New Month... New Moment!

[Julie]

I so enjoy and get so much out of you journaling on the keys - thank you for doing that!

[ela]

Checking in here right now to write about some feelings... just feeling so tired and angry right now... stressed on the job... The good news is okay... those are the feelings... and I don't have to deny them and pretend to feel differently at least not here on this journal post. On the job, I do have to pretend. No one I am working with is interested in how I feel... job performance is what is valued here, and that is what work is all about, right?

I am so thankful to have a loving Father who cares about everything about me, feelings, thoughts, behavior, appearance, needs, wants, likes, dislikes. I don't have to pretend with God. He loves me just the way I am. He also loves me too much to let me stay stuck in these miserable feelings. He is with me now, comforting me, reassuring me that nothing can keep me from Him or Him from me. He is reminding me of the wonderful peace and joy that is mine right now by my turning to His Word: Matthew 5:3-6 3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

I am blessed and I am thankful even if I feel poor in spirit and even though I am mourning the temporary losses of a certain level of energy and of the comfort of my private residence. I am hungering and thirsting after righteousness and I am submissive to the will of God, so I have everything I need now and I am filled.

If I am blessed with the opportunity to get back to this thread today, I intend to review key 2 and write some thoughts about it here. I am so thankful that I came here to write instead of going to the food for some kind of comfort it cannot give me.

My hunger scale numbers so far today are:
8:30am 0-5 Glory to God.
12:30pm 0-3 I am so thankful for this blessing. God is so good to me.

[ela]

I have a little window now to get started on a re-view of Key #2:
"Reduce the number of distractions in order to eat in a calm environment. There is a delightful experience that awaits you at each meal. However, if you are like most of us, your meals are chaotic instead of calm. A chaotic environment produces chaotic eating. Ponder relishing a quiet meal where you can be still and know that [He is] God (Psalms 46:10) when you eat. You will discover that eating really can be a more satisfying experience. Allow yourself the pleasure of being focused on your food. At Thin Within we call this eating in "present time." If your mind is elsewhere or if you are distracted, you are less likely to enjoy your food. You will also find yourself going back for "seconds" because you were not fully present the first time around. The Lord wants us to experience both His provisions and His peace. Mealtimes can be the opportunity to turn off the TV or disruptive music, and put aside your reading. In the process, we can praise Him for the sight, the smell, and the taste of each bite of food." (p. 9 in Thin Within)

Each time I read this key, apply this key, write or share about this key, I have a greater sense of its usefulness and its value in deepening my intimacy with God. When I haven't applied this key to an eating experience, I have noticed a tendency to eat more than when I did apply it. Eating CAN be "a delightful experience" where I relish the quiet time in which I can "be still and know that [He is] God." It can be pleasurable and satisfying... an opportunity to focus on God's provision and His peace and to praise Him for His generosity. Since I started this God-directed review of the keys, I have been more willing to eat without distractions of tv, driving, busy work.

Thank You, God, for helping me to see the blessings of using this key. Thank You for your generous provisions. Thank You for the peace that comes from staying in line with Your will. I love You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. You are so good. AMEN.

[norma]

Yes, Ela. It is so true. I have noticed that when I am distracted I don't even enjoy the food. Now that my children are raised it is not quite so difficult.

[ela]

I am looking for a spot where I can find all 8 keys to conscious eating together on my journal, so I am creating this one.

From page 8-11 in Thin Within:

About the Keys to Conscious Eating
In the pages that follow, we will share principles that will enable you to be at peace with food, your body, and others around you. These are not dieting laws; instead they are keys that can lead to a better life. We believe these Keys to Conscious Eating will unlock the ability that God placed inside of you -- the power to participate in your own transformation from the inside out.
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength (Ephesians 1:18-19).

