Food (discipline and avoidance)

This is supposed to be an email about listening techniques. Instead, it’s a chance to practice listening to me—trying to overcome an eating issue.

Yesterday morning, I went to synagogue for morning prayer. (Positive habit)
I also have a practice that I’m working on called fruit till noon (Positive habit)

It’s simple, exactly what it sounds like. Only fruit until noon. I was inspired by a popular athlete-entrepreneur, who was inspired by a book.

I’ve been generally fruiting till noon for the past several months. But not always.
Everything in my diet seems to be event or travel contingent.

So yesterday’s event: Morning prayer. They had bagels.

Here’s how it goes.

I show up for the prayer.
Someone starts setting food out.
I wander over to the table.

I think, “Fruit till noon.”
I eat a potato thing.

Okay. Fruit till noon. Just one potato thing.
Someone says, “These bagels are good.”
I eat a bagel with lox.

I remember the my elimination diet.
So I don’t eat the cream cheese.
Hollow victory.

After service, I got for a swim.

For lunch, my roommate barbecues chicken and vegetables.
Delicious, except for the bag of tortilla chips on the table.
I eat many of them.

Then another roommate says, “Anyone want some pita bread?”
He bought a giant pita on accident.

“No, thanks.”
I’m aware of how pita bread is something I’m avoiding.

Later, I see it.
I take a rip.
It’s good.

Over the course of the evening, every time I visit the kitchen, I take a rip.

My dinner: the whole pita.

It was in the kitchen all night.
No one else touched it.
I ate the whole thing.

How is this an only me problem?

Through exercise, I maintain a balance.
Maybe.

The listening element:

Yes, let’s get back to the listening element.

As a listener of this story, offering empathy would be a good first step.

You could think about or ask if I’m struggling to meet a need for discipline, routine, or growth. You could ask what this is really about, and then help me figure it out why this issue is a problem for me. Starting with curiosity about the issue itself or my relationship to it will allow for meaningful connection before advice sharing.

(I asked for advice in a previous email, so I was happy to receive it)

Thanks for listening.

P.S. I’m teaching a speaking workshop in Venice, California on Wednesday at 6:30. If you’re in town and interested in coming, I’ll offer a special rate to my readers. Just reply with the work ‘speaking’.

See ya!

Pictured (me at synagogue yesterday morning)