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How to Repair your Sweet Tooth

January 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment
sweet tooth

Megan Grooves of Core Nutrition and Health and partner creator of the ABC’s of Gluten Free wrote this excellent blog about how to over come your sweet tooth.  We’re thrilled to host this blog and encourage you to also check out Megan’s site for more helpful tips, guidance and inspiration!

How I Repaired My Sweet Tooth

By Megan Groves
The traditional ways to avoid overeating sweets create the having to avoid the overeating of sweets.

Empty your house of them. Give away your leftover Halloween candy. Hide the Christmas chocolates. Keep the cookies in a shoebox on the top shelf of the closet, and place the stepstool in the opposite side of the room.

For some, this may be successful.

Frankly I always found these tactics fanned the flames of desire.

What you can’t have you want more of, right? Just think of dating psychology for a moment and my point is proven.

Anyhow, I worked through many of my food addictions in the past, but I was still hooked on something very very powerful. Dark. Chocolate.

Here’s how I overcame my daily obsession.

But first a back story: I was always the kind of kid who, after being told not to open the door, headed straight for the handle the moment the adults left.

So naturally when I tried to wean myself off chocolate by hiding it, I’d go through the effort to unbury and devour it before my rival rationale could enter. Not to mention I always remembered exactly where I hid it! We really can’t fool ourselves for long.

So that’s when it occurred to me: rather than caving into temptation of the forbidden fruit, I should let it not be forbidden.

I began leaving squares of dark chocolate with cacao nibs and minty chocolate bunny heads and organic Mayan spice bars on the counter, in the fridge, next to the tea in the cupboard, even next to my work computer. It was all I saw. In the morning when I got of bed, I spotted chocolate before I could even make it to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

Did I eat dark chocolate first thing in the morning? Yes.

Did I snack on it mindlessly while at my desk? Of course I did.

But I wasn’t breaking my will.

Eventually two really powerful things emerged:

1) Chocolate became mundane.

My craving for it was no longer a yearning for novelty.

2) It began to teach me true discipline.

At some point when we can see our temptation in plain light, it ceases to become so dazzling. At some point eating so damn much dark chocolate was, well, sickening.

True discipline wasn’t about saying no, it was about understanding consequences.

When I work with my clients, there are plenty of ways to use the right food and diet to permanently and effectively eliminate sweets cravings. But on top of those methods, uncovering some of the driving forces and increasing awareness is just as powerful a tactic.

And both these roads lead to long term success, rather than sneaky antics or sheer force, and the sweet tooth is healthily repaired.

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Eating for Sensitivity the New Year Plan

January 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment
h_consciousness

Why do you eat what you eat?  This question crosses my mind often… especially as I find myself wandering into the kitchen, pulling out the almond butter and snacking straight from jar.  :)  Why is it I’m drawn, conscious or not, to certain foods, even when I know they aren’t the best choice?  My contemplations have uncovered the top 4 reasons or motivating factors behind our choices of what to eat. Ready for the count down… drum roll please…..
1.       Our taste buds are like trained little umpa lumpas.  Deeply conditioned and lovers of habit.  As routine as the thoughts that we habitually identify ourselves with, our taste buds, if given the chance are just as predictable.

2.      To look good.  Let’s face it, particularly for women our desire to been seen as beautiful definitely has some weight in our food choices.

3.      Health.  Many people are becoming more in tuned with health, more aware of food allergies and sensitivities and are choosing to eat foods that promote physical wellness.

4.  Balance.  Our bodies naturally crave foods in attempt to balance out our energetics.  Because of this natural inclination it is important to listen to our bodies, but it’s only as effective as our ability to discern our wholesome cravings from our self sabotaging ones.

Does something seem wrong to you about this list?  At first glance it seems right on, like these are valid reasons and certainly relatable truths as to why we eat what we eat, but they seem to lack depth don’t you think?  I mean, from a relative perspective it makes sense that we are creatures of habit, that we’re addicted to our own self image and health.  But really, where are those concerns going to take us?  The same place they’ve been taking us for the past several decades, nowhere!  I mean not really.  Sure we’ve come a long way in understanding how food affects our body, and while there will always be more to learn in that department, how does it really help us take the next quantum leap in our development?  Where our attention is, is where we end up going. When we focus on the bio-medical, health and self conscious, habitual way of eating, our attention is looking inward to our seemingly never ending microscopic functioning’s of ourselves and life.  But if we never take the time to direct our attention the other way, outward to those around us, to our city, our country, the world and even to the interior and exterior of the Kosmos, then what good is knowing the minute functions of the body really going to do us?

