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October 2006 
Freedom from the Prison of Dieting
Shawn
Diets are the nutritional equivalent of day care (or prison for adults).
Based on an old, outdated model of human motivation featuring limitations, deprivation and pain, dieting focuses almost exclusively on what NOT to do, how not to eat. These are not the training grounds for emotionally mature adults who value freedom and mastery.
The antithesis of the restriction centered diet is the absolute freedom that results from a balance of wisdom and slef-mastery that makes "right eating" as natural and effortless as saying "Thank you," when someone opens a door for you.
This level of personal mastery, and positive relationship with food and our bodies does not arise from the archaic, imprisoned approach of dieting - as much as many may like you to believe it does.
Right eating is not something we have to force ourselves to do, it's in our nature to feed our bodies with the right balance of healthy nutrients - it's not a learning that is required but rather an unlearning (or better yet, relearning), replacing "bad" habits with habits/rituals that support our best self and free us from an addictive relationship with food.
When you reconnect with your inner strength and natural intent to eat great, when you refuse to be a follower of the fad and reject the term "diet" all together you're not only supporting your freedom but helping to bring an end to dieting forever.
FYI : This is a post from my other BLOG. I am in the process of moving to one, set home for BLOG. Thank you for your patience as I find my way.
Access: Public
I am totally with you on this perspective. It’s all about having a healthy life in all areas and connecting with who you want to be. I love how you point out that it is “in our nature to feed our bodies with the right nutrients.” I study and practice taoism and we always talk about following what is natural. When you are in accord with Tao there is a harmonious manifestation of that syncopation.
I really appreciate the insight you offer and I am glad you are blogging here on zaadz because I might not have seen it otherwise! I recently listened to your awesome dialogue with Ken Wilber. It was so inspiring, his transformation as a skinny intellectual, your work with all those brainy integral life practitioners and your incredible passion for strength training in the highest sense. Thank you! I look forward to reading more.
Thank you Jessica. It was a great honor to share that time with Ken and to be of service to others.
Shawn
I dito Jessica on your talk with Ken. Even after having practiced with strength training for many years I still find at least a third of my workouts are lost in thought and less in presence with my body as they could be. Your sense of dedication and focus truly is inspiring and I remember it when I’m at the gym, it gives me a good kick in the ass!(-:
Thanks Shawn.
V.