The Power of Storytelling in Eating Disorder Recovery
Written by ‘Ai Pono Hawaii Staff Writer
“Imagine finding your voice and speaking your truth. So that you can become healed and whole.” ~ Dr. Anita Johnston
Storytelling is an integral part of ‘Ai Pono’s treatment and recovery approach. By hearing the stories of other people’s pain and triumph, we learn about the human condition and gain insight into our own struggles. The rich imagery, symbolism, and metaphor found in both ancient tales and poetry help us see the deeper meaning and hidden truths behind eating and food issues.
Marion Woodman, Jungian analyst and author shares that storytelling has a more immediate impact on those in eating disorder recovery than abstract analysis. In other words, concepts and abstract theories, though grounded in truth, only speak to the mind. Storytelling and metaphors speak to the mind, body, and soul, and can have an immediate impact on our core beliefs and feelings. She states, “So long as it’s theory, it’s removed from the actual feeling…if I put it in a story form or use images, the mind may not hear it, but the body responds. And if it’s reverberating in the body, sooner or later it’s going to get through to consciousness.”
Another important aspect of storytelling and eating disorder recovery is learning to tell your own story. Individuals with eating disorders often struggle to share their thoughts, needs, and feelings. Many times, those with an ED turn to behaviors as a way to cope with and camouflage what’s really going on inside. The disorder convinces them they don’t deserve to be heard or take up space, so they isolate themselves, suppress their thoughts and feelings, and turn to harmful behaviors as a way to deal with unspoken pain and feelings.
Learning to open up about your struggles and tell your story is where true healing begins. As ‘Ai Pono’s founder, Dr. Anita Johnston shares, “This is where healing would begin – by being able to find your voice. Being able to be heard. Being able to speak your truth, and tell your story, so that all aspects of your being could come together in wholeness.”
In light of the important role storytelling plays in eating disorder treatment and recovery here at ‘Ai Pono, we are excited to share the story of Ananda de Jager on our blog today. Ananda is the author of Poems of Recovery, a collection of poems telling the story of her eating disorder recovery. Through beautiful imagery and metaphor, Ananda gives readers an intimate, honest, glimpse into her eating disorder recovery journey.
In this interview with Ananda, she reflects on the important role storytelling has played in her eating disorder recovery, shares excerpts from her book, and gives practical tips on how women in recovery can heal by sharing their own stories. To learn more about Ananda, visit her website at anandadejager.com.
When did you begin writing poetry, and what was the motivation behind it?
I started writing poetry in the summer of 2019. I had just come back from a yoga and healing retreat in Nepal, and for about two years, I had already shared a lot of poems and quotes on my Instagram. I shared them not only to help myself but also to inspire others. (People know me to be the quote sharing person on Instagram, haha.) Anyway, I knew writing helped one of my friends, but I felt poetry instead of long stories was working better for me.
What role has writing your story through poetry played in your recovery journey?
A huge one! Writing things down ánd publishing them made me realize I was really going all-in with recovery – my story is shared with the world now, and there is no way I could go back to my eating disorder now. I don’t want to anymore – I want to show others how they, too, can recover. Whenever I feel down now, I read back my poems, and I realize the progress made. It really helped me, not only [by] writing it down but also [by] reading it back.
Can you tell us about your book, Poems of Recovery?
Poems of Recovery is a collection of poems, written during a time when I wanted to get my period back. Not only that, I wrote it when I was technically at a healthy weight, but still struggled with disorder thoughts. I think therefore it was important for me to acknowledge an eating disorder is about much more than just the food. I wanted to help others by sharing my writing, to show them it does get better and that they are not alone in their feelings. You really have a storyline in there – one of my friends said she really felt the rollercoaster I was going through at that moment
What about the artwork in Poems of Recovery. How do the illustrations support the story of your eating disorder recovery?
The illustrations are made by my dear friend Laurien Dwars, who can be found on Instagram under the name of @lauriendraws (I love how you change one letter in her last name and it becomes Draws). She knew what kind of visuals I wanted, and drew them for me based on pictures of myself. They support the story because she knows me, and because we wanted to show a strong girl, but who also struggled. You can be both strong and vulnerable, and I believe the artwork shows just that.
What would you say to other women recovering from an eating disorder? If they’re not into writing poetry, what are other ways they can use storytelling to express their feelings and thoughts?
Keep going!! I feel like the toughest part is not starting your recovery, but to keep going. Remember your why – if you are not into poetry, write down WHY you want to recover and keep reminding yourself of your why. If you have a good day, perhaps write a letter to yourself and read it when you have a bad day, to remind yourself of your why. I think it’s also important to realize it’s never about the food – often there are more underlying issues and mechanisms to work through. What also helped me a lot was trying to figure out what gave me joy, like dancing. But for some people that might be reading, drawing. You have to find what you enjoy. There is also a power in vulnerability, so speak, find people you trust and remember you are not alone!
Were there any poets or storytellers you turned to for inspiration during your eating disorder recovery? If so, could you share one or two of your favorites and an inspiring quote from them?
I love following Rupi Kaur and April Green on Instagram. I think many girls do! But two of my favorite quotes are:
“The more you love your own decisions, the less you need others to love them.” ~Author Unknown.
“And I said to my body, softly, "I want to be your friend. It took a long breath and replied, "I've been waiting my whole life for this." ~ Nayyirah Waheed
I love the last one because I am amazed by what our bodies do to keep us alive and how they even turn off (e.g. your period) if you do not take care properly. Our bodies are really so amazing, they can do so many things and it’s so important to start loving and appreciating them instead of always trying to change them. It’s not an easy process, but it’s so worth it and I hope we can raise a generation of men and women who want to be friends with their bodies. 😊
Poems of Recovery is now available for purchase on Amazon.
If you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder, take the first step today and talk to talk to someone about recovery or simply learn more about the eating disorder recovery programs we offer.
