When I first began my health/wellness/yoga journey, I was pretty rigid about my diet and lifestyle. Though it wasn’t the inspiration, or intention, I ended up being rather harsh and judgemental about myself. And I almost never lived up to my “perfect” standards and was constantly disappointed in myself. Pretty “yogic” eh?
It took me a lot of pain and suffering, researching and experimenting, thinking and learning to find my true balance of health and happiness without so much restriction or judging. And it turned out a lot of what I was trying to do was misguided, or just based on some idea in my head.
I am still learning.
But one practice I have adopted has really helped me feel a little more at ease in the world. I like to nourish each of the people in my life just the way that they feel they need to be nourished and cared for, not the way that I think they should.
Actually, I may have a gift for this kind of giving. I can cook and care for almost anyone in my circle and make them happy. Although a few years ago I might have refused to cook anything I didn’t “approve” of, now I just want people to feel welcome and taken care of at my table, and I find it soothes my soul more than cooking what I see as the “perfect meal”. Get the picture?
This week was a great opportunity to do exactly this. My brother was visiting from California with some new (to him) ideas and a pretty specific diet. We were spending the week with my Dad, who is pretty healthy but more mainstream. And there I am with all my own food and nourishment issues.
What did I do? First, I took a deep breath. Then I got into the kitchen. And somehow we all managed to be happy, satisfied and even enjoy our time. Our eating styles are not the same, but I can leave the salt and fancy raw sauces off my brother’s portion, add flaky himalyan salt and some coconut butter to mine, and serve my Dad some meat on the side. We even shared one or two meals where we all enjoyed the same things! PERFECT.
I do think it’s important to know your own boundaries and stick to certain principles that are important to you. For example, Vegans shouldn’t have to cook meat or eggs if they don’t want to, but in my family that often means we meet at an omni-friendly restaurant with good vegetarian options. But if my ideals are not so black and white, and my family and friends are so important to me, I should be able to nourish them somehow. Maybe it’s my way with a touch of theirs, or vice versa. Or this is where I’ve landed for now.
It’s selective. I won’t buy factory farmed animal products. I try to buy organic produce whenever possible. And I won’t serve chemicals at my table. But everyone has their own personal line in the sand. And everyone’s issues are different. And apparently the way I show my love is by cooking (or raw un-cooking, as the case may be).
And, it’s even more important to remember that nourishment is not just food. This week could have been hard with three different styles of living/rhythms/interests and bedtimes. But instead we all tried a few new things while sticking to a few key habits, so everyone in the family felt nourished at the end.
And speaking of which, how may I nourish you more? Loving the recipes? Hooked by the yoga inspiration? Hoping for more personal experience posts? Healthy product reviews?
I want to hear from you! Tell me what you’d like to see more of here on A Life Delectable
With love and raw chocolate,
Laura
