Two weeks ago I fasted for 7 days and did a lot of self-discovery. The most surprising thing: the emotional difficulty was much higher than the physical. I discovered that I turn to food for comfort when something is missing. The missing things?
Connection; to nature and to people; the Tribe. An abundance of food, yet an epidemic of loneliness. Surrounded by some of the greatest creations of humankind’s imagination, yet the very structures keep us sectioned off in separate homes, apartments and offices. A culture of fear and competition. Unity cut off at its knees. An abundance of information, yet lost touch with innate wisdom; taught to distrust inner voice, and body. Now it’s time to eat. Now it’s time to work. Now it’s time to sleep. Needs trumped by time dictation.
So much food, yet so disconnected from it; from its creator; Mother Nature. So much food taken granted; not even enough appreciation to pay attention while eating. Distracted with the computer’s illusion or phone or the endless list of tasks jumbling around in space.
Where is rest and reward; celebration for all the little tasks done and for all the big things tackled? Relieved, lying against mother’s breast – the ground, the trees, the moss and grassy hills. No. Stress! The relentless push forward glorified. Soldiers of the technology industry; carrying around phones and laptops like heavy rucksacks, and where is the relief? In food. In sweets. In carbohydrates.
Where is my tribe? The ones I used to dance around the fire with. The ones I starved with in the long winter months after the last animals fled and before the first fruits arrived. The ones I grieved with when our loved ones passed out of this life, and when new life never took hold. The ones I celebrated with when we survived yet another near-death. Where is my tribe? In the grocery store; in the fridge; in the cupboards, in the restaurants.
What is the solution? Connect. Make human connection a priority. Simplify. Live in pro-social environments. Join a tribe and spend lots of time together. No more “I’m busy” excuses. Suffer together. Celebrate together. Fast together and go to the gym together. Hahahaha!
Make room for spaciousness – in stomach, calendar and home. Fill them with Tribe. You are not alone. I am not alone.
~Adinah Barlow
