Discomfort: monster or mouse?

A friend who is struggling with compulsive eating was telling me that she has determined many of her triggers for discomfort. She was grateful that now she can avoid those situations that make her want to eat. She called herself a "comfort junkie" with no tolerance for discomfort. She also mentioned that she didn't feel safe in the world and felt anxious alot.

I could definitely identify. I spent 15 years trying to avoid uncomfortable feelings or comfort myself with food. I felt like I was at the mercy of the monster of discomfort. Sometimes it would creep up on me like an itch I couldn't scratch and other times it would jump out as a surprise attack. It reminds me of trying to keep balls underwater. Discomfort is a part of the human experience and unavoidable at times.

I told my friend that when I began to discover the positive power inside me, the monster started to shrink. Eckhart Tolle talks about becoming the observer of your thoughts and feelings. Paramahansa Yogananda writes about the idea that we are not our bodies, or our thoughts. As I've become more aware of the God energy inside me, I've become more detached from my discomfort. I am more tuned in to the peace and power inside than the discomfort. I am not afraid of discomfort anymore, nor do I go out of my way to avoid it. I don't welcome it but it has no power over me. I told her that when I slowed down enough to listen, I realized I had negative beliefs which created scary thoughts which created discomfort. Since I've changed my beliefs I'm comfortable in my skin most of the time. I'm astounded that I can say that but it is absolutely true. I lived for years feeling like crawling out of my skin. Now it fits perfectly!!!

The best way for me, as an ex-compulsive eater, to stay connected to my bellyful of bliss is to pay attention to it. How does it feel? Is it full? Is there space? Do I feel energy moving or any sensations? Does it feel heavy, solid, or fluid? Knowing that it's already full of pulsing vibrant, creative energy, I only eat when it needs food and stop before I bury it. Now I can say that the monster of discomfort has shrunk down to a benign little mouse. The mouse is scurrying around outside of me. It does not live in my head or in my body. I can watch it run around and hide and even feel compassion for it. If that can happen for me, it can happen for you too.