An expression used to describe what makes you feel a sense of contentment, fulfillment, happiness and freedom.

Often a metaphor for experiences, practices, or elements in life that nurture and enrich our inner selves, much like food nourishes the body. 

It goes beyond just physical nourishment.  Whether through meaningful relationships or connections, experiences, creativity, spirituality, nature or personal passions…

It generally emphasizes and refers to the different aspects that provide nurturing and elevating our mental, emotional, intellectual or psychological and spiritual well-being. Practices that feed the deeper parts of a person, beyond  just physical sustenance that nourishes us, fostering comfort, bringing joy, inner peace, and growth.

This can include art, music, literature, meditation, personal passions and reflections, or even certain types of food that enrich the inner self, deepens our purpose, sense of peace and fulfillment.

The major concept, highlights the importance of not just feeding the body, but also taking care of our mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Focusing on the idea that, just as our bodies need food to thrive, our hearts and minds need positive, balanced and enriching life experiences to truly flourish.

Here are some essential elements that contribute to harmony, balance and enhancing life.

     • Connection and Relationships

For centuries, philosophers and scientists have attempted to answer the question of why we are here. Some claim to learn for growth, others see it as a Divine blessing. But one thing certain is - we are meant to connect with each other as a means of passing on an important legacy, values and wisdom. 

Meaningful relationships with family, friends, and loved ones help us feel supported, understood and valued. We seek companionship and support as we go through the stages of life.

These connections foster a sense of belonging, love and compassion. As social connection is so hard-wired into human behavior, it just makes sense that relationships significantly influence our wellness. 

     • Creativity and Self- expression 

Engaging in creative activities like art, music, writing, or any form of self expression can provide an outlet for emotions, help process feelings and  bring joy and contentment.

Cooking is also a form of art and self expression. The way of presenting a meal can reflect your personality, creativity and even emotions. The joy of experimenting with flavors or crafting a meal to share with others is a way of expressing love, care and creativity. 

It is the comfort, warmth and connection we seek through food, whether through a meal shared with loved ones, a dish that evokes a cherished memory, or even just a sensory joy of cooking or eating. 

     The following are fundamentals that has their respective roles on the above aspect: 

   • Comfort and Nostalgia 

Certain foods have a deeply comforting quality, especially in times of stress or illness. A warm bowl of soup, a cup of tea or even a simple piece of chocolate can help soothe the soul. 

Food often has the power to bring back memories, comforting us with the familiar flavors and smells from our past. A bowl of soup made by grandmother, mother, or a childhood favorite can make us feel safe, cared for and connected to our roots.

• Spiritual and Ritualistic 

Food  can also have spiritual significance. From religious ceremonies to spiritual rituals, meals can be moments of reflection, gratitude and prayer. The act of offering food to others, or preparing it in a ceremonial way can connect us to something greater than ourselves.

   • Communal Connection. 

Sharing a meal with others is one of the most powerful way to nurture our spirit. Food has always been a central part of bonding, whether a family dinner, celebratory feast, or just catching up with friends over coffee. These moments reinforce our sense of belonging and create meaningful relationships. 

   • Mindfulness and Presence 

Preparing food mindfully, focusing on the colors, textures, and aromas can be an almost meditative experience. It helps us slow down, connect to the present moment, and engage our senses. This mindful approach can brighten a sense of peace and grounding, which is essential for nourishing the soul. 

   • Healing  

Certain foods are often seen as having healing properties. The soothing effects of warm broths, the antioxidant power of berries, or the calming benefits of herbal teas… These ingredients not only nourish the body but can also nurture the soul by providing an inner care and wellness. It is more than just satisfying hunger, it is about nourishment on a deeper level, as well as connecting to our emotions, memories and sense of belonging. Food that speaks to our hearts, heals our minds, and uplifts our spirits. 

The process of nurturing with food can provide a sense of healing physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. 

   • Storytelling 

* Throughout our history, humans have been driven by the urge to express themselves through various methods or mediums like art, literature, music and writing. These expressions allow us to share stories that help us to relate and understand one another. 

Storytelling is not only a common thread that binds us throughout our history. It is a way of revealing our authenticity. Telling your story or listening to someone else’s brings us together. Haven’t you ever felt a connection after hearing their story?

“ The engineers of the future will be poets.” - McKeena

   • Nature 

Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can bring peace, calmness, and a sense of grounding. Nature has a way of restoring balance and offering fresh and insightful perspectives on life. It has the power to generate calming and positive emotions, joy and can strengthen focus and concentration, inspiration, provide creative ideas, lower levels of poor mental health and anxiety, fights depression, and enhance the immune system. People who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to feel their lives of value. 

Our forests, rivers, oceans and soils provide us with the food we eat, trees and greens of the air we breathe. We rely on these for our health, happiness and prosperity. 

They support better circulation and heart function. They have a very strong healing power…

    • Faith and Spirituality. 

Whether through religious practices meditation, or simply moments of reflection…

Spirituality often offers guidance, hope and sense of purpose. It increases one’s positive sense of self and support, provides meaning to mental health challenges. It involves the recognition of a feeling, a sense of belief that there is something greater than the self. 

