Poetry has been a way for me to take full advantage of my band by keeping myself focused and centered in the present moment, so that I am not overwhelmed by guilt and shame from the past or fear and worry of the future (which invariably leads me to overeat, abusing the incredible opportunity which the band has given me). I'd like to share one of the poems I've read with you. I invite you to share your thoughts and feelings (I've added mine below) , and contribute poems or readings which have helped you as well.

If you keep seeking the jewel of understanding,

then you are a mine of understanding in the making.

If you live to reach the Essence one day,

then your life itself is an expression of the Essence.

Know that in the final analysis you are that

which you search for.

This poem hit me right between the eyes... "you are that which you

search for". So what am I if I dig in the fridge at 12:30 am... if I jump on the slightest imperfection in my wife's behavior... if I hang on a gossip-filled discussion, drinking it all in or waiting to throw more wood on the fire? How can I search for ways which will make me feel secure, content, ways will let me feel peace and joy and share that peace and joy with others? Is my searching drawing me toward my next binge or leading me further away from it, step by step?

What do you guys think? What are you searching for?

I used to write a lot in my early years. Not as much these days, especially with the age of technolgy and all the forums to chat on etc. Your poem is very profound and I think we need to remember that we generally do have the answer.

This is something I wrote back in 1980. I was at a creative writing class and we were asked to write a poem about ourselves...

SELF

Many people pass

without a second glance

for I am just another

in this hectic race

I stroll along carefree

without a worry in view

At least that is how

I present myself

to this unfeeling crowd

I walk and walk

catching glimpses

of my reflection

off windows to my left

It doesn't tell me much

except I must go faster

to catch that 5.30 exercise class

It wasn't a particularly well written poem but it makes me realise how my weight has been an issue for me for many many years.

I love your poem, Sades. How creative and a good reflection of how many of us feel.

Bandpal, love your poem, too!

Thanks Cindy. Poetry is usually about how we feel but it so tells a story for many people.

Okay let's keep this going then.

Thanks for your poem, Sades - it reminded me of how everything came down to food in the "old days", about how my whole life revolved around what I was or wasn't eating or something having to do with that.

Poetry for me is one of the art forms which I can enjoy directly even in this remote part of the world. And it speaks to my soul like few prayers do.

I'll share with you something that hasn't left me since I read it:

You Are Me

You are me and I am you.

It is obvious that we inter-are.

You cultivate the flower in

yourself so that I will be beautiful.

I transform the garbage in myself so

that you do not have to suffer.

I support you you support me.

I am here to bring you peace

you are here to bring me joy.

-Thich Nhat Han

For me, this is a reminder to avoid self centeredness. I work on myself so that those around me may benefit from my change. And my goal in interacting with other people is not to get what I want, but not to harm anyone, and to enjoy and appreciate the other people (the other parts of myself, if indeed "you are me and I am you") with whom I come into contact, no matter how hard that may be.