loneliness
Many of us overeat when we are lonely. Clark Moustakas in his book, Loneliness, says that it is only when we allow ourselves to enter into the depths of that loneliness do we find out who we really are. If we fear being alone, then we may indeed fear finding out who we are. He gives examples of people who have been utterly alone in isolated environments, and what they discover is the inter-strength and peace reflected in an intense appreciation of the beauty that surrounds them.
Let's assume that Moustakas is correct that what we fear when we are alone is really ourselves, if that is so, then what is it that we are "stuffing" when we "stuff" that food down our mouths? Is it as Churchill said, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself"?
My challenge is that the next time you are absolutely alone, whether it is just the kids gone to the movies or you are facing a serious illness, probe the depths of that aloneness and try to discover who you really are. The truth is that no one has any reason to fear themselves...so why are you afraid to be alone?
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