Eating in the Light of the Moon

1. Disordered eating is a symptom of deeper emotional and spiritual hunger

Hunger can really be about much more than food. Hunger can be about the need for comfort and nurturance, the need for self-expression, the need for spiritual fulfillment.

Misinterpreted hunger. Women struggling with disordered eating often mistake emotional and spiritual hunger for physical hunger. This leads to a cycle of using food to fill voids that cannot be satisfied through eating. The root causes typically stem from:

• Feelings of emptiness or lack of fulfillment
• Unmet emotional needs for love, attention, or acceptance
• Spiritual disconnection or loss of life purpose
• Attempts to cope with stress, anxiety, or past traumas

Breaking the cycle. To overcome disordered eating, it's crucial to:

• Identify the true nature of your hunger (physical vs. emotional/spiritual)
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms for emotional needs
• Seek spiritual nourishment through meaningful activities and connections
• Address underlying psychological issues through therapy or self-reflection

2. The feminine spirit has been suppressed in our patriarchal society

Many traditional cultures recognize the necessity of both masculine and feminine aspects in all life. The tale of the buried moon reminds us that there was once a time when moonlight was considered essential, when the qualities of the feminine were appreciated and valued.

Historical context. For millennia, societies honored the feminine spirit as a creative life force. However, the rise of patriarchal systems led to the suppression of feminine qualities:

• Intuition and emotions were devalued in favor of logic and reason
• Circular, cyclical thinking was replaced by linear, goal-oriented approaches
• Connection to nature and body wisdom was lost

Consequences of imbalance. This suppression has resulted in:

• Women feeling disconnected from their true selves
• Disordered eating as a manifestation of inner conflict
• Societal imbalance and disharmony

Reclaiming the feminine. To heal, we must:

• Recognize and value feminine qualities in ourselves and others
• Embrace intuition, emotions, and cyclical patterns
• Reconnect with nature and our bodies' innate wisdom

3. Recognize physical vs. emotional hunger to break the cycle

There are really two different kinds of hungers, those that come from the stomach and those that come from the heart. The hunger of the stomach must satisfied with food, but the hunger of the heart must be satisfied with love, with emotional nourishment.

Two types of hunger. Learning to distinguish between physical and emotional hunger is crucial for overcoming disordered eating:

Physical hunger:

• Develops gradually
• Can be satisfied with any food
• Stops when you're full

Emotional hunger:

• Comes on suddenly
• Craves specific comfort foods
• Persists despite fullness

Strategies for awareness:

• Keep a food and emotion journal
• Practice mindful eating
• Check in with your body before eating
• Ask yourself: "Am I hungry, or am I feeling something else?"

By recognizing the true nature of your hunger, you can address emotional needs appropriately and develop a healthier relationship with food.

4. Embrace and express your emotions to find inner wisdom

Feelings are like fluid waves of energy. Like the waves we see in the ocean, they come in, peak, and pass, come in, peak, and pass. They have a natural cyclical rhythm like the ebb and flow of tides, the waning and waxing of the moon.

Emotions as messengers. Our feelings carry important information and wisdom:

• Anger can bring clarity and strength
• Fear, when embraced, can transform into courage
• Sadness offers healing and cleansing
• Joy connects us to our authentic selves

Suppressing emotions leads to:

• Disconnection from self
• Physical tension and health issues
• Disordered eating as a coping mechanism

Healthy emotional expression:

• Acknowledge and name your feelings
• Allow yourself to fully experience emotions without judgment
• Express feelings through talking, writing, art, or movement
• Seek support from trusted friends or professionals

By embracing your emotions, you tap into your inner wisdom and reduce the need to use food as an emotional crutch.

5. Reclaim your intuition and trust your inner voice

Always remember that at the very center of your being is a wise, compassionate woman who offers constant guidance. She is longing to be heard. And if you listen, she won't steer you wrong.

The power of intuition. Intuition is a valuable gift that provides:

• Deep wisdom and guidance
• Connection to your authentic self
• Ability to navigate complex situations

Societal suppression. Many women have been taught to distrust their intuition in favor of external validation and logical reasoning.

Reclaiming your intuitive power:

• Practice mindfulness and meditation
• Tune into your body's signals and sensations
• Pay attention to your dreams and inner imagery
• Trust your gut feelings and first impressions
• Take time for solitude and reflection

By reconnecting with your intuition, you develop a stronger sense of self and make choices aligned with your true needs and desires.

6. Assertiveness is key to creating sovereignty in your life

Recovery from disordered eating requires that a woman come to terms with the uniqueness of her being. Like the ugly duckling, she must embark on a journey to find herself, to find her place in this world.

The importance of assertiveness. Being assertive allows you to:

• Express your needs and desires clearly
• Set healthy boundaries in relationships
• Make choices aligned with your authentic self

Passive vs. aggressive communication:

• Passive: Neglects own needs, leads to resentment
• Aggressive: Disregards others' needs, damages relationships
• Assertive: Balances own needs with respect for others

Developing assertiveness skills:

1. Use "I" statements to express feelings and needs
2. Practice saying "no" without guilt
3. Express disagreement respectfully
4. Ask for what you want directly
5. Stand up for your rights and values

By becoming assertive, you create sovereignty in your life and reduce the need to use food as a means of control or self-expression.

7. Recovery is a journey of self-discovery and acceptance

Recovery from disordered eating is about accepting the wholeness of your being. It is about accepting all of who you are, all of your emotions, thoughts, and desires, even those you may not like or those that bring discomfort.

The recovery process. Overcoming disordered eating is not just about changing eating habits, but a transformative journey of self-discovery:

• Exploring and accepting all aspects of yourself
• Recognizing and honoring your unique gifts and sensitivities
• Reframing your life story with new understanding and compassion

Stages of recovery:

1. Awareness of patterns and triggers
2. Developing new coping skills
3. Addressing underlying emotional issues
4. Reconnecting with your body and intuition
5. Creating a new relationship with food and self

Keys to success:

• Practice self-compassion and patience
• Seek support from therapists, support groups, or trusted friends
• Celebrate small victories along the way
• Embrace the journey as a opportunity for growth and transformation

Remember that recovery is not linear, and setbacks are part of the process. With persistence and self-acceptance, you can create a life of freedom, authenticity, and joy beyond disordered eating.

Last updated: September 20, 2024