In this life, we often feel discomfort … or we would if we didn’t have so many coping mechanisms to hide from it. One more glass of wine to dull the edges and forget about that nagging feeling that there is something out of balance. One more packet of sweeties to numb yourself with a sugar fix.
But if we could sit down and simply be when we had these strange feelings; if we could accept and really look at whatever it is we’re hiding from now, how bad could it be?
I mean, really. How bad could it be? Would it kill us? No? Then it’s not that bad. Would it scar us for life? Probably not. Would it make us uncomfortable? Possibly. Probably. Almost certainly.
Is discomfort such a scary thing that we have to keep stuffing our mouths or drowning our sorrows? Is the cure worse than the disease? Yes it is, if it’s keeping us locked in self-defeating behaviours and habits.
So next time when reaching for a packet of crisps or an extra glass of wine—or whatever the sin de jour—sit down quietly and listen to your body, your thoughts, your being. What’s it saying? Where’s the discomfort?
And that, not a problem with food or alcohol, is what you have to deal with.