The words say it all really, comfort food. Food which brings us feelings of happiness, joy, relaxation, the thrill of being a bit naughty, safety and sheer pleasure. We all do it. And, we all know these feelings won’t last much longer than the last mouthful before they are usually replaced with guilt.

So, why do we do it? Why don’t we just look at the first bit, the word comfort. If we are seeking comfort, it would logically suggest that we are in dis-comfort to begin with. Its not always easy to unearth why we feel unhappy or just a bit down, sometimes its obvious, other times a complete mystery.

Here a though, how about we skip the psycho analysis bit and head for comfort another way? Still with me? When we are stressed or upset most of us eat. Sometimes we need the calories ie in high and longer periods of stress. So lets see what we can do about the stress and getting you feeling comfortable again.

Some of you already know how good if feels to do a little bit of exercise, so your mind and body feel awake without the overexertion, or sweating! Well, you can get the same lovely feeling by sitting, or lying, still and relaxing as much as possible. You also experience this is a more heightened state of awareness, when you practise your Tai Chi Form, and just experience your body. Don’t pick yourself up on all your mistakes, just enjoy how your body feels. For those of you not yet practising Tai Chi (get a move on and join in ‘cos you’re missing out here!) you can try sitting down and relaxing as much as possible and see, how do your feet feel? How do your thighs and shoulders feel, how relaxed is your belly? See how slow your breathing becomes. See how comfortable you can get.

Sitting down and relaxing seems to be demonised these days. It’s a if you have to justify yourself to the busy world around you. When someone asks what are you doing, try saying ‘nothing, just sitting’ and see the reaction you get. People might think you are strange to being with, but once they see how comfortable you are, they may just join in.

So, the food for thought, can you sit still and get comfortable rather than sit and get comfort food? I have to say, its taken a little while but, I’m there.

Have a wonderful weekend sitting still and doing nothing

John Hine