"The philosophy and authenticity of Lorrie’s teaching is amazing. She is an individual that is true to herself and to those around her. Drawing on experience and education, Lorrie has the ability to connect with you on a unique and individual level. Understanding, caring, and healing all emit from this marvelous woman. I admire her spirit and commitment to improving the well-being of others. She truly does give back to this world. I’m so thankful for the enrichment Lorrie has added to my life. I know many more will also benefit from her teachings."

Sheri W, Tacoma, WA

 

“Learning to let go of food numbing my feelings, my thoughts and my life was challenging – but it was possible. This 21-day journey exemplifies Lorrie’s expertise, compassion and caring. She knows her work and brings her heart to everything she does.”

—A. N., Woodinville, WA

21 Days of Eating Mindfully

Excerpt: Day 19 "Gratitude and Gracious Living"

 

"Freedom from obsession and constant food control is not an action; it is a state of being ~ a state of knowing who you are and being fully present to this moment. It is inhabiting the life you have right now, as the person you are, and knowing what sustains you~ what brings you joy, peace and love. Freedom is about having the life you want by being fully present to the life you have now ~ not the life you believe you must create.

 

True wellness is no longer limited to the physical aspects of our being – rather, the physical elements must be integrated mindfully into the mental, emotional and spiritual landscapes of our lives. Always remember: you are your own most valuable resource."

~Lorrie Jones

 

Following two decades of research and practical experience, I developed a 21-day program, 21 Days of Eating Mindfully, designed to encourage and support women in changing unwanted and unhealthy eating habits by transforming their relationship with themselves.

 

This 21 day journey is not a diet or an overnight cure. Rather, it is an opportunity to inquire more deeply within, providing the keys to establishing a healthy, loving relationship with yourself and enjoying a favorable weight shift and wise eating choices as a natural result and a sustainable outcome. With mindful awareness, it is possible to let go of the belief that eating or not eating will take away hurt, disappointment, loneliness – boredom, anger, emptiness. With mindful awareness, you will stop using food for anything other than nourishment and healthy enjoyment.

 

The following excerpt is from Day 19 of 21 Days of Eating Mindfully, "Gratitude and Gracious Living". The book is available on Amazon.com.

 

Mimi, look! These thorns have a rose on the end!!”
—Lauren Smith, age 4

 

While similar words were stated quite eloquently in the 19th century by French poet Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, “Some people are always grumbling that roses have thorns. I am thankful that thorns have roses,” my granddaughter, Lauren, had never heard the precious words of the poet when she uttered her discovery and delight. She was holding a rose to give to me, her grandmother (“Mimi”), and I realized at that moment how grateful I am for all that is in my life: my grandchildren, my grown children, such blessings — and this was before the accident in 2009 that nearly claimed my life.

My friends, I speak to you personally, now, with an open heart. I thought I knew gratitude until I was on life support, fighting for my life. Suddenly the touch of a cool wash cloth was heavenly and the reassuring voice of my doctors, a gift greater than gold. I heard the voices of my children, grown-up now but frightened; reaching into the depth of themselves for a maturity and a presence for which they were not prepared.  They were by my side — strong and loving. I was never alone and I have never felt so wealthy.

What am I grateful for? Absolutely everything. I am healing now and I embrace each moment as a miracle and a gift. Yes, of course I know frustration, disappointment and sadness — and I also know the joy of a sunny morning, the taste of fresh berries, the warmth of my best friend’s hug. I know it all because I am alive: grateful, beyond words.

Daily thoughts of gratitude can improve both your health and happiness by strengthening your immune system and increasing your level of optimism. Research shows that simply focusing each day on three to five things for which you can be grateful will increase your health and happiness. Everyone has something to be grateful for. Begin with two or three things you are grateful for and then build your gratitude list. Make your list and add to it each morning and each evening. Be sure to review your list often.

For an even stronger dose of health and happiness, express your gratitude to someone else. Holding the thought of gratitude for a good friend will benefit you. Expressing that gratitude to the friend will benefit both of you. Soon the “state” of gratitude will become a “trait” of gratefulness — a permanent personality aspect that benefits everyone.

MINDFULNESS ACTIVITY

If you started each day with gratitude, what three things would you list? If you ended each day with gratitude, what three things would you list? Is there something you might consider being grateful for that bothers you? Is there someone you might consider being grateful for who bothers you?

JOURNAL

 

Purposefully treat yourself with gratitude today: notice if your relationship with yourself changes. Each day for a week, begin and end your day with three “gratitudes”. Are you able to look at a challenge as a gift? Please write about this.