Keys to Conscious Eating
1. Eat only when my body is hungry. This principle is at the heart of becoming aware of your body and what it needs. Most of us eat much more food than what our bodies require to function efficiently. Consider for a moment how often during the past few days that you have allowed your body to feel hungry. This week begin to listen to the God-given cue of "hunger" and respond accordingly. This probably sounds obvious to you. The fact is much of our eating occurs when we aren't really hungry, so if you can't figure out if your body is hungry or not, give your body the benefit of the doubt. "When in doubt, leave it out." (Don't eat.) I am the Lord your God... Open your mouth wide and I will fill it. Ps. 81:10
2. Reduce the number of distractions in order to eat in a calm environment. There is a delightful experience that awaits you at each meal. However, if you are like most of us, your meals are chaotic instead of calm. A chaotic environment produces chaotic eating. Ponder relishing a quiet meal where you can be still and know that [He is] God (Psalms 46:10) when you eat. You will discover that eating really can be a more satisfying experience. Allow yourself the pleasure of being focused on your food. At Thin Within we call this eating in "present time." If your mind is elsewhere or if you are distracted, you are less likely to enjoy your food. You will also find yourself going back for "seconds" because you were not fully present the first time around. The Lord wants us to experience both His provisions and His peace. Mealtimes can be the opportunity to turn off the TV or disruptive music, and put aside your reading. In the process, we can praise Him for the sight, the smell, and the taste of each bite of food.
3. Eat when sitting down. Americans are famous for eating on the run and much of our unconscious mindless eating is done while driving. If you eat on the run or while standing at the kitchen counter, you aren't truly focused on the food or enjoying present-time eating. When this happens, you may hear yourself saying, "I haven't had a thing to eat all day."
We will encourage you throughout these thirty days to remain in the present moment and to relish it for the pleasure it brings. If you sit down and take time to focus on giving your body the fuel it needs, your mind will record the fact that you have eaten. Often, in our hurry-on-the-go lifestyles, we charge ahead and our hearts and minds feel as if they haven't been refreshed. [And then he said,] "Refresh yourself with something to eat; then you can go." So the two of them sat down to eat and drink together. (Judges 19:5-6)
4. Eat when my body and mind are relaxed. Take a quiet moment to invite the Lord of the wind and waves into your meal. The one who said, "Peace, be still" is eager for you to enjoy freedom from anxiety at your mealtimes. God wants to free you from worry and to infuse your life with peace. Do not be anxious about what you shall eat, or what you shall drink.... Is not life more than food, and the body more important than clothing? ... Seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:25, 33, NASB).
5. Eat and drink the food and beverages my body enjoys. Relish this as the opportunity to be authentic. With a thankful spirit and no guilt whatsoever, you can eat and enjoy whatever your heart desires and whatever your body calls for. You are free to be real with yourself and with God. You will discover how trustworthy your body is as you melt down to the size God created you to be. "Can't you see that what you eat won't defile you? Food doesn't come in contact with your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then comes out again." (By saying this, he showed that every kind of food is acceptable.) (Mark 7:18-19 NLT)
Too often, we get caught up in thinking we are good or bad based on what we eat. Food can't cleanse the heart no matter how little food or how little fiber it contains. Be liberated and rejoice as you rid yourself of such thoughts and other dieting rules. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating or drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)
There are no forbidden foods. If you have food allergies or a medical condition that would require abstinence from certain foods, by all means heed your doctor's recommendations. But aside from that, enjoy God's wonderful provisions. We might, however, be tempted to take this to an extreme. It's important for us to remember that "Everything is permissible for me"-- but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Cor. 6:12) When unsure, ask God what your body needs in order to feel and operate at its best. You will know what will be an appropriate choice.
6. Pay attention to my food while eating. During many of your meals you will dine with others. We are enriched by both our interaction with others and by the nourishment and delight provided by the food we eat. We experience maximum satisfaction as we give our full attention to each in turn. How can you apply this key? We suggest that you attempt to establish a rhythm as you eat. Look at your food, take a bite, chew deliberately, and fully experience the flavor. Then set your fork down and focus on your companions, giving them your full attention. Return to focus on your food and continue this back-and-forth process. As you practice this rhythm, you will be able to do this without giving it much thought. Your meals will be more intentional and more enjoyable.
7. Eat slowly and savor each bite. People often eat when they are distracted or distressed. Since we are not eating consciously at these times, the result can be over-indulgence. If we eat only when we are hungry, and if we sit down, relax, and focus on our food, we will truly enjoy the eating experience and we can stop the habitual inhaling of food. You can enjoy your food, one small bite at a time. Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks (Nehemiah 8:10). As you enjoy "choice food and sweet drinks," you will be surprised at how little food it takes to make you feel satisfied. As you eat more slowly, your stomach can accurately signal your brain as to when your physical need for food has been satisfied.
8. Stop before my body is full. Stop at a point of comfort before your body is "full" or "stuffed". Many participants find this problematic to apply. They may develop an awareness of what physical hunger feels like, but then, once they begin to eat, they roll right on pass the appropriate stopping point. Twenty minutes later, they are surprised to find themselves needing to unbutton their pants or become horizontal in order to be "comfortable." However, once they take the time to slow down and to savor their food, stopping at a place of comfort isn't quite as challenging. If you feel "full" or "stuffed" when you stop eating, your stomach is being stretched and you have actually eaten more than your body needs. If you are tempted to eat beyond a comfortable point, remind yourself that no temptation is beyond His reach. God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Cor. 10:13).
... please do not allow these keys to become 'rules.' They are meant to be tools to serve you..... Commit yourself to spending a few minutes each day, sitting quietly in the presence of God, asking for His wisdom. Then read Thin Within, and absorb the concepts presented. Refer to the Bible when a verse is referenced. You may even want to have a journal to chronicle your progress. The more you look to God and are open to His leading on this journey, the more likely you are to experience the abundant life that has been given to us in Christ.

Well, here they are and now I know where I can come for a quick review of all 8 of them.

Thank You, God, for Your wonderful provision of what I need when I need it.