What does the word nourishment mean to you?
Do you nourish yourself?
And in what form does that occur?
Is it from preparing and eating healthy foods, or listening to music that makes you happy and want to dance, or perhaps from reading a good book that is enlightening. How about spending time with loved ones, taking a walk in nature?
How often do you nourish yourself? Every day, once or twice a week? For most it is not often enough.
When we nourish ourselves on a regular basis we can begin to invite true healing, especially when we nourish our body, mind and spirit. When these three aspects of ourselves are in harmony we become whole. Too many people are missing nourishment in their lives. And what gives true nourishment will be a different journey for each of us.
Some common definitions of nourishment:
- The act of nourishing.
- The state of being nourished
- Something that nourishes; food, nutriment, or sustenance
- A process, system, method, etc., of providing or administering nourishment
Many people today pay more attention to nutrition and finding a well-balanced diet to feed the body. But unfortunately not many people concern themselves about feeding their souls. The soul is the inherent essence of one’s being.
Slow down – take time to become more present with everything you do. Have some tea, sit down with a book and allow yourself to take a break from the busyness of life.
Connect – connect to yourself and to others. A simple smile can bring you joy and brighten someone else’s day, and smiling tricks your brain into thinking you are happy! Appreciate your loved ones. Give someone you love a big hug and tell him or her how much you love them. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while (someone positive who just makes you feel good). Do something nice for someone else. Sometimes just doing a good deed can bring so much joy to both the giver and receiver.
Practice gratitude – think about all the things in your life that you are grateful for. Count your blessings. Consider starting a gratitude journal and write down at least 5 things you are grateful for at the end of each day. Say “thank you” to those you interact with in your day, show them your gratitude.
Breathe – when you take slow, soft, full breaths you will be amazed at how quickly you can de-stress, focus, and relax. The results are immediate and best of all it is free and you can do it at any time!
Take a yoga class or practice at home – do the poses with the intention of nourishing your body, your mind and your spirit. And don’t forget to breathe!
Spend time in nature – try to find time every day to be in nature, take a walk in nature and listen to the birds, smell the fresh air and feel the earth beneath your feet, admire the beauty of Mother Nature in all its forms.
Starting a garden is a great way to connect to the earth! Watch the beauty of a sunset and observe where the feeling of awe originates from.
Be with animals – If you are an animal lover, or perhaps own a dog or cat, appreciate the unconditional love they offer to you and observe how they offer it so freely. They can be great de-stressors!
Take a media break, sit quietly alone – Turn off the TV, too many hours of TV can deplete the soul. Turn off the computer, cell phone, iPad, and the many other devices we often have clinging to us. Taking time to be quiet or even to meditate is very nourishing for the soul!
Sing, Dance – Just for the pure joy of it! Even if you think you can’t sing, do it anyway because freeing your voice is a good way to help nourish your soul. And dance as though no one is watching!
Be positive – Stop looking for the negative. Negativity is not good for the soul. Try practicing some daily, positive affirmations.
Begin something creative – what have you always wanted to do? Maybe it is painting, pottery, knitting, sewing, baking. What ever helps free your mind of the mundane and helps develop your creativity. Express yourself!
Most importantly, take care of your precious self. Maintain a state of balance in your life. When we take the time to nourish ourselves, our soul will thank us.
I would love to help you transform your relationship with food, body and health and empower you to achieve a balanced life of health, purpose and vitality!
Your Nourishing Nutritionist,
Lynne Bowsher
Nourishment for body, mind and spirit
Hello! I’m Lynne Bowsher, a Certified Mind Body Nutrition Coach and graduate of Functional Nutrition.
I work with women who are struggling with stress, fatigue and who are looking for more purpose in their life.
My wish is to help as many women as I can become embodied and to embrace and love who they truly are. 