While some are on certain diets necessitated by doctor’s orders whether it be due to food allergies, heart conditions, diabetes, some of us, this syndrome can be a root cause of further anxieties. While most are well intended and truly caring people who are seriously alarmed about the well-being of this planet and the inhabitants, … some of the super restrictive dietary concerns verge on at times, obsession or preoccupation steeped in fear. Eating used to be about nourishing with JOY and really about …Gratitude. It’s still that but there’s more fear. Fear of getting fat; fear of aging; fear of illnesses… eating choices are made fear based in many cases and some really don’t know what and how to eat anymore – which is too bad – it would be nice if it’s all about a gathering and abundance (not gluttony). Evaluation of how we eat and what we eat seems like a good way to start the year – healthy eating doled out in moderate portions at a sharing table filled with good conversations and laughter … that would be enough for me.
In the media, there’s a lot attention given to the 98 year old yoga teacher, Täo Porchon-Lynch, and rightfully so because she’s pretty amazing. Well, I was inspired to find that there’s someone like her at the local level, going about her compassionate ways without the hype. I admire Saraswathi Devi for what she does in Berkeley California. She must be in her 70’s or 80’s – have no idea – gosh, maybe she too is in her 90’s as yoginis tend to age so gracefully; she is a shining example of empowerment to those who feel limited whether by an illness, injuries or age or whatever else.
Recently I was reminded how I have been fortunate to learn from many wise seasoned older women, including my mother and late grandmother and aunts and for all that, I am so grateful. Maybe because they were all rather accomplished home chefs, when it comes to memories of time spent with them, it is interesting that gathering around the table or that loving woman’s specialty dish brings up the most pleasant memories – one might call it the “comfort food” – food for thought. Thoughts of certain kinds of food is so connected to our emotions, losing weight is not just about counting calories and exercising more…We all know we should eat whole foods, mostly plant based … and then? We have to see how certain emotions dictate our relationship with our food…
You know what’s coming, right ? Yes … will be tackling “Yoga for Weight Loss” as most of us believes they gained too much during the holiday season. Apparently not true according to this article – and yet, we fear the cumulative effects of that one pound gain a year over time. Remember – yoga works.