So, consider this.  What if the top reason for eating was Sensitivity?  By sensitivity I don’t mean food allergies, I mean eating for the purpose of increasing our perception.  For raising our capacity for deeper levels of awareness.  What if we choose to eat for Spirit, for consciousness, for the purpose of increasing our ability to Give and be present?  Don’t you think that would flip everything around?  Our attention would be simultaneously looking inward and outward.  Inward because we would be more conscious about the foods that we did choose to eat, knowing how they would affect us physically, psychologically, emotionally, energetically, and spiritually.  We would choose to eat them because we would intuit the need for them, and know that  their virtues would become one with our virtues.

I know this sounds abstract at first.  But I urge you to give it some thought, and not only that, try it out, after all we are talking about food!  Set a goal for a week of Sensitive eating. Increase your live foods such as sauerkraut, or other cultured veggies, and raw or lightly cooked veggies.  Consciously leave out foods that are heavy and harder to digest, like sugary foods, animal products and dairy.  Choose foods because they look and feel energetically vibrant to you.  Pay attention to what you eat and how it influences you.  And remember, it isn’t about reaching a specific end as much as it is about the process itself.  The motive for eating Sensitively is pure.  While the goal is to increase our capacity for consciousness, it isn’t a goal that can never be reached as an end point.  Rather it becomes actualized in the moment, and every moment, that we  make the conscious choice to eat in this way.

Striving for a more wholesome  relationship to food and life is not something we have to do alone.  In fact we’ve found it to be much more profound when people with these shared intentions come together, which is exactly what the Eating for Evolution community is dedicated to. We hope to see you there!

Eyes on the horizon,
Amber

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Top 5 Reasons Why Diets Don’t Work!

January 3, 2010 By 2 Comments
fad-diets

Its Jan 3rd 2010. Holy cow! I was out and about today and every place that I went had “diet” stuff front and center. Even as I sit here typing I hear the commercials in the background (as my husband watches Lord of the Rings re-run on TV) broadcasting the newest, best, bestest, most wonderful, sure to work, just like a miracle, can’t believe what you see, weight loss specials, sure to take willing payers to new heights of slimdom (invented word). Hence the inspiration for this post.

And I want you to know, this is not based in cynicism. It comes from professional experience rooted in over 15 years in the health and holistic medicine field, as well as personal struggles with food addiction and weight. I have been on the front lines, right in the nitty gritty of patient’s and client’s wants, needs, desires; seeing what works and what does not.

If you are at least 30 years old you know… Diets don’t work! I treat plenty of teenagers that even know this fully. Let us expose what we already know to be true…

1. They aren’t sustainable. Diets have a beginning and an end. That means they work for a while, but there is always an end, and that is when they fail.

Solution: I am pretty sure you have heard this before, but lifestyle changes are what create phenomenal and lasting results. Make changes that are rooted in what you know to be true. Ones that are based in something beyond the superficiality of looks alone. You will be amazed at the payoff!

2. They lack integrity. Integrity means action which moves us towards greater states of integration and wholeness. Most diets are fad based; they come and go like the wind and are completely imbalanced, lacking integrity. High carb/low-fat, Low carb/high protein, the cabbage diet, the lemonade fast, the eat one day and not the next diet, the eat what you want and exercise like a mad person until you burn ___ calories diet.  Fad diets always fail at some point, and its your health that pays the price.

Solution: Do the right thing. Take responsibility for your choices. At this point in time, most of us know deep down what is really needed in order to lose weight (and have it be a lasting affair) are practices and choices rooted in integrity. This is not that complicated and we don’t necessarily need to hire someone to tell us what to eat. Everyone knows these basic guidelines:

  • Eat mostly veggies with some fruits. This is a Nutrient Rich way of living and it makes so much sense! There is a great interview on our Eating For Evolution Community site about eating Nutrient Rich
  • Greatly limit refined flour and sugar products. They contain drug like substances that make them very addictive and wreak havoc on the body. They break down every system in the body over time… And make you fat!
  • Decrease animal products. If you are following #1 above then this naturally happens. Eating less animal product is hands down one of the healthiest things that you can do for your body and for the environment.

3. They are based on deprivation. If the diet you are on is focused on depriving you of something that you really love, it is only a matter of time before you binge. I know we can all exercise incredible self-control for a while, but if we’re doing it based on some “external” force telling us what to do, the rebel inside will unleash eventually.

