The Energy of Willpower, Satisfaction and Cravings

Willpower is one of the characteristics of the water element of Eastern Medicine and is connected to the energy of the kidneys and adrenals. If you are fatigued and the adrenals are low it is common to desire sweets and coffee. It is harder to be self-disciplined when your energy is off balance. Yet that is when you need the strength and resolve the most to help in the healing process.

Satisfaction is one of the characteristics of the earth element, which is connected to the energy of the stomach and spleen. This includes eating, digestion and the human need to feel supported and connected to family and friends. Holidays magnify this energy as we strive to connect. There are family and cultural traditions around food and parties that may be challenging. If you are on a restricted diet such as a weight loss, gluten free, diabetic or candida diet, feeling satisfied and having willpower can be exceptionally hard during social gatherings. Food is natural part of sharing and connecting to others and we all like the freedom to participate fully.

When you feel denied of something that you crave the mind becomes even more attached. This is why it is important to be prepared so you can feed your cravings with healthy and satisfying food and company.  if you have restrictions in your diet, it is a good practice to inform others so they understand why you may turn down certain foods that are offered. Also request support from those around you in this process. You may need to eat before a party or make sure that you bring along some satisfying foods that you can enjoy and share. Use a gathering as an opportunity to educate others.

If you wind up eating something that you should not have, forgive yourself for not being perfect, renew your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and recognize that changing habits and educating others towards healthier eating is a learning process.

Unfortunately, there is no "cure" for temptation and food cravings. So be gentle with yourself. Much of a healthy lifestyle is about your connection to your emotions and intellect in addition to eliminating unhealthy eating habits.  Indulgence is a normal part of our humanity. The eastern mindset around balance is that you should occasionally treat yourself to something special. Take time to savor and enjoy it fully without guilt. This creates good fire energy and feeds the heart and the spirit.

Listen to your body; trust your intuition when it comes to food or other things you desire. Let your body give you feedback and pay attention to how you feel. Learn something new about yourself through your experiences and then get back on track to what you are committed to in life and in health.

Choose vs. Decide

Do you know the difference between to “choose” or to “decide”? Becoming clear on this distinction helps to bring clarity to my life and has been successful in helping many of my clients do the same. This is a concept from the eastern philosophy of life.

Lets look at the difference in the definitions of these two words to start.

Decision – To come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration, a determination, to make up ones mind. The Latin root of the word actually means to cut or kill off (De-off, cide-to cut) and is related to the words homicide, genocide and spermicide. That certainly gives you a new relationship with the word and something to think about! There is nothing wrong with making a decision. It is part of our human existence. Just be aware that when you are making one it is coming from the analytical mind. It is connected in part to the ego and attachment. You may not be grounded in a decision and may or may not regret making it. A decision may cut off possibilities in life. Now that you have this knowledge be aware of it.

Choice – the ability to select from a number of possibilities, to want or desire. To choose is an action that comes from the heart and the inner wisdom of the body. You feel it and know that it is right for you rather then think it and wonder. It has a different energy surrounding it then a decision. You are more grounded in a choice and do not regret that you have made it. There is a sense of commitment without attachment.

Next time you have a situation ask yourself if you are making a decision or a choice?” See if this distinction helps to bring clarity into your life.