Sabrina A's Key Ideas from Eating in the Light of the Moon
by Anita Johnston, Ph.D.

In her book, Johnston encourages using myths, fairy tales and metaphors from different cultures to better understand and cope with our struggles.

Using stories and symbols from diverse cultures can provide us with a deeper and more empathetic perspective on our challenges, according to Johnston's research.

• Multicultural myths and fairy tales can help us reframe our struggles.
• We can use metaphors to gain a deeper understanding of our experiences.

A young girl, poor but spirited, wears simple handmade red shoes that she loves. After her mother dies, she is taken in by a wealthy woman who throws away the red shoes and replaces them with proper black ones, teaching the girl to conform.

Later, the girl sees a pair of shiny new red shoes in a shop window—flashy and beautiful, not like her original handmade ones. She becomes obsessed with them. When she finally wears the red shoes, she feels fabulous—until the shoes take over and begin dancing uncontrollably. No matter how hard she tries, she can’t stop.

The red shoes: a powerful metaphor for staying true to yourself, avoiding society's standards and external validation, and reclaiming your authentic self.

• The original red shoes symbolize the girl’s authentic self—simple, handmade, and full of meaning.
• The black shoes represent loss, grief and to conform to social standard.
• The shiny red shoes represent the seduction of external validation—trying to fit in or be “enough” by society’s standards (beauty, thinness, approval).

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The concept of emotional/spiritual hunger and physical hunger is important for true healing.

Key Points:

• Hungers of the soul: can include feelings of loneliness, boredom, and lack of purpose or fulfillment.
• Hungers of the body: relate to our basic physical needs for food, water, and rest.

In order to achieve balance and well-being, it is crucial to recognize and address both types of hunger.

✨Remember that true healing and fulfillment come from nourishing both the soul and the body.✨

Background: Trying to control what you eat can be a way to feel more organized and safe in your life.

Explanation: When things feel out of control, controlling food intake can give a sense of structure and safety.

Women are taught to ignore their bodies and feelings. To heal, they must unlearn these beliefs and tune into their body's wisdom.

• Disconnection from body is damaging for women.
• Healing involves unlearning societal norms and connecting with body's wisdom.

Women, like the moon, have natural cycles that affect their emotions and energy. These changes are not weaknesses, but rather, sources of strength.

Remember:

• Cycles are natural and healthy. They allow women to connect with their bodies and emotions.
• Hormonal changes can affect mood, but understanding and accepting them can lead to self-awareness and growth.
• Emotions are not a sign of weakness. They are a powerful force that can guide women towards authenticity and fulfillment.

Our emotions are not enemies, they are messengers that tell us important things about ourselves. Suppressing emotions can lead to unhealthy behaviors, like eating too much for comfort.

Pay attention to your emotions, they are trying to guide you towards a happier and healthier life!

Striving for perfection can be harmful and lead to self-doubt and low self-esteem. Instead, focus on being true to yourself and accepting your imperfections.

• Authenticity allows you to be true to yourself and your values
• Perfectionism can hold you back from taking risks and trying new things
• Being authentic removes the pressure to constantly portray a perfect image

Embrace your true self and know that you are worthy and enough just as you are.

🍽️ Food can be a mirror for our emotions

By thinking of food as a way to express or avoid feelings, we can learn about ourselves without criticism or shame.

• Use metaphors to explore your relationship with food
• Learn about yourself with kindness and understanding