Now with this said, there are medical reasons why some people should absolutely abstain because someone else told them to. For example: I have celiac disease and I need to not eat gluten, ever, or my health pays for it. Diabetics, don’t eat sugar. In both of these cases certain foods can be like poison.

Solution: Take inventory of what your goals and values are in this life. And then look honestly at your actions… Including what you eat. Then ask the question: “Does what I am choosing to eat support my goals and values?” Identify yourself as the “Chooser,” and then you can no longer play the game of victim. There is no one “out there” to rebel against… It’s just you making choices that support either life or death in every moment. Then you start to see that what you once thought of as deprivation, may actually just a choice for life! What a gift!

4. They are based on the “miracle” quick fix. This does not exist. It’s a fact.

Solution: Consistency over time. Almost everything that is beautiful, stunning, and fantastic has been created and formed over time. Healthy and beautiful bodies and minds are no exception. It’s all the little things that we do over time that add up to create destruction or vitality. Cultivating health is a trajectory not a final destination point. We have a chance to learn and grow bit by bit every day. Putting into practice what we know to be the best for us at that time is that we can hope for. Tomorrow may bring new news. I do know that a way of eating based in the principles listed above is a time-tested, and cross culturally honored as the most healthful and holistic way to eat for ourselves and the planet.

5. They are most often rooted in superficial and “personal” desires. This may not sound so bad a first. And indeed having a motivation to lose weight, say to look stunning at your 20 year class reunion, can be a good thing to get your butt motivated right? Yes and no. “Yes” that it is good to get moving, “No” in the sense that not all motivations are not created equal. superficial motivations only take us so far.

Solution: We need to evolve our motivations. Our culture (which is the collective “us” and all that we have agreed on over time) puts huge emphasis on the “exterior.” This is particularly true for women although it is becoming more and more that way amongst younger men. Our motivations almost always start off rather superficial with weight loss… This “is what it is” so to speak. But we need to consciously direct our attention to deeper reasons for doing the right thing. This is where we are at, collectively, in the developmental process. It’s not just about you and the way that you look, or about me and the way I look anymore. Our current global crisis calls for us to look deeply and holistically at all of our choices and actions. What I/you do is not separate from all of life. In other words what you choose to do, could never “just affect you.”

This is why we have created the Eating For Evolution Community!

  1. To facilitate evolution and awareness in regards to our food choices
  2. To help folks with food sensitivities to discover a whole new way of eating and relating to food
  3. To create a movement in culture based on what and how we eat

Here’s to sustained forward movement rooted in depth and integrity! The weight loss becomes a given :)

Tif

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A Revolution in Consciousness

November 29, 2009 By 1 Comment
worldshift2012

When it comes to evolution and revolution all boundaries dissolve.  There is no “us versus them,” or “in compared to out.”  Seeing through evolutionary eyes is recognizing that even though there may appear to be separations, ultimately everything is just a part of the big One.   When we recognize that at any given moment there is really only one thing happening, only one thing going on, we can begin to see through the boundaries created by our minds, by our egos.  And when we experience and deeply acknowledge this to be Truth we can see that evolution and revolution go hand in and hand, and we realize that revolution could never really be a personal matter.  Instead we can see that revolution describes the process of consciousness evolving.

With this being said, we’re thrilled to give you a taste of what else is percolating in the outer reaches of culture.  Below you’ll find a post by our friends at Hungry for Revolution….

What does the food revolution have to do with 2012? Well, it all boils down to one sentence, “The world we have created is not sustainable.” This is the first sentence of a revolutionary new book by Ervin Laszlo entitled, WorldShift 2012: Making Green Business, New Politics, and Higher Consciousness Work Together.

Laszlo is the founder and president of The Club of Budapest, a think tank with honorary members such as Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, as well as politicians, artists, scientists, musicians, economists, spiritual leaders—the list is impressive. WorldShift 2012 is introduced as The Club of Budapest’s “Handbook of Conscious Change,” and this is in fact how the book reads, as a handbook. It is short and to the point, stuffed full of information, part politics, part philosophy, part science, part spirituality—like the Club itself.

The handbook defines a WorldShift as “a worldwide shift from a path of unsustainability, conflict, and confrontation to a path toward sustainability, well-being, and peace.” Laszlo describes in great detail what this shift will look like, why it needs to come about, and what it will take to cause it. Part of this is shifting “from living on the shoulders of nature to being a harmonious part of the ecosystem” (44). This is what Hungry for a Revolution is all about. So many essential elements of our lives right now are in blatant conflict with nature, and this is causing many unnatural consequences, among these global warming, poverty, and growing health epidemics.

