HOW TO INVITE YOURSELF TO THE TABLE⁣
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When setting the table⁣
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For a meal of joy and nourishment⁣
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Not everyone is welcome.⁣
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The calorie-calculator in your brain⁣
⁣
The point chart in your pocket⁣
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The carb rules on the end of your fork⁣
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Are unbidden⁣
⁣
At your sacred table.⁣
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These wedding-crashers so frequently⁣
⁣
Interrupt⁣
⁣
Your meals, you’re not quite sure⁣
⁣
How to eat without them.⁣
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They season your experience with⁣
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Shame⁣
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Guilt⁣
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The feeling of failure⁣
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It’s all a façade of control⁣
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So before you invite yourself to the table⁣
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Graciously but firmly ask your⁣
⁣
Inner diet-police to leave⁣
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You have not set a place for them at the table.⁣
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Instead⁣
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Make room for⁣
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Pleasure⁣
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And⁣
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Attunement⁣
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Open the door wide for⁣
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Self-compassion⁣
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Spaciousness⁣
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And⁣
⁣
Slow breathing⁣
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Make space for⁣
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Listening⁣
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Feeling⁣
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Savoring⁣
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Sensuality⁣
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And⁣
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Deep nourishment⁣
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Allow yourself to be an eater⁣
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Who loves eating⁣
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An eater with full permission to eat⁣
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Who sits with ease at the table⁣
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An eater who is fully invited to own her own body.⁣
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~ Nina Manolson