I’ve just discovered Linda Moran’s
Non-Dieting weblog, where in particular, her latest entry talks about the urge to eat
when you’re lonely. It’s interesting, she mentions how we often associate
‘being alone’ with negative emotions, but suggests creating positive
associations with this state instead.
Linda, who has written a book called ‘How to survive your diet’, says, “It's time we connected some positives with being alone” and gives the following examples of using meditation (I’ve yet to get to grips with that, but am trying) and journaling (you’re reading mine), as well as seeing it as a chance to work on a personal project, or do nothing, or watch whatever channel we want on TV, or simply, have some peace and quiet.
She adds: “Some of us are, by nature, more outgoing than others. Some of us are energized by people, while others are drained, and need some time alone to get that energy back. Some of us need a little alone time each week. Others need a lot. But all of us need both--time to be with others, and time alone.”
And I think she’s got a good point. Changing the way we think about certain states of ‘being’ (and those that lead to overeating) can alter our choices regarding whether we feel the need to eat or not at that given moment, and help us recognise what emotion is firing that need (if a physical need of hunger isn’t).
A very buddhist way of looking at the world. I like it!
Posted by: Lady Amalthea | September 07, 2006 at 05:48 PM
Andrea, this is such a creative blog you have! Thank you for mentioning my book and my weblog.
The more words we all put out in cyberspace about alternatives to dieting, the better off folks will be. Keep up the good work!
Warm regards, Linda Moran
Posted by: Linda Moran | October 22, 2006 at 12:51 PM
Thanks for your comments Linda, yes, let's keep it up and hope others join us!
Posted by: Andrea Wren | October 23, 2006 at 10:55 PM