Companion of Change
“We are what we consume. If we look deeply into the items that we consume every day, we will come to know our own nature very well.”
Change is often heralded by a whispering unease—a subtle shift that hints at the unknown. As we stand at the threshold of transformation, our bodies and minds hum with an expectant energy, prompting us to seek solace or distraction in consumption. This silent companion of change manifests in myriad forms, subtly reflecting our inner states as we navigate the unknown.
In moments of transition, be it the start of a new job, the beginning or end of a relationship, or the simple ebb and flow of daily life, our consumption habits become a mirror to our emotional landscape. When faced with uncertainty or the unfamiliar, we often reach for something—be it food, substances, shopping, entertainment, or even incessant activity. This compulsion to consume is not merely about satiating a physical need but serves as a balm for our emotional turbulence.
The science of stress reveals an intriguing parallel: whether stress is perceived as positive (excitement, joy) or negative (fear, sadness), the body responds similarly. Both scenarios trigger the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, leading to physical signs such as a racing heart, butterflies in the stomach, and sweaty palms. The crux of the matter lies not in the nature of the stress but in our reaction to it. Our internal chemistry prompts us to act, and if we’re not mindful, these reactions can solidify into habits that obscure our true needs.
Consumption isn’t solely about what we consume but, more profoundly, about why we consume and what leads us to do so. What is the underlying feeling we are attempting to escape? To truly address this, we need to feel more of it. We must embrace it, build intimacy with it, and seek to understand it. Learning to love our discomfort, rather than running from it, is what ultimately heals the tendency to consume mindlessly.
I find myself examining not just my own patterns but also those of my clients and loved ones. There is a tendency, as the human brain is wont to do, to organize and categorize these behaviors—perhaps as a way to gain control or understanding. Yet, consumption during times of change often operates on a more subconscious level, where it becomes an automatic response to our shifting inner landscapes.
When we are bored, sad, stressed, or even elated, our consumption behaviors can reveal a great deal about our inner state. It is in these moments of emotional flux that our choices in consumption can become most telling. Are we reaching for comfort foods as a remedy for loneliness? Or perhaps, are we indulging in retail therapy to fill a void left by uncertainty?
The key to altering this is complete awareness. It begins with pattern recognition—acknowledging when and why we turn to consumption. Taking an inventory. It requires cultivating a meditative mind, finding slowness in the moment when we feel ourselves gravitating toward reactivity or consumption. Meditation, in this context, is not merely an act of seeking peace but of meeting reality as it stands. By embracing reality with clarity and acceptance, we soften the urge to flee from the truth and, in doing so, soften ourselves.
In these moments of heightened awareness, we can observe our tendencies without judgment. By developing a mindful practice, we learn to accept and understand our emotional responses rather than being driven by them. This acceptance nurtures stillness, and in stillness, we find peace.
Understanding these behaviors requires a delicate balance of self-awareness and compassion. It is not merely about identifying the patterns but about recognizing their roots in our emotional responses. By approaching our consumption habits with a sense of curiosity rather than judgment, we can begin to unravel the deeper reasons behind our choices.
As we learn to navigate these transitions with greater awareness, we can better understand the silent companion of change and its influence on our lives. And we must, as change is one of the few guaranteed things in this life. Embracing this understanding allows us to approach consumption with a mindful perspective, transforming it from a mere habit into a tool for deeper self-awareness and growth.
