For six years, I evaded the headstand in yoga class.  This week, I suddenly wanted to try it.  As my breath pushed through my trembling arms and core, I noticed how uneasy I felt being upside-down.  The distorted sense of perspective and equilibrium brought on an almost manic yet familiar panic in me; my body wanted out of this position.  But wait a minute – why the sense of familiarity? 

Ah, ha.  This frantic urgency to escape is strikingly similar to how I feel in the moments I am choosing between food and feelings.  Anger, fear, or sadness rises to the surface (maybe even in the form of boredom)…the sensation envelops me… I want a quick way out…”wonder if we have any of those dried apricots left.” 

What would happen if I turned my eating habits upside-down?  What would I experience if I were to do the opposite of my normal actions and allow myself to be uncomfortable?  

While in the midst of a day of errands, I bought a cookie.  Typically, I would methodically and mindlessly nibble away as I drove to the next errand location.  

“What would be a way to turn that habit on its head?” I asked myself. 

The cookie remained in the bag, only because that seemed the most "opposite" action to take.

Half an hour later (cookie still intact) I had completed another task and returned to the car.  Instead of starting the engine and pulling away, I popped a piece of cookie in my mouth and became fully engrossed in the eating experience. 

I noticed immediately the strangeness of sitting in the car eating patiently, instead of rushing to the next destination.  Hmm – new observation.  I put the remainder of the cookie back in the bag. 

On the highway, I instinctively reached for the cookie.  Again, I asked myself, “What would be a new way to respond to this situation?”  I put the cookie back and turned on the radio, simple as that.  The action was not groundbreaking, but it was new to me.   

Each time I find myself wanting food in the absence of physiological hunger, I play with these questions.  I open myself to feeling discomfort, more out of curiosity than willpower.  I am surprised to see my habitual reactions with new eyes, but also am eager to experiment with new actions.  Three days later, I still have some cookie left.  I smile – not because I see it as a success or me “being good” – but because this definitely is new territory for me!

Ask yourself: What might I experience if I were to turn a habit on its head?  Share what comes up for you (for experiment’s sake).  I love reading your comments!
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