Become a ClientCareers

compassion

Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Jaclyn Baker
, ,

February 28th to March 6th is Eating Disorders Awareness Week which is a time to raise awareness of eating disorders and those who have lived through the experience.  A 2007 study published in Biological Psychiatry, found that 0.9% of women and 0.3% of men had anorexia during their life, 1.5% of women and 0.5% of men had bulimia during their life, and 3.5% of women and 2.0% of men had binge eating disorder during their life.

The consequences of eating disorders can be life-threatening and the stigma often associated with these disorders can impede timely diagnosis and treatment.

This week is meant to provide hope and support to the individuals and families who have been affected by eating disorders. Shining a light on the realities of eating disorders and making way for more visibility of these voices can pave the way for change. 

It’s important to challenge the myths and stereotypes connected to eating disorders as well as being aware of the risk factors for developing an eating disorder, including family history, cultural ideals of thinness, perfectionism and depression or anxiety.

We can learn more about eating disorders by watching videos, reading books, and listening to stories of those who have struggled.

Having these challenging conversations about eating disorder awareness and prevention with family, friends, and peers can help us all explore the importance of self-compassion and self-esteem.

Ideas for self compassion include meditation, mindfulness, gratitude, mirror work, finding joy and asking for help

We can take time to think about body image and how we can promote more kindness to others and ourselves.

You can check out these additional resources below to learn more:

What Are Eating Disorders? 

Eating Disorders Anonymous 

Contact The Helpline | Neda

Read Morechevron_right

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Jaclyn Baker
, ,

By: Jen Champion

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an inspiration. He acted with compassion and nonviolence towards all people. His actions sought to bring freedom, peace, and equality to our community, country, and world.

Dr. King said, “Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him.”

Deeper in history, around 400 CE, we see this theme in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. In this classical yoga text, there are eight limbs of yoga, revealing the importance of having moral discipline and restraints known as Yamas. One of the Yamas is Ahimsa, Sanskrit for nonviolence. We are to cause no injury with our deeds, words, or thoughts. The code advises to be gentle to oneself and all creation and refrain from all forms of violence, including criticism and judgment.

Most of us have visited the cycle of self-doubt and criticism. When we can recognize the behavior, we can begin to change it. It becomes easier to acknowledge our harsh thoughts and create space to ignite compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. We can find the courage to move forward with grace and be a positive force in our lives and communities.

Dr. King said, “In the nonviolent army, there is room for everyone who wants to join up. There is no color distinction. There is no examination, no pledge, except that, as a soldier in the armies of violence is expected to inspect his carbine and keep it clean, are called upon to examine their greatest weapons: their heart, their conscience, their courage, and sense of justice.”

King’s messages are valuable lessons we can uphold today. He emphasized, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step.” This inspiration reminds us that small changes and steps can lead to significant differences. May we all be encouraged to practice Ahimsa with all life and live with a peaceful consciousness steeped in compassion, peace, and equality.

Read Morechevron_right