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After years of isolation through the pandemic, we are getting back together with people again—and of course this means FOOD. During the holiday season food is everywhere you look. Not just food, but specialty foods that carry extra emotional pull because we don’t see them as often.
People around you may be indulging more, at special functions during the work day, sample displays at the store, and parties in your various groups and communities.
You may be tasked with preparing extra food at this time of year, either to host people at home, or bring along when you visit someone else. Even in your spare moments when you can relax for a few minutes, you’re bound to see TV ads for holiday food.
The solution? Detachment
Instead of putting energy into resisting or avoiding holiday foods, try to lovingly detach.
Just like you can detach from people who trigger strong emotions in you, you can detach from foods that do the same thing. Do this only if that is self-care for you. Remember, everyone has different eating guidelines.
If you tend to restrict your food, you can use these food-related events to practice eating with others, and maybe even try some new foods. Detach from the voice that tells you to isolate or restrict.
You can see food and people eating food without getting pulled into old or current obsessive thinking and behaviors. Try to detach from the power of the scene by seeing the food as colorful art that’s meant to be seen and appreciated.
Detachment may sound harsh, but sometimes we need a strong tool to deal with unwanted behaviors, hurtful people, and self-destructive thoughts. Once you practice detachment, you may be ready to move to non-attachment, and maybe even appreciation.
Today, I can appreciate the colors, the fragrances, and the liveliness of the festive season. I enjoy watching others appreciate the holidays—the music everywhere and the sparkle and lights in neighborhoods and businesses.
Embrace what you love and detach from the rest.