How Are You Nourishing Yourself?

This question was asked in the book If The Buddha Came To Dinner by Hale’ Sofia Schatz.

She says: “When we are nourished we know who we are. We know how we feel. We understand our priorities. We have a clearer understanding of our deep purpose in life.”

It was at that point I realized my corn dog and funnel cake were not going to lead me to nirvana. If I wanted to gain that kind of clarity, more fruits and veggies were needed.

But we’ve also heard that man does not live by bread alone.

The question piqued my curiosity: how do we nourish ourselves? What are we doing to really sustain ourselves?

When a client asked “Is it ok to claim time that’s just for me? And how do I do it?” I realized she was asking permission for self-nourishment.  We’re so naïve at experiencing the kind of real nourishment that Schatz described. I think there’s an underlying fear that it may be considered selfish or self-indulgent.

Sure, massages or manicures are often a way to wind down,  but often they sound like just another thing on the to-do list – like we’re fitting it in.  Our lives are filled with busy-ness.

At the end of the day, can we point to one thing we did that left us feeling nourished in body, mind or spirit? To be able to sit back and relish that time and feel replenished?

7 Things We Can Do to Nourish Ourselves in 30 minutes:

1. Read – During the day! Not before you go to sleep when you’re exhausted and can’t remember what you read. Take a break to read something pleasurable that lifts your spirits or engages your imagination

1. Walk –in a park, at an arboretum, along a river. Leave the ipod in the car. 

1. Nap – take a guilt-free nap – just because you want to

1. Listen – to the sounds in nature, to beautiful music – let your mind wander and soul soar

1. Pray or meditate

1. Prepare a wonderful meal – enjoy the colors, the smells, the textures and tastes of each item

1. Play – what would make you laugh or feel carefree? Try flying a giant dragon kite and see if it doesn’t make you smile!