A recipe from the Institute of HeartMath to rekindle your spirit for the holidays:

Into your heart, pour generous quantities of love and
care. Stir gently and sincerely. If the mixture is lumpy,
add compassion and forgiveness and continue stirring ’til
the lumps are dissolved. You may find bubbles of hope
rising to the surface. Taste-testing at this point is
encouraged. Although you will find the mixture already
flavorful, you can enhance it by adding appreciation.
Appreciation for the qualities of your heart, for friends ...

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She turned to me when she spoke of her eating disorder as an illness based on wanting more control... then I knew she knew.   

We can spot each other... whether currently in the throws of an ED or a former sufferer.   We have a certain sensitivity and antennas that pick up the "type".  You know who you are...

Knows exactly, without a doubt, and preaches constantly about which foods are "good" and "bad".

Pupils dilate in the supermarket as you rush to get your cart of cakes, cookies, and milkshakes to the counter.

Stressed about nothing in particular, but everything bothers you.

Constant friction with lover/spouse/friend/coworkers.

Unable to make sense when talking during "high" (manic) times.

...<< MORE >>

Forbes reports about the success rates of teens with eating disorders when parents get involved.  Of course it's going to help their recovery.  But, what about the teens with parents who are not supportive?  Oh yeah, they're out there.  What do we do to help them?

My solution is to make it possible for hospitals and community centers to offer in-house peer group support.  An eating disorder just like any other addiction thrives in the individual who feels alone, lost and unable to express emotions.  We have to teach them, not lecture, pity, or counsel.  Teaching is about empowering.  An empowered invidual is a << MORE >>

Heartmarth is my favorite site for education on energy medicine and mindfulness.  I'm happy to share this latest program they're offering.  It looks wonderful!

http://www.heartmath.org/templates/ihm/e-newsletter/2009/May-June-2009/online/stop_emotional_eating_weight_loss.php

Weight-loss Program Participants Learn
Self-Management Techniques For Success

The findings are in from a weight-loss pilot program developed by HeartMath in which volunteers self-administered a six-week regimen that incorporated HeartMath tools and the emWave^® technology.

There was slightly more than a 5-pound average weight reduction among the 19 participants who completed the Stop Emotional Eating Weight Loss Pilot Program during the second half of 2008, though a number reported approximately 12-pound losses. Average waist size decreased just over 2 ...<< MORE >>

Hypnosis allows your mind to redirect associations to food, stress, relationships... whatever it is you really want to resolve.  By changing your mindset before you react, you can effectively stop a compulsion, like bulimia, and through continued practice, will be able to eliminate it altogether.

I wish I had discovered hypnotherapy much sooner than I actually did.  It was the one tool that helped my recovery along and supported everything else I was doing to get better.

Most importantly, hypnosis gave me back my power to control my life in a much healthier, mindful and harmonious way.  Read on...


Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/026199.html
by: Steve G. Jones, ...<< MORE >>

Scarlett Johansson has done a very responsible celebrity move by writing this essay.  I applaud her!

Source: Huffington Post, The Skinny

While training for an upcoming film, I've come to this conclusion: chin ups are near impossible and lunges suck. There is no magic wand to wave over oneself to look good in a latex catsuit. Eating healthy and getting fit is about commitment, determination, consistency and the dedication to self-preservation. While I've never been considered a gym rat, I have, in fact, worked up a sweat in the name of cardio before, and although I enjoy a grilled ...<< MORE >>

What a wonderful idea!

I'm looking out for centers with similar structures for other mood disorders and/or addictions.  This supports mind and body transformation at work in the most practical and function way in a space where there is acceptance and trust.

http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/Article.aspx?id=41863 ...<< MORE >>

Interesting post. 

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1889742,00.html

As someone who has tried nearly every form of extreme dieting, I know that whether it's vegetarianism, raw foodism, or the atkins diet, it was always a way to mask the underlying compulsion that was my eating disorder.  After I saw it in myself, I noticed it in others, and still continue to witness it. 

Thankfully, I'm on the other end now helping those with eating disorders and other addictions live a happy, healthy and more fulfilling life. 

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After many years hypnosis has found its way into the medical field and is now recognized as an effective way to cure both emotional and physical troubles. Soon hypnosis will be as acknowledged as most of the traditional medical practices and more people will turn towards this form of treatment to heal from any troubles they may have. << MORE >>

It's not all in your mind. It's in your body too! The mind-body collaboration becomes very obvious during times like this... high stress, fear, and uncertainty. It's a great opportunity to tune in quietly and ask "why am I harming my body right now". If you're truly tuned in, you will get an answer in the form of an image, a movie or a feeling. If not, you can learn more here. << MORE >>