I am writing you today from Rishikesh, at the start of my journey through mystical northern India. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, on the banks of the Ganges river, this is truly a place with a powerful spiritual energy.
The past six days have been filled with visits to sacred places, yoga, powerful moving meditations, the Hindu color festival of Holi, swimming in the Ganges River, satsangs with enlightened masters, and so much more. I even got to visit what's left of the ashram where The Beatles wrote most of the White Album!
When we arrived here, we gathered for an opening circle where we set intentions, did yoga, and meditated while the rain poured in the background. Tears were flowing.
My intention on this inner and outer journey is to fall more deeply into unconditional love and acceptance of myself. To let go of caring about what other people will think or say about my experiences so that I can speak and write authentically and truthfully from my heart. To just breath deep and realize that through my story I can connect with so many women who need my perspective to find peace with food and their bodies.
India is the most challenging place I have ever travelled. The streets are crowded and dirty, the poverty is overwhelming, the trains run late, food takes forever or is forgotten, and there is a good chance that you are going to get “Delhi belly” at some point.
India is my teacher.
She mirrors to me just how much my thoughts and perspective in every situation create my experiences in life. I always learn so much about myself during my time here. This country can be totally unpredictable, yet my spirit feels mesmerized and called to learn, grow, and heal in her presence. India is teaching me patience, and the art of letting go of how I think things should be. She is showing me the magic that occurs when I relax more deeply into the surrender of what is.
Your challenges are your gifts.
Even though it may not seem like it in this moment, whatever unwanted eating habit or challenge you are facing is here to teach you. Whether you are overeating, binge eating, emotional eating, dealing with bad body image, or all of the above, within the struggle lies the gift.
There are messages, lessons, and growth waiting for you when you are ready to listen. You can create huge shifts in your life by diving more deeply into your inner world. Transformation and healing begin to occur when you connect back to your heart and to your Soul.
Start by picking one thing that you are really struggling with. Take some time to reflect on this in your journal. What can you learn from this? How can this help you grow? What is this here to teach you? Magic happens when you begin to shift your perspective and dig deep.