In our busy lives, how do we nourish our bodies well?
Recently, I returned from a transformative 4-day retreat in Connecticut hosted by the Witness Institute. This fellowship is dedicated to shaping moral leaders, drawing inspiration from the life and teachings of Elie Wiesel. As someone who has led retreats, experiencing a retreat as an attendee was an extraordinary delight. It also carried great significance for me as a nurse; a true treasure to relish moments of care and nourishment.
The retreat was a harmonious blend of nature, art, poetry, conversations, storytelling, song, dance, and sacred narratives. In many ways, it echoed the essence of an Introspective Spaces retreat. Yet, I was surprised to find that my most cherished aspect of the experience was the food. The joy of savoring farm-fresh, predominantly vegetarian meals that demanded no mental exertion was unparalleled. Each dish was a testament to healthiness and exquisite taste. I could tell that everyone else in my cohort also enjoyed this experience, but none as much as myself! Furthermore, I think as a nurse, and as a woman, the perfect intersection of a socialized caregiver, this hit a deeper place in my soul.
The intention behind sharing this with you isn't so much about making a definitive point, but rather a call to resonate. Can you relate? People call me a "foodie." And Anu, too! I think that's how many of us in healthcare indulge after a long week. But for the first time, I considered if this is something more than a pursuit of pleasure, but maybe instead a desire we all crave to be tended to, nourished, and cared for. Maybe we aren't foodies, but in pursuit of some kind of wordless healing.
Upon my return, I had a meaningful conversation with Roxanne Almas, a physician, retreat leader, and kindred spirit. We agreed that food plays a pivotal role in creating spaces of healing and restoration, particularly for fellow clinicians.
Our lives are increasingly spent in virtual realms or caught up in a whirlwind of activities. How then do we address this facet of our well-being that includes our physical bodies? How does it not just become another task to do? The irony isn't lost on any of us. We dedicate our days to guiding others on crafting nutritious meals at home, catering to chronic conditions, recommending fiber intake, etc. Yet, this morning, my breakfast consisted of two mini Twix bars and an excessive amount of caffeine, while I imagine you enjoyed graham crackers with peanut butter.
In light of this realization, I have taken to meal planning more diligently upon my return, and I can already see the positive impact on my mind and body. Looking ahead, we aspire to extend our Introspective Spaces retreats to include more robust periods of time that will permit shared meals. Yet, in the meantime, how can we incorporate this ethos into the fabric of our daily, weekly, and monthly lives?
This question lingers, an invitation for collective contemplation. Just as we dispense advice to others, how do we prioritize giving ourselves the same level of care and attention? Let's embark on this journey together, embracing mindful nourishment as an integral component of our holistic well-being.
Please share with us- how do you try to nourish your body?
With Love,
Anu & Laura