A Cup of Kindness - Menus and meditations on a weighed and measured life

November 18, 2012

Antidotes

Day 63 of continuing recovery

In one day last week three people used the word “antidote” with me. Since then I’ve been pondering antidotes.

It all started with my sponsor. She heard me say that I was worrying a lot. In unfocused moments — walking the dog, washing the dishes, taking a shower — images of possible future catastrophes were popping up. My sponsor said that preparation is the antidote to worry. And then we talked about what I could do to prepare.

Later that morning a fellow 12-step member in the recovery program related to money heard me say that I used to think I was intuitive about money and now I know that I’m just vague. She said clarity is the antidote to vagueness. I started writing down everything I spend.

I was coming home from the day’s errands and feeling a bit low. I did something that helped me so much. I reached out to a program fellow and in the conversation I tracked back those low feelings to a trip I took at the gym. I tripped and dove for a nearby couch. I wasn’t hurt at all, but it was a bit dramatic and several people leapt to help me up. How embarrassing, not to mention re-traumatizing. As I talked to my friend it became clear that I was in a mood of self pity. I kept thinking, my senses and my body are not reliable. Poor me. My friend said that self care is the antidote to self pity. I reflected on all that I am doing as self care and felt much better.

Holy Toledo! Three antidotes in one day!

Other antidotes I’ve practiced include:

Thinking about the vastness of the universe and time as an antidote to self absorption.

“That’s not my food…” as an antidote to craving flour and sugar.

Viewing every moment as a miracle as the antidote to boredom.

Antidotes have been helping me all week. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Other antidotes out there?

Love & Light,

Valerie

Categories: 12-Steps, Gratitude, Recovery, Trauma | 4 Comments

November 15, 2012

Healing Foods

Day 60 of continuing recovery

I am thinking of a dear friend who is on a healing path.

Here are healing food suggestions that helped me come back to life last year. They are from nutritionist/herbalist, Rebecca Snow. You can reach her through her website at http://rebeccasnow.com. She has advised many people with food addiction on their nutrition and for herbs.

Nutritional Drink (a better alternative to Ensure, Boost, etc.)

In a blender combine:

1 cup almond milk

1 tablespoon Nutribiotics brown rice protein powder (from My Organic Market)

2 tablespoons almond butter (I used 1 tblsp – 2 was too much for me)

2 tablespoons honey (or to taste – I didn’t use honey; it made it too sweet for me)

1 tablespoon cocoa powder, unsweetened

1 tsp plain royal jelly (optional)

I added about 6 oz of frozen raspberries or a frozen banana to make a delicious frozen shake!

Here are some other recommendations Rebecca made for people who brought me food. “… food made with loving hands… small portions… warm and cooked foods are best, they are easy to digest and nourishing… foods cooked with some aromatics, spices, culinary herbs are also wonderful, they help ease digestion, fight infection and awaken the senses… nutrient dense foods are good, in particular beans cooked well, whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and barley, colorful cooked vegetables, stews, small amounts of fish, meat, chicken… dark leafy greens are good for her lungs… broths are particularly good for healing her digestive system… egg casserole or quiche could be good… nut butter/hummus and bread for a snack… ”

The photo of the Fragrant Iranian Dinner is from Saveur.com. This link includes recipes for:

Borani-e Bademjan (Eggplant and Yogurt Dip)
Kufteh (Herb Meatballs in Tomato-Plum Sauce)
Juleh Kabab (Spiced Chicken and Tomato Kebabs)
Shirin Polow (Iranian Rice Pilaf)
Kuku Sabzi (Leek and Herb Frittata)
Torshi-e Piaz (Red Onion and Herb Pickles)
Tah Chin (Baked Rice with Barberries)

May we all be well, happy and peaceful.

Love & Light,

Valerie

Categories: Food, Food Addiction, Health, Recipes, Recovery | 2 Comments

November 8, 2012

My G-d

Day 53 of continuing recovery

My experience of G-d is goodness.

Where there is kindness I sense a Divine Presence. It’s beautiful. I find myself happy and free from fear. I feel connected to a flawless energy of unconditional love.

It was Grace that introduced me to my 12-step program for food addiction. Sponsors introduced me to the tools of the program. I am grateful to all of my sponsors and to the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous who gave us what we needed for Recovery.

As I practice the tools, my thoughts, emotions and deeds orient, like a giant, slow-moving satellite, away from me and outward towards the cosmos, nature and other beings. I gain the correct views necessary to plant my decisions in the direction of healing, forgiveness, harmony and honesty. I laugh more!

This is not to say that I’m in a continuous relationship with G-d. My connection with Higher Power is often broken. It’s the noticing of the break that helps me to re-connect. Noticing happens during Quiet Time, prayer, the moment of contemplation I take before a meal, listening to a program fellow share her story, and when I am struggling with a decision or struggling in a relationship.

When I orient towards noticing, I feel a gentle pull on my heart. It tells me that G-d is yearning for my essence to be revealed. What small stuff can I transcend? Where is my bigger heart?

Deep breath.

G-d, Creator, Universe, this is your daughter Valerie. Please fill me with what I need.

Mother, Earth, Creatress, this is your daughter Valerie. Please fill me with what I need.

Love & Light, Valerie

Categories: 12-Steps, Food Addiction, Gratitude, Love, Nature, Peace, Prayer, Recovery | 12 Comments

October 29, 2012

Prepared and peaceful

Day 43 of continuing recovery

Mama Nature, I am in awe.

Husband, mother, dog and me are hunkered down in our kindly neighborhood.

We enjoyed two life events yesterday that, as our friend Claudia noted, were reminders of our supportive circle here and helped us to be uplifted and prepared spiritually for this week.

Mid-day on Sunday, we celebrated the 90th birthday of our friend Ruth. She organized quite a luncheon party for 75 friends from her various walks of life. She danced the hora, calling the steps, and bringing others into the circle… and never missed a breath.

In the afternoon, we celebrated our friends Barry and Melanie and their first baby-about-to-be-born. Among the guests were six little children who found a spot, pulled out materials, sang along to music and made art while the adults gabbed.

I noticed the beautiful food at both events. It sang its siren song, but did not catch me.

Today, my antidote to fear of the coming storm is love. It’s not flour, sugar, alcohol or quantities. It is the Serenity Prayer, the 12-Steps, walking the dog as safely as possible, Quiet Time, prayer, connecting with family and friends, cooking all of our food, a nap, three weighed and measured meals, the New York Times, and writing to you.

I am grateful. May all beings be well, happy and peaceful.

Love & Light,

Valerie

Tidewater Waltz by Elisabeth Slettnes

Categories: 12-Steps, Food, Gratitude, Love, Peace, Prayer, Recovery | 4 Comments

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Prepared and peaceful