Stay Attuned ™: The E-zine for Nourishing ConnectionsYour journey to freedom from food and weight struggles presents an opportunity for not only a new relationship with food, but also a new relationship with yourself and others. Ultimately, it is a journey of nourishing connections with yourself, others--and yes--even food. Stay Attuned™ is committed to supporting you in this journey and to helping you develop nourishing connections that will last a lifetime. Remember, a journey always starts with one small step.... From fellow travelers,
Nourishing Nuggets"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." ~ Thornton Wilder
"When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them." ~
Chinese Proverb Reflections for Staying Attuned
Appreciating what we have, tuning into what is nourishing in our
lives, is a surprisingly simple yet powerful way to feel better. And
although it may sound Pollyannish, research has shown that mindful
gratefulness enhances mood, among other things. One study evaluated
adults who suffered from a form of neuromuscular disease.
Participants noted their daily experiences, including emotional
experiences and well-being. Participants who reflected each day upon
situations for which they were grateful reported better sleep, more
optimism, a greater sense of connection with others and less
negative emotions.
Researchers concluded that gratitude builds and strengthens social bonds and friendships, leads people to feel more loved and cared for by others, enhances a sense of spirituality and helps with more expansive, flexible, and creative thinking. It also enhances ability to cope with stress and adversity. “[G]ratitude not only makes people feel good in the present, but it also increases the likelihood that people will function optimally and feel good in the future.” In the midst of our negative chatter sits a loving heart. Tuning into our heart will help awaken us to minor and major gifts—the softness of a cat’s fur and her unconditional love; the still, crisp beauty of the full moon; the blaze of colors on the trees; an expression of empathy from a friend. Look around and tune into your feelings. Notice, not just what is sweet and soft, but also what bolsters you, lifts you up, provides relief, gets you where you need to be. Acknowledge your comfortable bed and the working washer that cleans your sheets; the bus that shows up every day to take you to work; the person who holds the door for you, or the one who doesn’t engage you in conversation on the plane. This kind of mindful appreciating “helps us to challenge and overcome self-defeating assumptions and behaviors” and creates the good feelings that we otherwise may seek through less helpful behaviors. Mindful appreciation is not about ignoring life’s ugliness and challenges, but adding gratefulness to the space that negative self-talk tends to fill. According to Patricia Ryan Madson, “[Our] mind's natural default is to look for ‘da fault’ in everything. The opposing muscle, which needs strengthening, is to look for what [we are] receiving at any given moment, and … to express thanks.” Our work to manage life’s challenges without using food and to feel better about our bodies will be enhanced through a practice of mindful appreciation--an attitude of gratitude. Stay Attuned TipFor one day, possibly this Thanksgiving, notice one aspect of yourself that you appreciate (maybe you no longer have a headache, you were able to walk up the stairs and catch your breath, people can depend on you, you are skilled at crossword puzzles). Also, look around and discover one or two things about people, nature or your environment that you feel grateful for (the cashier who smiled at you, the breeze on your face, your comfortable couch in a climate controlled living room.) Stay Attuned Affirmation "In the midst of life’s messiness, I am grateful for my awakening heart." What's New at Nourishing Connections
At Nourishing Connections, we are grateful that some people are still
willing to speak up against the “obesity myth” craziness. Check out
Research and Such for the latest updates. Also, the new book,
Fat Politics: The Real Story Behind the Obesity Epidemic, by J.
Eric Oliver has been getting lots of press (positive or negative,
depending on which camp you’re in). Many nondiet practitioners are
recommending it. Let us know what you think of it! Feedback and ClosingWelcome to our new subscribers, and hello to current members! Stay Attuned™ exists for you. If you have ideas for topics or feedback (did you try an idea? how did it go?), please write us at ideas@nourishingconnections.com. Spread the WordFeel free to forward this E-zine to others. We just ask that you keep the E-zine intact, including contact and copyright information. For any other use, written permission is required. And thank you for sharing Stay Attuned™! Subscribe or UnsubscribeTo subscribe (to join), email join-stayattuned@list.nourishingconnections.com. To unsubscribe (be removed from list), email leave-stayattuned@list.nourishingconnections.com. Delivery Problems If you experience delivery problems, check here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Stay Attuned™ is written by Karin Kratina, PhD, RD © Copyright 2005. Dr. Karin Kratina and Amy Tuttle. All rights reserved. ~~~~~ DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to constitute a
professional relationship between Karin or Amy or the reader, nor is it
intended as therapy or counseling. Be sure to consult a qualified
professional if you require medical or psychological services. |