Something more to being human than sensory experiences. That the greater whole of which we are a part is cosmic and divine in nature… 

Spiritual development impacts daily life by enhancing emotional resilience, fostering empathy and compassion. Shifting priorities and values towards more meaningful and sustainable choices, and cultivating profound inner peace. 

An indivisible, invincible energy or spiritual power is the life force that keeps you going, harnessing the qualities of the mind and body. The ability to find purpose in our lives through the fusion of art, nature or a sense of connection beyond the self. 

As Einstein quoted: 

     “ The further the spiritual evolution of humanity advances, the more certain to me that the path to genuine religiosity does not lie through the fear of life, death, and blind faith, but through striving after rational knowledge. “

Spiritual people have positive relationships, higher self-esteem, are more optimistic and  follow a strong purpose in life. 

   • Personal Growth 

It is a continuous journey of self discovery and improvement that involves developing one’s abilities, gaining new skills, and understanding oneself ( Physically, emotionally, mentally, socially and spiritually) 

Pursuing knowledge, learning new things, and working towards self-improvement feeds the soul by creating a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Not just to improve strengths and talents, but to achieve personal and career goals as well.

   • Gratitude and Positivity 

Practicing gratitude and joyful mindfulness helps to cultivate a positive mindset, nourishes emotional well-being and mental peace. 

When approaching unpleasant experiences in a more positive and  productive way, we are more likely to approach problems with an open heart and mind, and think more critically about potential solutions. It builds lasting physical condition, social connections, intellectual abilities, boosting our psychological well-being and resilience.

By consciously cultivating gratitude, we open ourselves up to a life of abundance, fulfillment and freedom. Being grateful for the things you have, the activities that you do and the people in your life will make you happier. It assures that no matter what you go through in life, that something good will come out of it. It opens the heart and unleash the true power or Love.

   • Acts of kindness and service. 

Helping others and contributing to the wellbeing of others can deeply nourish the soul by creating a sense of meaning and connection to something bigger than oneself. 

   • Rest and Rejuvenation 

The seven types of rest are physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social and spiritual. Each focuses on a different aspect of our lives. By understanding them, we can identify which areas of our lives we need to focus on rest and prioritize our self care accordingly. 

Taking time to relax, recharge, and care for mental and physical health is crucial for maintaining overall wellbeing. Improve one’s mood, increase creativity and heightens the ability to focus. 

When we are well rested, we are better equipped to tackle challenges and make decisions. We can be more present and more engaged in our lives. Our brains go into default network mode. We move away from concentrating on the outside world towards inward-focused thinking and feeling. 

Resting reduces stress, increases concentration and memory, a healthier immune system and a better metabolism.

 • Fasting  

As feeding the body with healthy and mindful foods, fasting is as important for balancing our body, mind and spirit.

There are some cultures that practice certain routines and beliefs that fasting triggers to manifest an important vision that is meant to be shared. Some fast for hours, days, others for weeks or even months. 

It has many health benefits…

When food is eliminated, the spirit becomes uncluttered by refraining from material desires. ( not just food but also other worldly desires ) In some culture, it is a form of worship bringing about nearness to God, as well a form of spiritual discipline and a means to empathize with the less fortunate.

Fasting has been shown to improve mental clarity and focus. It has also been shown to increase energy levels, improve digestion, reverse the aging process, promote weight loss, boost the immune system and improve overall health. 

A verse in the Bible says: 

“ If you fast, the Lord will reward you in secret “ , will make your ‘ spiritual ears ‘ more acute and brings spiritual clarity. 

I also did practice it several years ago, and I feel that this ancient practice’s most vital attribute is to strengthen not just patience and perseverance, instills focus and helps establish firm decisions in the many aspects of life and with the surrounding environment and most importantly to boost resilience. 

I learned that the brain is most active when one is sleeping… 

I consider that just merely having enough rest or sleeping peacefully, certain small lessons and insightful wisdom will definitely emerge from the moment you wake up till the moment you go back to sleep again, that is needed to sustain the body, mind and spirit. 

( Relatively similar to meditation with the eyes closed. )

Scientifically, when you sleep calmly and at peace, the brain neurons are reactivated ( the body works to repair muscle organs and other cells ). 

As it is with newborns that in the first few months, they sleep most of the time dreaming… 

“ Dreaming to remember and reawaken a forgotten prophecy or wisdom? 

That is truly a part of us all.

                                  ✨

When you wake up, 

Always BE GRATEFUL, have a healthy and mindful breakfast and just be thankful that  you are alive! 

As my mother always say, 

“ Eat and savor the blessings for today as you break the fasting ( Breakfast) “

“ When you persevere, you learn and grow from it…”

And as my father reminds us in silence… 

“ Do not repeat the same mistakes, you are responsible for your own actions. “ 

“ Accepting responsibility of what has happened, showing empathy, compassion, and forgiving yourself and others as well, is more than just putting the past behind you and moving on …”