Having grown up in the southeastern U.S., I was surrounded by the many flavors of “soul food.” From collard greens, to fried chicken, black-eyed peas, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato pie. Soul Food has been a well-known tradition in the south for years that many people enjoy eating year-round.
Reflecting on these words, it stirs up images of food that not only feeds our body yet nourishes our soul on a deeper level. Many of us find ourselves saying “comfort food” to describe that hot bowl of soup we reach for on a cold winter night. Whether it be traditional southern food or comfort foods that are enjoyed around the world, it’s about bringing pleasure and nourishment to the soul.
During some recent travels of mine to British Columbia, Canada and Asheville, North Carolina, I explored this concept further. Soaking up the beauty of nature, connecting in person with online friends and colleagues, and marveling at the wonders of travel and the joy it ignited in me, I felt inspired to write about a different type of soul food.
The nourishment that comes from quality relationships, living from a greater purpose, outdoor time in nature, a fulfilling livelihood, and practicing self-love.
These are all “foods” that equally feed our soul.
During my health coach training at Institute for Integrative Nutrition, they spoke of “primary food” and “secondary food.” In other words, the foods that feed our soul would be “primary,” and if those foods are in balance, we are more likely to eat a healthy diet. Or so the theory goes. However, so often we get swept into our busy schedules and the stresses of modern life that it’s easy to forget about how important this deeper type of nourishment is.
So, what does “soul food” mean for you? What kinds of images come to mind when you read those words?
Let me share some examples from my own life during my recent travels.
During September, I enjoyed a 12-day vacation in beautiful British Columbia. After living in the Pacific Northwest for 3 ½ years around 2001, I felt a strong pull to discover this part of the world again. During my time in Vancouver, Whistler, and Bowen Island, there were so many beautiful experiences that moved my spirit and fed my soul. From the sheer joy of connecting in person with online colleagues and friends, to walking through old growth forests and hiking to emerald green lakes in the coastal mountains, to sea kayaking and experiencing a whale from my friend Anita’s deck, to the playful abandon of shouting “Woohoo!!” on the rope swing overlooking the ocean. These are moments in life that, to me, feel like true nourishment.
A deeper type of nourishment that goes way beyond the food we eat on a daily basis.
Then during my travels to North Carolina in October, there were so many other moments that captured this same concept. Whether it was listening deeply to other’s stories of grief and how they have turned their pain into a greater purpose, to experiencing the glorious Fall colors in the BlueRidge Mountains, or enjoying quality time with my partner. Once again, I was reminded of the healing power of “soul food” and why we need it in our lives.
In light of health and wellness, what I learned from my own healing journey with breast cancer is that re-igniting the spirit and nourishing the soul is essential to heal and thrive. To shift from merely “surviving” a diagnosis or chronic health issue we may be facing to truly thriving.
Most often chronic illness and disease results from a “dis-ease” in the body where we become out of balance in our lives from chronic stress and unresolved trauma.
The first step is to bring compassionate presence to this part of us that has fallen out of alignment. To interrupt any self-limiting thoughts or beliefs that may be running the show and replace them with greater self-love.... acceptance.... and support. In doing so, we honor the shadow, darkness, and grief that may be present. We also cultivate the skills to create deeper meaning making. To integrate those shadows into our lives so they become a “threshold”.... or “sacred portal....” of awakening into something greater. Perhaps an even fuller life that enriches our understanding of what it means to be fully alive. This allows us to move into an inspired vision that pulls us forward, despite the inevitable setbacks we may face as we move through the seasons of life.
So, what lights you up?
Asking yourself this question is a great place to start. There are so many ways to tap into your own version of soul food!
Learning the skills of tuning into our bodies.... our breath.... and what provides deep nourishment moves us beyond “self-care” into the heart of soul-care.
With the holiday season arriving, I’d love to invite you to reflect on what “soul-care” means for you. To explore the many foods in your life that bring you comfort and nourishment on multiple levels. Whether that be your morning smoothie, sweet potato pie, spending time outdoors, or being in the presence of loved ones. Reflect on how these foods are feeding you from the inside out.
Then, begin to incorporate them into your lifestyle on a regular basis with intention and meaning. Finding the sparks of JOY, even if fleeting, knowing you have the ability to find the “gold nuggets” in life. Even amidst your seasons of grief, change, and transition.
May this holiday season and winter solstice be filled with hope... love.... peace.... and renewal. All that nourishes you throughout the seasons of life.
Sending many blessings across the miles!
