Planting Nourishing Seeds

I began vegetable gardening just a few years ago. Though I’d always loved planting flowers, I hadn’t had experience with vegetable gardening until a convergence of events occurred.  First was my strong conviction that organic fruits and vegetables were superior nutritionally to conventional ones, given that organically grown plants are a rich source of minerals.  Then came my membership in a CSA (community supported agriculture) through Moose Hill Audubon which gave me an opportunity to actively participate in the care of a large organic garden, and to enjoy its spectacular harvest throughout the growing season. And finally came the example of my friend and chiropractor Patti Giuliano, DC, who for years has tended her own garden. Seeing the quality and abundance that grew in our short New England season convinced me it was worth the time and effort to grow a garden.

Growing a garden is much like caring for your self. What level of care do you put into cultivating your health? Whether you have a garden or not, do you choose quality foods to nourish your body?  As the old saying goes – you are what you eat- the food you put in your body becomes your body, your cells, your very self. Good nutrition doesn’t happen by accident, any more than having a clean home, or a clean car, or a clean desk does. It takes consistent attention to achieve good nutrition, and an awareness deeply rooted to your connection with self.

Looking ahead, are you giving your body all it needs to grow even healthier over the years?  With modern medicine, you likely will live a long life, but have you thought about the power you have to contribute to the quality of that life? Ask yourself What am I doing now that could be better?  Do I eat too much meat, or sugar, or chemicalized foods loaded with preservatives? Is my weight at a healthy level? Is my digestive system working optimally?

Next, look at the environment in which you live. Is it rich with life and positive people, or have you somehow settled into a toxic environment filled with negativity?  Chemical and emotional stress negatively affects the health of humans just as it affects plants.

To be your best, draw to you all that will nourish you, in food, in environment, in relationships. Know you are the master of your future, and how you care for yourself will directly impact your future health and well-being.

As a Holistic Health Counselor, I have seen the transformation that occurs in those who choose to commit to healthy change. When you begin to appreciate all that self-care does for you, there’s no turning back. It becomes an underlying part of every decision you make. It whispers in your ear that you matter, and that you have the right to choose a healthy, satisfying lifestyle.