Lightness of Being
Several years ago I rented a lovely space for my Third Option Coaching practice and workshops. After selecting the paint colors, area rugs, wall art and some minimal furniture it felt both grounded and light - a perfect combination. For me it represented an outer manifestation of the best energy within me.
When the time came to renew the lease, I struggled. While the space was wonderful, it was bigger than I truly needed. The under utilized beauty came at a significant rent, and it was about to get higher. What to do?
In speaking with a close friend about the challenge I faced, she shared an insight that launched a new bud of growth for me. She said, "Joanne, I hear you saying that the space gives form to a manifestation of you that you don't see when you look in the mirror." Bingo!
Inspired, I made a commitment to be curious about what else I could create that would feel like an attractive extension of me. I began with a new space that fit my budget and needs better. And while it continues to be a work in progress...a little tweak here and there...it feels quite lovely to me.
Meanwhile, I allowed this question to marinate: "How do I create a physical manifestation in my own body that represents the best energy within me." I decided it would be nice to look in the mirror and see the best me looking back.
To start, I worked with Nathalie Blitz. Guided by her I learned, one gentle step at a time, to shift some habits to better support me. We're not talking rocket science here; Nathalie's simple suggestions encouraged me to be more me, rather than attempting some difficult mass prescribed protocol.
Here are a few tips I use from Nathalie:
A glass of warm water with fresh squeezed lemon first thing each day awakens my digestive system.
Making a concerted effort to eat about the same time every day, reminds my body of it's rhythm; it doesn't need to hold on for all it's worth, because more nutrition will be coming!
I rediscovered the physical sensation of hunger. Growing up, I learned to eat when someone told me to, whether hungry or not, so I forgot how to listen to my own body's signals.
By drowning my body in a history of "should," I was challenged by both when to eat AND when to stop. Through work with Suzie Donahue, a Theta Healer, I learned on every level of my existence about the "levels of hunger," and the signals for when to stop eating.
In this process, there wasn't much shape shifting happening, but I began to feel better. I experienced a level of self-care and healthy habits that I'd never known for myself.
Then, eight months ago, I began a program that Adrian Wilkins created. As a part of the process, I started using MyFitnessPal. Turns out, I had no idea what my body desired calorically speaking, nor did I fathom how many calories I consumed. I'd never counted calories because I had horrible memories of my mother and grandmother doing so, and they possessed polar opposite eating disorders.
Here's what I learned through Adrian's program:
I can balance food as a combination of fuel and pleasure.
I now welcome information about what I'm eating, that I previously closed my eyes to.
I enjoy feeling "slightly" hungry and feel good about choices that support my good health.
As of this writing, I am 30+ pounds lighter. It's funny to realize that my true goal is to find the body that represents the best of me, and I simply have no idea what that looks like yet. With each shift, though, I feel more and more me. And in case you haven't picked up on a key point here, this journey has been quite pain-free. I learned from Nathalie that health choices made from a place of punishment do not work. And with Adrian's program, I have affirmative support that calms the old, familiar struggles.
My personal recipe:
Allow myself support in an area that feels tortured.
Hire experts to provide that support - having the best makes a difference!
Apply all of the mindful principles I've ever learned to this aspect of my journey and growth.
Suzie taught me that when the universe hears you've lost something, it endeavors to help you find it, so one does not "lose" weight, one releases it. Nathalie describes the shift as being lighter - that fits for me exactly. I am enjoying the lightness of this being.
I invite you consider using my recipe to support you on your path forward, noting that it may apply to any form, shape, or situation.
With love and lightness,
Joanne Lutz