Mindful Eating  - Part Two 

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.  This kind of attention nurtures greater awareness, clarity, and acceptance of present moment reality.  If we are not fully present for many of those moments, we may not only miss what is most valuable in our lives but also fail to realize the richness and the depth of our possibilities for growth and transformation.
                                 -- Jon Kabat-Zinn
                                      from Wherever You Go, There You Are

Dear Friend,

This is Part Two in a series on Mindful Eating.  In the June 18 issue, I presented an overview of the Mindful Eating Program and what I'm learning.  The July 2 issue (Part 1) discussed the perils of Chronic Dieting.  Click on the blue underlined links to read those issues.

Some of you may have noticed that there was no 7/16 edition.  I had been biking in the Champlain Valley of Vermont for the week prior to that, and just couldn't get to it upon my return.  And since I'll be traveling next week, when the first August issue is due, I decided to split the difference.  So here it is.

Important Disclaimer
I do not consider myself an expert in practicing or teaching meditation.  As you read the following, remember that I have just recently begun regular meditation myself.  My descriptions and definitions are inherently limited by this fact. 

If you find yourself interested in learning more, or beginning or furthering your practice, please find a competent teacher or program in your vicinity.  Many good books have been written (see Resources below), as well, and can add immeasurably to your practice.  However, if you're serious about incorporating meditation into your life, I recommend you find a good teacher.

Don't just do something, sit there!
Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which one attends to what is going on in the moment.  Moment after moment. 

Your breath teaches you that not only does unawareness go with the territory, it is the territory.
                                 -- Jon Kabat-Zinn
                                      from Wherever You Go, There You Are

Usually, there is a point of focus, such as the breath, which one decides to keep for the duration of the meditation.  What happens, of course, is that our mind, being what it is, puts our attention on all sorts of other things.  Some examples include: what we should be doing instead, what we forgot we were supposed to have done, the barking dog, the state of the economy, fantasies, the rumble in our stomachs, feelings, or thoughts that we're doing it wrong or it's useless to meditate in the first place.

When we become aware that our attention has drifted, the task is to notice what comes up, quickly classify it in our mind, let it go, and return our attention to our breath.

That's it.  Simple?  Yes.  Easy?  No.

What's the point?
In our lives, we don't pay much attention to what is actually occurring.  Our attention is most often on the past, the future, or some unrelated thought or feeling in the present.  An easy, though probably imprecise, way to say it is "we're daydreaming" most of the time.

Just one example.
While I was on my bike trip, I managed to fit in a few meditation sessions.  During one of them, my attention drifted to work and, specifically, to writing this newsletter.  Suddenly, I had this great idea!  I could draw the parallel between my attention drifting in meditation and my attention drifting while working on my newsletter.

Of course, at the same moments I was having this brilliant insight I did not have my attention on the breath.  And during the moments it took to write this sentence my mind took flight a bunch of times!  The good part is: at least I am starting to be aware of it.

What's in it for me?
As I don't want to give you multiple examples, I will summarize the changes and value I attribute to regular meditation practice.  I have no doubt that you would realize at least as much.

• I have greater awareness of what is actually happening in my life... as I am living it.  I am more mindful.  This means I don't miss as many of the moments that make my life fulfilling, such as those with my family and friends, when I'm in nature, or simply walking.
   
• I find that I have less need to fill up my time.
   
• Sitting in meditation for 30 to 45 minutes at a time gives me greater endurance.  "If I can do this, I can do anything."
   
• When I spend some time "being" (in the moment), rather than "doing" (stuff), I see more clearly the patterns of "doing" (including thoughts and feelings) that run through me constantly. 
   
• I am more able to experience my inherent safety when threatened or challenged, so I can respond with less defensiveness.
   
• I am increasingly aware of many interesting habits that I have been trying to get a handle on.
   
• I find that I don't multi-task as often as I used to.  When I'm doing the dishes mindfully, it is as meaningful a task as any other.  There is no need to listen to tapes of The Prairie Home Companion to help pass the time.
   
• Getting better at noticing the shifts in my attention means that I can more easily notice when I'm hungry and when I'm no longer hungry, the texture and taste of the food I'm eating, and whether I'm enjoying it or not.  (Here's the connection to Mindful Eating, folks!)

Your turn

• What value do I see myself getting from mindfulness meditation practice?  What additional information or conditions would I need in order to go forward with it at this time?
   
• Is this something I would like to investigate further?
   
• If it is, how and when will I begin this investigation?
   
• What structures would help me remember that I want to do this and then support me as I build it into my life?  (Gee, I know a coach who can help me in this regard!)
   

Resources
A good starting place to learn more about Mindfulness is the superb book Wherever You Go, There You Are, by Jon Kabat-Zinn, available in paperback.  Look for it in your public library, local bookseller (start small), or get it online (see below).

Go to Top
 

As always, I welcome your experiences, comments, and expertise.  If you would like to see how coaching might support you in building meditation into your life, give me a call.  I'd love to support you in your journey.  And...

May your journey be a good one -

   Steve

You may order from Amazon.com by clicking on this image.

If this doesn't work for you, e-mail me and I'll send you the link directly.

Find Previous Articles and Reader Contributions on my web site at archives. 

Go to Top
 

I welcome your comments, stories, quotes, reflections, and suggestions for future topics and enhancements.  Let me know whether I may post your contribution, and how you wish to be identified as the contributor.

I help business people and other dynamic folks stay on track to success.

Are you ready?  Call me at 315-472-0504 or toll-free at 1-888-832-8421 for a complimentary coaching session.  In one hour or less, you'll obtain greater clarity, deepen your understanding of your situation, and have initial steps in front of you.  And it's fun, to boot!  No obligation, no commitment, of course.  Nothing to lose... everything to gain. 

Or send an e-mail to: coach@stevereiter.com, or visit my web site at 
<a href=http://www.stevereiter.com>Click</a>

I offer all clients a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.  Click on the logo to learn more.

The Reiter Coaching Letter is published by Steve Reiter on the first and third Tuesday of each month.  The purpose is to challenge you and support you in creating success and fulfillment throughout your life.

The names of newsletter subscribers will never be shared or sold.

Unless otherwise indicated, all content is written and edited by Steve Reiter, MS, PCC.  You are welcome to republish any or all parts of this newsletter; I ask only that you honor the copyright by including full acknowledgment, which includes the words "Copyright 2002, Reiter Coaching. All rights reserved." and a listing of my contact information (name, e-mail, web site).  Additionally, I would appreciate receiving a copy of the publication in which the article appears.

The Reiter Coaching Letter
Copyright (c) 2002, Reiter Coaching. All rights reserved.
U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: 1539-2309