Be Alive in the Moment

For the last several months I’ve been studying the concept of mindful eating. Recently, I was a guest blogger for a mindful eating website (www.eatq.com) so I have created a series of articles from my experience and offer these mindful eating tips for you.

Last week my 8th grade son had a basketball game. As I watched him on the court, I noticed a mother from the opposing team sitting ahead of me. She was very busily snapping photos of her son with her iPhone, then her giant digital camera. Then texting someone, then snapping photos, then showing her friend the photos, then changing accessories on her giant camera, then….it didn’t end! She spent so much time being pre-occupied with her gadgets and conversations that she didn’t spend any time focusing on the important reason she was there in the first place: her son playing a live game. 

She was so determined to capture the perfect moment that she wasn’t taking in the reality and aliveness of the environment unfolding around her.

Then I realized that sometimes I eat my meals this way – totally pre-occupied with my electronic gadget, or the conversation I’m involved in. Practicing mindful eating demands my full attention and has taught me to be alive in the moment – to be mindful of my food choices – to taste and smell, to recognize the feelings of fullness and satisfaction, as well as being alert to emotional eating tendencies. 

And I am grateful.

So next time you are plowing through your meal without taking in the reality around you, remember the Shutterbug Mom in the bleachers who is missing the moment by being pre-occupied by a different agenda.

I am offering a free 21-day online Healthy Holiday Challenge. Enjoy receiving weekly e-mails with holiday tips and participate in a secret Facebook group as we tackle the topics of eating for energy, stress management and keeping your sanity through the holidays.  Use this link to sign-up: Healthy Holiday Challenge. The challenge begins on December 3rd.  

Be well my friends. Remember to live in the moment and love yourself happy.

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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.