God Works Magazine - May-June 2024 - Flipbook - Page 59
For trauma survivors, the act of eating can be lad-
ing eating, notice them with non-judgment and
en with painful associations, unhealthy patterns
return to your breath. Our bodies hold deep
and disconnection from one's innate bodily wis-
emotion, and mindfulness allows us to move
dom. Whether stemming from restrictive food
through those feelings with curiosity and com-
scarcity, binge-purge cycles, or using food to
passion. Eating doesn't have to be a chore - you
numb difficult emotions, repairing one's relation-
can relearn to experience it as a gift.
ship with nourishment is an integral part of the
Through consistent mindful eating, we can re-
healing journey.
wire our relationship to food and our bodies from
The practice of mindful eating offers a pathway
environments of trauma to landscapes of em-
back to experiencing mealtimes as sacred rituals
powerment and belonging. We nourish ourselves
of self-care and present awareness rather than
not just physically, but emotionally and spiritual-
burdens clouded by shame or obsession. At its
ly. What seemed overwhelming becomes an op-
essence, mindful eating involves cultivating a
portunity to connect deeper to ourselves, our re-
heightened consciousness of the entire eating
silience, and the ability to unapologetically take
experience through engaging all of our senses.
up space.
Savor the Moment
Before diving into a meal or snack, take a series
of deep breaths to center yourself in the present
moment. Awaken your senses by exploring the
colors, aromas, textures and flavors of the foods
before you. You can even extend gratitude to all
the hands that played a role in growing and
providing your nourishment.
Dismiss Judgments and "Shoulds"
So many of us have internalized rigid food rules
and demonized certain ingredients that lead to
immense guilt and shame around eating. For this
practice, let go of restrictions like "good" vs "bad"
foods. Check in with your body's innate hunger
and fullness cues rather than judging portions.
Eat without distractions from screens or multitasking.
Be Kind to Your Body
If uncomfortable feelings or memories arise durMay/June 2024 | God Works Magazine | 59
