Get comfortable with being uncomfortable in eating disorder recovery

by Kimi Marin

Eating disorder recovery is filled with uncomfortable experiences as the mind learns to reconnect with the body.

When your child developed his or her eating disorder, the disorder came in as a coping mechanism to help deal with discomfort. Many of us who suffer from disordered eating find that the more we use starvation, binging and purging, the further we drift from any meaningful connection between our bodies and minds.

As your child heals from an eating disorder, it can be helpful for parents to have tools available to support the rocky rebuilding of the mind-body connection. There is no question that the reunion is deeply uncomfortable. Meditation and aromatherapy are both excellent ways to calm the nervous system and build a loving connection between mind and body.

Step 1: Find a quiet spot

Sit with your child in a calm location where you will not be disturbed for at least 15 minutes. Turn your phones on airplane mode and put them out of reach.

Step 2: Prepare the aromatherapy

Mix equal parts of lavender, cedarwood and sandalwood essential oils together. These oils are an excellent combination for soothing and calming. You can add the mix to any type of aromatherapy diffuser.

Step 3: Listen to the Meditation

Kimi Marin, yoga therapist, recorded a grounding meditation called “Getting Comfortable with Feeling Uncomfortable.” As you listen to the meditation, breathe in the essential oil scents and relax.