A Course In Weight Loss - by Marianne Williamson

Lesson #1 asks you to look at your excess weight as a brick wall that you have built around you. You are to imagine that each brick in this wall has a feeling written on it. You are asked to go through a list of 25 different feelings and acknowledge where and how you feel these things within.

It seems to be a way of loosening up the wall a bit. Stirring up the soul. (Thats what it did for me)

As I said, I don't have the book yet but I think that fat is a wall we purposely build to keep people out. Some married women who are not really happy in their relationship will use the weight to make them unattractive so they aren't tempted to cheat. They know if they look hot and guys start paying attention to them that they won't be so accepting of an unfilling relationship because they will have options. Others use their weight to push away any possible relationships because they are afraid of commitment and opening themselves up to possible hurt. If someone rejects you when you're fat you can blame it on your weight. If someone rejects you when you're fit and trim you have to really be ready to accept that sometimes the chemistry is just not there and it has nothing to do with your weight. Fat helps you NOT deal with issues.

Well I got my book. Got through the introduction and chapter one. This is not going to be one of those speed read books. I have READ chapter one but still have to think about the 25 things in it and complete the exercise. I can see where this is going to take a bit of effort but I'm thinking the results, not only with the weight but with life in general, are going to be well worth it!

I've completed Lesson 1. There were a few major things that came up for me that I would like to share. I realized how angry and judgemental I am at myself for not being perfect all the time. Sounds a bit dysfunctional and unrealistic doesn't it. When writing it out I realized "Jeez that is just crazy!" I also have an intense fear of being criticized and abandoned. I loved the end when Marianne encourages you to surrender each brick to God. Powerful stuff! I'm grateful for the oppurtunity to grow closer to my higher power.