Winter is the season of self-reflection and renewal. Many of us set intentions to move more, eat better, improve our time management, give more, or spend less money. In some aspect, all of these are on my list of intentions for 2018.
Is being kinder to yourself on your list of intentions for the coming year? It’s made mine. I recently completed the Mindful Self-Compassion program at Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness. The concepts and practices of self-compassion are not new to me. My awareness of the ways in which I criticize myself continues to grow. Research shows the nicer I can be to myself, the easier it is to shift my behavior.
At times I struggle significantly with time management, in part because I am very distractible. This struggle impacts many aspects of my life; not just getting to a destination on time, but meal preparation, my relationships, and writing blog posts! Recently, I have been extending kindness to myself by acknowledging; “Of course I am distractible; I grew up in a home where distraction was a necessary coping mechanism.” When I see that I am distracted, I can gently redirect my attention back to the task at hand.
Approaching Food and Our Body with Self-Kindness
We have a much better chance of being successful with changing our eating habits and relationship with our body when we extend some kindness to ourselves. In the course, Mindful Eating – Eat for Life, we practice how to cultivate a kind, loving relationship with food, thoughts, emotions and the body. In this non-diet approach to eating, we use a compassionate approach to re-learn our ability to use internal physical cues to guide what, when, and how much to eat.
Testimonials for Our Mindful Eating Course:
A past participant said, “The Eat for Life series has been life-changing for me. This is really a class that teaches a path to well-being in mind, body, and spirit. The information is solid and practicable, and the mindfulness and self-compassion practices are impactful in ways that go beyond food and eating. I’m better able to appreciate and enjoy all that makes up my life as a result of experiencing this series.”
Another participant said the class should be a requirement for every woman.
“In this class I learned a multitude of practical tips and information to help me have a healthy eating lifestyle. In the past, I have been on just about every fad diet that exists. The information presented in class is based on research and led by a registered dietitian. This class should be a requirement for women—young and old! It is life changing!”
Join Us!
In the program, we teach the principles of intuitive eating and practice the basics of mindful eating. Through mindfulness practices, you begin to know your own thoughts and feelings that interfere with eating in a mindful and intuitive manner. You also become aware of the barriers to being physically active and how to overcome them, including being kind and gentle to yourself.
Are you ready to have a kind and loving relationship with food and your body? Begin this season of renewal with a gift that will give you joy for the rest of your life. The life skills that you learn in the Mindful Eating – Eat for Life class will continue to grow over time and support you in creating total well-being. Enjoy the food you eat, the body you inhabit, and the life you live.
Join us for this exciting journey. Classes begin Thursday, January 18 at 6:30 pm at Energy Touch Center. Sign up now and get the Early Bird discount, and register for the free information session January 11th at 6:30 pm at Energy Touch Center.
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Lori Schermers is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Wellness Coach who helps people eat well, eat mindfully, and be healthy at any size. She is a Mindful Eating Instructor at the Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness.