Food for Thought: February 26th

Eating Slowly

We compulsive overeaters are inclined to devour our meals in a great rush. Mealtime often finds us anxious and tense, and sometimes we are just plain greedy! While others at the table are interested in conversation and socializing, we may be narrowly focused on food and preoccupied with trying to satisfy a ravenous appetite.

We need to break out of our self-centeredness. Rather than being completely absorbed with satisfying our own appetite (which we can never do), we can learn to focus some of our attention on the concerns of those around us. When we eat more slowly, we have more time for others and we feel less deprived. Our enjoyment, of both the company and the food, is greatly increased.

Even when we eat a meal alone, we should remember that we do not receive all of our nourishment from physical food. When we eat more slowly, we become more relaxed and refreshed both physically and spiritually. When we are aware of our Higher Power and thankful for all of His blessings, the meal is more satisfying.

Help me to slow down and appreciate Your gifts.

From Food for Thought: Daily Meditations for Overeaters by Elisabeth L. ©1980, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation.

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Eating is uncomfortable............I am anxious around food, which leads me to eat FAST and get it over with. I know I can never truly feel 'satisfied' after eating, and I will always want more.........so to hurry up and get it over with means I wolf down my meal. I have gotten a bit better about it over the years, but it's still something I need to work on.

I guess I tend to devour all of LIFE in a great rush. I could do well to slow down everywhere........but my racing mind propels me to move forward in a heated rush. I suppose it's a 'greed' for life........a lust to fit the most into it that I possibly can, without missing anything in the process. Part of that is good, part of it is not so good.

For today, I pray to strike a balance between 'too much' and 'not enough.'  I also pray to recognize enough when I see it!

For today, I will break out of my self-centeredness and focus some of my attention on the concerns of those around me. Life doesn't revolve around ME, and my ego needs to step aside and acknowledge that fact.

For today, I will slow down and appreciate God's gifts.