Eating in the Light of the Moon

How Women Can Transform Their Relationship with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling

By: Anita A. Johnston PhD

Narrated by: Arika Rapson

Weaving a rich tapestry of multicultural myths, ancient legends, and simple folktales, Anita Johnston, PhD, inspires women to free themselves from disordered eating by discovering the metaphors that are hidden in their own life stories.

"Storytellers speak in the language of myth and metaphor," Johnston explains. "They tell us a truth that is not literal but symbolic. If we hear the stories with only the outer ear, they can seem absurd and untrue, but when listened to with the inner ear, they convey a truth that can be understood and absorbed on a deeply personal level. In this way stories help us connect with our inner world, to the natural rhythms and cycles of the earth, and to the power of our intuitive wisdom."

An immensely enjoyable book, Eating in the Light of the Moon is filled with practical exercises and profound insights. Twenty chapters explore different themes of self-discovery and empowerment on core issues such as intuition, symbolism, feelings, sexuality, and recovery.

©1996 Anita A. Johnston (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This beautifully-written book sheds new light on struggles with eating...and offers hope for all who want to be free." (Kim Chernin, author of The Hungry Self)

Good insight, keep an open mind.

Although the beginning of the book seemed to take a slow start for me, I liked the different storytelling throughout. Some things are a little far fetched for me, yet other things made perfect sense.

Feminine wisdom is a gift

Being raised in a fundamentalist Christian church and told that feelings are wrong and never to be trusted, this book was like a lifeline into the depths of my soul. Whether you struggle with disordered eating or not, the stories in this book will help speak truth to the pain that exists when you’ve been told all your life that who you are and what you feel is wrong. Thank you for writing such an incredible piece of wisdom for the many of us struggling to find and reconnect to our inner feminine wisdom.

Validating

Would you listen to Eating in the Light of the Moon again? Why?

I will be buying a hard copy so I can write, highlight and reread certain passages.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Eating in the Light of the Moon?

The first 5 minutes had me in tears as it felt like someone understood me and I knew I was OK, my feelings were valid and I was not alone in the way I feel about eating.

Have you listened to any of Arika Rapson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I liked the reader's voice better at the end than in the beginning. At times her voice seemed to lack some emotion.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I tried to listen to the book all in one day, but got weary and needed an hour and a half to go.

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with food disorders, although she does use storytelling to illustrate some important points, it makes the book more enjoyable and keeps it from getting too clinical. Dr. Johnston gives you tools to use to start telling your own story. My biggest take away is the comfort of knowing I am not alone in always feeling different, it is OK to be very sensitive, and I can recover.

Goes to the heart of the matter

Helps a person deal with their feelings and transform the cause of their discomfort. Not just about eating disorders as it can be applied to all areas of a person's life.

A new perspective

By exploring food and body image through metaphor one is presented with a new way to think about their relationship with food and their body. It is very geared towards females. I feel like I am coming away from this book a little healthier in my mindset

Amazing book

Amazing book, very insightful, rich teaching stories, written and narrated beautifully. Something I would re listen to

Life changing!

This book was amazing. If you struggle with your relationship with food I recommend this book. It is a must read!

Highly Recommend!

Loved the use of story to illustrate the key ideas and concepts. Very clear explanations of why eating issues occur and specific directions on what to do about them.

spoke to me

This book spoke to my heart. Helped me get to the center of the reason I have used food as as crutch. I loved all the parables in the book. I am getting ready to listen to it a second time. One of the best books I've read on weight and food.

Excellent Resource

Every concept is explained through a story that uses metaphor. Even if you don’t struggle with disordered eating this book offers great insight on what it is to be a woman. I came away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of my feminine qualities.