Wow! Today I looked in my fridge and realized that it has a lot of food in it. More than normal. Then I realized that I’ve been baking and looking for sweets.
Comfort eating was something I learnt as a child. As an adult I thought I’d learned to separate myself from it – at least most of the time! I keep a watchful eye on consumption and my size for I’ve seen it expand many times. Expand and contract was my pattern for years, but in the last few years I’ve settled into a comfortable size and keep a watchful eye on that Craving Monster that lives inside me. WW has been a very helpful support in changing my relationship to food.
But Wow! My fridge is full, and I’ve been baking and craving sweets. Without any intention something deep inside me said, “I’m a little scared. I think I need a cookie.” I didn’t hear the voice, but today when I opened my fridge, I realized that I have been responding to a deep current within me that seeks food for comfort.
When I was a little girl, I had regular nightmares. I’d wake scared and then 
go find my mother. She kept a box of cookies in a cupboard near my room. We’d sit down together, I’d tell her my nightmare and she’d give me a cookie….or two. Later we had a habit that she would simply leave me a cookie by my bed so when I woke scared during the night I could immediately reach for a cookie. As the years moved on I satisfied lots of fears and insecurities with cookies, chocolate bars, ice cream, bread … and did I mention cheese?
It was years ago I saw those patterns. I’ve done lots of work in those areas. I realized this week how very subtle is my internal world. Yes, I know the patterns. I know the disciplines. I know how to make good choices. Most of the time I do. My senses don’t usually dominate my life choices. In the midst of the virus seclusion I haven’t felt on a conscious level any fear. Yet without my awareness a scared part of me has been grocery shopping and baking. Some unconscious current has been moving. How subtle. How hidden. Yet not – my fridge is FULL!
What an intriguing journey to be a human being. There is always something new to learn. I’m humbled with the awareness of power of unconscious currents in my life.
How’s your fridge? How are you coping with your seclusion? Any surprises?
A fellow pilgrim on this human journey….
Anne
Mystic in Motion
Companion on the Way with Contemplative Fire
Contemplative Fire Canada (Founder)
Mystic in Motion 
I bake more as I like to bake and not distracted by other activities. I think eating a cookie or trading with a friend helps spirits. I also trade books. I look forward to your writings and share some. Joan
LikeLike
thanks Joan
LikeLike
Thanks, Anne. Good to think about. I have been doing lots of sewing, cooking and baking, and reminiscing about my grandparents’ lifestyle in less modern, and what we might see as deprived of conveniences, times, pumping water from wells, baking, sewing, etc. Maybe our deprivations of the moment take us back to pioneer times.
LikeLike
back to a simpler life – for sure. we’re so used to so much ‘stuff’ and activities. i’m enjoying this simpler time.
LikeLike
I have spent way too much time on the computer and Facebook. It’s soothing and entertaining. It’s like flipping through magazines. A lot of valuable reading and lessons and sharing and research and staying connected with my daughter and grandsons, and entertaining “fluff” but waaaaaay too much. Then I’m disappointed with myself. I’ve been getting a better balance this past week of prayer, meditation, computer, exercise, chores, and decluttering. Learning patience and forgiveness for myself and thinking Progress not Perfection. It has stopped raining! Time to go out for a COVID safe walk.
LikeLike
yes how easy to get pulled into ‘fluff’….but sounds like you’re finding your way out of That Fluff Trap!
LikeLike
Thank you for your frankness and honesty, Anne. I’ve been with you on this journey and it’s been helpful to share in the past and in the now. Many blessings. Elayne
LikeLike
You were so helpful to me a few years ago, pointing me back to WW!
LikeLike
Your comments always feed my soul,Anne.
I can identify so we’ll with them.
I feel deep down there is a hidden fear of uncertainty, we can’t see light at the end of the tunnel and can so easily get pulled in all sorts of direction.
It certainly is a time to slow right down and allow the Lord to just love us and gather us to Himself .
LikeLike
Amen to that!
LikeLike