WorldShift 2012 acknowledges the overwhelming problems our world is facing and presents us with the possibility of a complete shift in the world as we know it. In the foreword by Deepak Chopra, he states, “We are already living in two worlds. One world moves ahead by inertia from the past, like a massive luxury liner drifting at sea, while the other steps into the unknown, like a child entering the woods for the first time” (ix). This is the revolution we seek, and apparently it is a revolution in consciousness.

WorldShift 2012 is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Check out the website and consider signing the WorldShift Declaration.

Naturally yours,
the food patriot

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From Survive to Thrive

November 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
greatness%20pic%20large

I’ll bet you are very busy; life is probably pretty full.  There is not much time for creating delicious and healthful meals that nourish you to your core.  Who has time for that?! Most of us are eating on the go.  And if you are reading this I imagine that you care with some depth about what you eat and the impact that it has on the world.  You may be busy, but you’re relatively selective, eating mostly or all organic, and regional when possible.  Maybe you eat at the better restaurants that use quality ingredients, and you buy the whole food or raw energy bars that are easier to find nowadays.

Is this truly eating to thrive?  Don’t get me wrong, anyone who makes the above choices for long enough will certainly feel better, and becoming more and more conscious of how our food choices affect the planet is very important.

Eating to thrive, I propose, goes one step beyond:  This is why I call it Eating for Evolution (EFE).  It is a mind set that takes “green” to the next level.  Do we want to eat organic, or what some people call “beyond organic?”  Yes!  Do we want to eat seasonal and as local as possible?  Yes. Do we want to make conscious food choices?  Yes, of course.

What I have found is that, although we are more aware than ever of being part of a global family, we actually don’t act like it on a fundamental level.  Our motivations are primarily selfish in nature, and what generally gets us going in a particular direction is based on fear and the ever-present “problem” within or without that we need to fix.  Please don’t take my word for it, look into this for yourself and you will see that it is true.  This is actually the way our minds have evolved to function; part and parcel of thousands of years of survival conditioning.

What I propose is that we begin to operate out of a completely different paradigm.  How you ask?  Well, we can start in and through the very thing that we are most intimately intertwined with… food!

Eating for Evolution is a position that we take in regards to life.  It is an acknowledgement of the Truth of interconnectedness, which is embodied in a deep sense of responsibility.  The realization on a gut level (pun intended) that how and what we eat actually alters culture on a foundational level. From an EFE perspective, we can see that what and how we eat is not separate from the creation of new and more evolved values, and shared values are what create culture.  This is incredibly implicating if you really let it in!

I believe that you want to make the world a better place; I know I do.  And how spectacular is it that we can do this by starting with what’s on our plates and our relationship to the choices behind that!

Tired of diet dogma?  Is there something inside you that knows there is more to life than choices dictated by fear and desire?  If you are ready for positive transformation, starting with your relationship to food, then check out our Eating for Evolution community.  See you there!

Straight ahead,

Tiffany

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Busting the Carbohydrate Myth

November 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment
myth-buster-2[1]

Busting the “Carbohydrate Myth.” In this 25 minute interview with dynamic “JAM” you will learn what carbohydrates “hijack your taste buds” and create addictive response, and what carbohydrates fuel life force itself. Discover concepts like “keep your carbs real,” “use what you consume,” and “know your carbohydrate sensitivity.” One of my favorite phrases that came out of this interview is “make real food your junk food.”

Click here to access the EFE library, look for the interview titled “Busting the Carbohydrate Myth.

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The Inside Scoop on Gastrointestinal Inflammation

November 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment
GI Inflammation

Could this all to common form of “heat” be compromising your health?  In a recent interview with Dr. Karen Ball and Tiffany Pollard, LAc and owner of Eating for Evolution (EFE), they weave together naturopathic and Chinese medicine perspectives, explaining what gastrointestinal inflammation is, why it’s important to know about, what causes it, general signs and symptoms, and what we can do to heal and maintain healthy digestive tracts… and of course, what GI talk would be complete without diving into the all important topic of “poop?!”  Below are a few of the key points that emerged from  their discussion.  Visit the EFE library to access the full interview.

Gastrointestinal Inflammation

What is it? Inflammation is a natural response from our bodies in an attempt to protect or heal the body. It causes the chemistry of the inflamed area to change, altering the tissues and the electromagnetic energy in that area as well.

