Beginning a New Year, many of us resolve “to take better care of ME!”
Everywhere we turn there is another diet program promising to help shed unwanted pounds. Americans are more overweight than ever and in spite of the advances in nutritional science, our waistlines continue to expand and food-related ailments continue to increase.
One part of the food and nutrition story is measuring calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. The other part of the story that has largely been ignored is that food nourishes not only our physical health but emotional, spiritual and social well-being.
It is as important about ‘what to eat’ as it is ‘how to eat’ for better health.
On close examination of the many competing diets programs, the missing ingredient to according to Deepak Chopra is,
“Prana is the vital life force of the universe, the cosmic force….and it goes into you , into me, with food. When you cook with love, you transfer the love into the food and it is metabolized….”
Our ancestors related to food more than just sustenance for the body. Virtually all religious and cultural traditions encourage cooking with love and intuitively integrated multi-dimensional healing with food.
4 Facets of Food
We may use our incredible human consciousness and food in four ways:
1) Physical - prevent or reverse physical ailments
What we eat influences our health and well-being.
2) Emotional - experience the food-mood connections
Your emotions affect the foods you eat and the foods you eat affect your emotions.
3) Spiritual - reunite with the spiritual meaning of food
You benefit when you consciously eat from the heart with mindfulness, appreciation and love.
4) Social - return to our social-nutritional heritage
Food is beneficial when you dine in a socially supportive environment.
6 Elements of an Enlightened Diet
1) Unite with others through food. Food, eating and dining have been intimately interwoven with our relationships. Dine in a pleasant supportive atmosphere may improve physical and emotional well-being.
2) Be aware of feelings before, during and after eating. Carbohydrate-dense, plant based foods (fruits, vegetables, grains) calm and relax the mind-body.
3) Focus on the food instead of yourself. Contemplating our food for a few seconds before eating, and eating in mindfulness, can bring us much happiness.
4) Be grateful for food and its origin – from your heart. To have an attitude of gratitude for both the plant- and animal-based food, may enhance both your health and your appetite.
5) Unite with the Divine in flavoring your food with love. A cook’s mood filled and focused with love and light could influence the quality of a meal.
6) Eat fresh whole food in its natural state whenever possible. Eating industrial foods (processed, high-fat foods) that have been depleted of many beneficial nutrients can contribute to obesity and related ailments.
The six elements of the enlightened diet are a guideline for what to eat and how to eat but also how to live consciously, filled with a sense of wonder inherent in the alchemical union between human beings and food.
Integrating nutritional science with our spirit is an ongoing process and a real-world experiment. Learning how to nourish every aspect of your being each time you eat is a joyful step towards wholeness.
With lots to learn, the process is rewarding and enlightening …. As you step closer to claiming your connection to all.
Amirah, Intuitive Life Coach, helps individuals gain insight, clarity and understanding in their own lives making positive life changes. Transform your hidden blocks, fears and beliefs that limit potential.
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication is appreciated.
© SoulMystic.com 2007
