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.

Listen with your heart

It's a great book that makes a woman feel safe and validated. The stories and mythology and metaphors within them are wonderful to contemplate on and mirror in one's own life. I highly recommend it to everyone not only women who have food obsessions! it's purpose is far greater than addressing that soul form of obsession... it can apply to any way we obsess about things to avoid our kings or push them away.

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.

Amazing book

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