We are officially in the midst of the holiday season. Here in Indiana, we’re bundling up in our coats and scarves and the ever popular fingerless gloves that allow us to use our touchscreen phones and ipads no matter where we are or what we’re doing. We’re connected to our mobile phones and wireless gadgets every waking moment, but are we connected to source? Are we connected with ourselves? Our earth? Our food?
When stress elevates (holiday time) we become disconnected. We begin to live in a world of “I have to get this done, I have to buy this, I have to plan this, I have to take care of this…..” and so it goes. In the hustle and bustle, we forget to slow down, enjoy the small wonders of every moment. We forget to connect and take care of ourselves.
Disconnection creates disease.
A super easy way to keep yourself connected is through your food. You have to eat every day, right? So, take the opportunity to really connect with your food at least once a day. Is it processed out of a bag, box or can? A drive-through? If so, where do you think the food came from? How nourishing do you think that food really is to your body and your cells?
If your not satisfied with your answer, head to the market and take some time in the produce section. Look at the colors, breath in the aromas, touch and hold the produce. What pulls you in? Is it the ruby red pomegranate? The dark green kale? The sunshine color of the oranges? The bright yellow lemons? What makes you feel happy? What flavors do you love? Pick out what what calls you to it and take it home. Now, with your own two hands, create something. Even if it’s just lemon water. You made it. You picked out the lemon. You created the lemon water by squeezing the lemon. Vuala! You are now connected to your food. You are now connected to mother earth and her gifts to you. Do you feel a sense of peace?
If you need inspiration, check out my living food recipes on this site or get your google on and see what other chefs are making. Organic, whole foods – especially fresh fruits and veggies are medicine. They will open the door to heal the physical, emotional and even spiritual body. The very best is to grow your own or check out your local farmers market for farmers in your area that are providing fresh “medicine”. Indiana readers- I urge you to check out the Indy Winter Farmers Market!
The holidays can be stressful and for many, a time of gaining weight, getting sick and wearing yourself down. On the flip side, it can also be a time of peace, worshiping your body (your temple) and a time of caring for yourself so you stay well and even become more vibrant! How you feel during the holidays is up to YOU.
Some of my other favorite ways to be blissful, peaceful and well during the holidays are:
– Daily meditation (yes, I know everyone says this, but it’s true. Meditation will bring you peace and give you a foundation of well-being that will fuel everything else you do) Start with 5 minutes a day and work your way up from there.
– Daily exercise (yes, i know everyone says this too) – Get your blood moving, sweat out those toxins, move your lymph fluids – all of these things will boost your immune system, raise endorphins and keep you fit and trim.
– Taking time to connect with family/friends – I like to talk to at least one person that I love and care for each day on the phone or through email if not in person. It feeds my soul to be around those I love and who love me. It feels good to share my love with them too.
– Give back. The best gift EVER is to help those less fortunate than you. If I can’t do this, then what is it all for, gosh darn it? Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy nice clothes and beautiful things, but I feel so blessed when I can help someone in need. Even if it’s just giving $5.
Those are just a few of my favorite ways to stay connected to source and BE the PEACE I want to feel – during the holidays and really just in life.
Peace and well-being is inside of each and every one of us. It’s the most special gift imaginable and you don’t have to wait – it’s there for you NOW.
