What are you really hungry for?

Tis the season to splurge on all the goodness that fills our tables. For some, this is a time we enjoy. Savoring the flavors that we don’t get to experience on a regular basis. For others, this time becomes stressful as we worry about the impact to our waistline. Regardless of your relationship with food, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself. Slow down and enjoy.

This time of year also has me thinking about the concept of hunger. We eat when we are hungry, but we also sometimes find ourselves eating when we are not. When I think about why that is, I came across the idea of soul (or emotional) hunger.

What if we are confusing our hunger as a need for food because no one ever told us it could be something else? Feeding the hunger with food is the easy and obvious choice. It’s the choice we were taught from the moment we were born. Cry = milk.

But as we grow up, our needs change. I wonder what would happen if you asked your body/soul what it’s actually craving? You may think it’s asking for another scoop of mashed potatoes or maybe even another slice of pie. But I encourage you to get a little more curious.

Take a breath. Follow the next breath into your body and begin to notice what you are noticing. Once you feel connected, I want you to ask yourself “What am I truly craving or needing right now?”

Pause and wait for the answer to arise. It’s ok if nothing comes up right away. Your answer may come to you later. You’ve intended to receive it and now it is time to trust that it will come.

It’s also ok if your body says something like another scoop of mashed potatoes. If that happens, ask yourself “what purpose would those potatoes serve?” or “what would that do for me?”

What you are exploring here is the deeper need that your body is craving. Perhaps your soul or emotional body is actually needing connection, comfort, or safety. Perhaps that scoop of mashed potatoes (can you tell what my favorite Thanksgiving food is yet?) will give you a sense of comfort. But what if the comfort you are really seeking is a physical connection like a hug from someone that will instantly calm your nervous system.

I am inviting you this holiday season to invite your hunger to tell you more about what it is really needing. Be curious about new ways to satisfy your cravings at the soul or emotional level. This is also a good journal prompt activity. Find the method of inquiry that works for you and explore what comes up.