Inflammation from the perspective of Chinese Medicine is looked at as a heat process; very active and hot. If there is long-term inflammation the body shuts down somewhat, and isolates the damage so that it doesn’t spread. This can lead to “coldness” or deficiency. So depending on how long the inflammation has been present the symptoms and treatments will differ; ranging from symptoms of heat to deficient or cold.

What causes it? There are many things that can cause GI Inflammation. A common culprit is not enough HCL in stomach. HCL is what kills the hazardous bacteria on foods and helps break down food. Other causes of GI inflammation include infection, overgrowth of bacteria, parasites, food sensitivities, stress, poor lifestyle and eating habits, and heavy metals/toxins.

General signs of inflammation can include:
• Irregular bowel movements
• Gas
• Bloating
• Burping
• Stomach or intestinal pain
• Constipation and/or lose stool
• Pain when pushing on the belly

Why is it important to know about GI Inflammation? It’s pretty much impossible to be healthy and vital (over time) if digestion isn’t working.

In Chinese Medicine the digestive system is said to be ruled by three main functions/elements and organs of the body. The Earth element includes the stomach and the spleen/pancreas. Here the food is warmed and melted down (stomach) then “essence” is transformed and distributed (spleen/pancreas). The Fire element includes the Small Intestine, which is where our nutrients are absorbed, and is said to link with the Heart or Spirit. The Small Intestine literally feeds the Heart/Spirit with nutrients and information from the outside world. Lastly is the Metal element, which involves the Large Intestine (LI). The LI has to do with taking in and letting go. In our culture there is a serious underestimation of the importance of letting go of the crap! Which leads us to our next section…..

Poop talk!
What is healthy poop? Many people don’t know they have signs of GI inflammation because they assume that what they experience in terms of digestion is normal. This is particularly true when it comes to poop, because not only are we prone to assume we’re “normal,” but this is a topic that most many people avoid bringing up. Poop gives very important information about the state of the body.

So, what’s normal anyways? Having a bowel movement 1-3 times a day, with a brown, not too dark or chalky white, color. Be aware that some foods can temporarily alter the color. Bowel movements should move easily without effort and not a lot of gas. They should be formed and tube-shaped, not skinny, in round balls and not overly stinky or sticky.

What causes GI Inflammation:
• Foods your body can’t handle Eating food without enough digestive enzymes or HCL to help break it down
• Infection
• Excess metals/toxins/chemicals built up in the body
• Emotions

What do we do about it?
• Partnering with a well-trained practitioner can help you get to the underlying problem quickly and safely.
• Meditative, prayer and exercise can help you to manage everyday stressors and emotions, proving to benefit many digestive imbalances.
• Know the do’s and don’ts of eating: Do… Eat in a calm environment, thoroughly chewing your food and pay attention to how your body is responding to what you’re feeding it. Don’t worry, stress, work, or consume too much liquid while eating. The digestive fluids need to be concentrated so it is a good practice to not drink with meals, but rather before and after.
• Simplify your meals. Pay attention to the foods that cause you pain and then take responsibility for that information.

Some foods that promote healthy GI functioning are alkaline foods such as fruits, veggies, sea veggies, millet, amaranth, quinoa and olive oil. These foods should constitute between 70-80% of your meals. Fiber, foods that have pre-biotics (such as chicory), and foods that have probiotics (such as yogurt and home-made cultured veggies) all support GI health.

Foods that promote GI inflammation include animal products, refined foods, sugars, wheat and other grains not mentioned above, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, some fats, coffee and chocolate.

Copyright Eating for Evolution 2009

Dr. Karen Ball is a a licensed Naturopath and owner of Naturally Well
Tiffany Pollard is a licensed Acupuncturist and creator of Eating for Evolution and Synergy Wellness Center

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Clearing Away the Confusion: Why Nutrient Rich is Right for You

November 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Nutrient Rich logo

You will be inspired and informed when you listen to this interview with thought leader John Allen Mollenhauer the founder of Performance Lifestyle & Lifestyle Coaching Center in Livingston NJ.  He is a trainer & lifestyle coach, and co-author of The Curse of the Capable – The Hidden Challenges to a Balanced, Healthy High Achieving Life.  John Allen is well known for promoting the “Nutrient Rich” lifestyle plan.  During this interview John Allen busts the protein myth and opens up the food conversation to levels of enthusiasm that will leave you feeling jazzed to be alive. Find out how the worlds best foods can nourish you to the core, energize your body/mind, and help you naturally reach and maintain an ideal weight.

