I met my Dad for coffee this morning.
We had the best time – chatting, catching up, connecting.
He had a latte and homemade pumpkin muffins I brought for him.
I had – nothing.
An hour before we met I was hungry, and I always eat when I’m hungry. I never make my body wait until my schedule says it’s time to eat. This morning, my body required a green smoothie (yum) and some of those muffins (equal yum).
Then I arrived for my coffee date. I sat in my car and realized that I was full. It would be entirely foreign to me now to ignore my body’s signals and eat when I’m not hungry. I thought about having a herbal tea, but realized that I did not even feel like that.
I worried that my Dad would mind if I didn’t eat. Would it be uncomfortable for him to eat alone?
Society’s norm is, when we meet for coffee, we both have coffee and maybe something to eat. When we meet for lunch, we both eat lunch, often matching each other’s courses. Sometimes we forget that the purpose of the date is to connect emotionally and socially. The food is just the excuse to get together.
So, I got him his coffee, offered him his muffins, and we started talking, and talking, and laughing, and connecting. And I didn’t notice that I wasn’t eating or drinking, and neither did he.
And if he had, that would have been his business, not mine.
I find that sometimes we use food to disconnect from the people we’re with. Our brains can only focus on one thing at a time, and if we’re thinking about what we’re eating, what we should or shouldn’t eat etc., we can’t possibly be connected with the person we’re with. I made a decision a few years ago to never miss out on the present moment by eating when I’m not hungry. That way, I’m connected with myself, and I’m connected with my partner.
Next time, I may have a decaf soy caramel latte, or a croissant. Depends what my body is telling me.
For today, it was pure connection, and it felt great!
I would love to teach you how to connect with your body – it’s effortless it’s fun and it’s forever! I can tell you more at your complimentary consultation.