the end, it’s not about a destination. It’s not about being perfect – because we never will be, and that’s boring anyway. It’s about experiencing each moment of the journey, and learning and growing along the way.
Be gentle. Keep it simple. Taste every bite.