Click here to listen to the interview:  http://community.eatingforevolution.com/articles/338

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How conscious is your bite?

July 6, 2009 By 1 Comment
Cookie

As I cruised the aisles of a local natural food co-op this afternoon I found myself topping off my cart with a good ole favorite, a freshly baked, gluten free, chocolate chip cookie.  As I moseyed across the sunny parking, lot munching on my sweet treat, it occurred to me that I hadn’t consciously intended to purchase a cookie.  In fact, the only thing I had in mind to buy was mustard powder, but my receipt of $28.13 just doesn’t reflect that intention.  As I thought about it more, I realized that what it really came down to was the belief that no matter what I purchase from this store, it is a better and healthier option that contributes more or less to my wellbeing… including the chocolate chip cookie, I mean after all it is gluten free :) !

This made me realize that despite my beliefs that I am a conscious eater, I am actually more asleep at the cart than I thought and many of the purchases I make aren’t actually decisions I’ve made on my own, with my own health/body in mind.  Rather they are culturally conditioned, image-satisfying, belief-reinforcing selections that fuel more of the same unconscious choices.

This isn’t to say we need to rally against the man, throw our fists in the air and curse culture.  It’s to say that we need to break the vicious cycle, grow up and start making our own conscious choices, which means we need to be more aware of what the driving motivation behind our food choices (and of course all of our other choices) is.

As I sit here re-reading this last sentence I can’t help but feel the weight of responsibility, a tug of obligation, and deep reverence for those who have walked the path before me.  It has not always been the case that in many, if not most, of the cities across our great nation  one had the option to eat fresh, local and organic foods, or that one could choose a more natural option over a highly processed food.  We didn’t get here on our own.  Without those before us who passionately strived to become more knowledgeable eaters, giving us these options and bringing us the information we now have about food, we wouldn’t be able to take the next step.  Now it is up to us, to forge forward and continue to shape reality through our conscious choices.  It’s time we all start taking more conscious bites.

More on how to take conscious bites coming very soon!

- Amber

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Lost on the Front Lines

June 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Wake up

A recent article by Elizabeth Debold takes a deep look at the ironic fruits of woman’s liberation. As she probes the question, What Do Women Want? Again… it is brought to our attention that woman’s liberation has not, surprisingly, been met with the kind of radical, freeing, burst of joy as expected. Rather it’s taken the opposite toll: Women are actually more unhappy now than they were pre-liberation. Elizabeth presents some outstanding questions, that if we are interested in changing our situation (and not just the situation of women, but the entire situation of the world) we need to inquire them very seriously. Everyone is well aware of the critical times we’re living in, but it seems like a brave few are pulling the heavy many. We’re standing on the front lines of a revolution and half of our species appears to be lost. We’re in the midst of a war against contraction. We’re not only battling against global warming, and economical and healthcare downfalls, but the against the constricting vortex of fear, desire, inertia and ego that birthed many, if not all, of our current woes. What’s worse, we appear to be flirting with the enemy rather than giving it the bullet to the head it deserves. If we can’t even see what we’re fighting against, how can we expect to see what we’re fighting for?

The purpose of EFE (Eating for Evolution) is to fuel cultures burning transformation by changing the way we think and relate to food and eating. As it has been said for ages, how you do anything is how you do everything. When we really look into this, peer into our lives and honestly examine what is going on, we see that the choices we make around food and how we relate to it is a direct reflection of the other choices we make and how we relate to life. We find that indeed nothing is separate. If we continue to relate to food from the position of fear or frustration, reducing food to a dress size or image to fill, then we continue to “flirt with the enemy,” by which I mean we continue to feed inertia, handicap our potential, and disgrace not only our gender, but the human race. Wanting to have a fit body is not a bad thing, the problem comes when it becomes our sole motivator, when we become blinded to bigger, much more important, issues at hand.

However, that isn’t to say it is all fixed. We can, in any moment, choose to participate in the greatest, grandest Purpose of all. We just have to pay attention, because the sneaky thing about this war is that it isn’t visible, at least not in the sense that we’re use to. It isn’t like a physical war for freedom. There are no marches, no arrests. There are no radical protesters, women breaking out of the social norm standing on the streets raising their voices to echo the passion in their hearts. No, this is a silent war that challenges us to live deeper, meaningful, radically purposeful lives. Without the cultivation of greater depth we are like blind, weaponless soldiers standing in the middle of the battle field.

Women of today, where are we? It’s time to open our eyes sleeping beauties. There’s a war going on and we’re all desperately needed.

Amber

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