Living on Purpose
If you've been wanting to move toward a goal of holistic living, it may help you discover what 'Holistic' means to you. What can you imagine yourself doing (or changing) to begin living 'On purpose' with holistic intent? Being mentally determined to live well before you physically see results can be a massive part of your success.
How can we begin changing in a tiny way today? I'm reading 'The Holistic Therapy File' by Jane Alexander. In the introduction, Jane says, "Rest assured, you don't have to go out and make major changes overnight. Even the tiniest shift can create ripples. Adjust your diet a little, exercise, practise a ritual, say a prayer, and you will have begun a process that almost inevitably leads to other changes. People can and do heal themselves- so can you." [page 7]
Re-growth
I often ask myself how I can heal myself. Last year, I became interested in the concept of re-growing foods. On my sunny kitchen windowsill, a row of glass jars holds yellow onions atop some water. (I've also tried re-growing carrots, avocado, mango, pineapple, lettuce, and celery. The latter two looked promising for a few weeks but then rotted and died. I've only been successful with onions. But I'm not giving up!) After a few days or a couple of weeks, I have plenty of fresh spring onions (scallions) to add to eggs, fried rice, soups, sandwiches... I'm so grateful I no longer need to buy green onions from the store! This effort may seem small, but when you've had situational depression, various anxieties, PTSD, auto-immune diseases, recurring injuries, and other ailments, it can be hard to get groceries. For me, this re-grow attempt is a great idea and a big success in my nutrition. I encourage you to try it if you have even half a desire to see what can happen.
Reflecting on Soy and Dairy
2007, I started making smoothies from scratch with soy milk as the base. At some point, I learned soy will increase estrogen, so I began reading about the damaging effects of using too much soy in our food/ beverage products. I decided I would no longer consume soy products. With that, I made my first seemingly tiny change: I switched to almond or coconut milk for the liquid base of my morning smoothies.
Reading Labels
The following change may seem tedious since our culture is very busy, and we try to be as fast as possible with tasks and errands. But I stand by my long-ago choice to read the ingredient label of every edible product I consider buying.
Through my experience of reading labels, I've learned that when I discover an adverse reaction to food, I can usually trace it to the ingredients in specific products. One significant nugget of wisdom I always heard from my dad (a holistic health practitioner) is that I should buy foods that lack mono and diglycerides (an emulsifier). I know from personal experience that my face breaks out in a rash from mono-and-diglycerides. (Let's call it M & D!) And if you check leading brand dairy-milk ice cream labels, you'll see M&D in most recipes. Rotten luck! Ice cream is my favorite.
From an internet search: 'Mono- and diglycerides are a byproduct of processing oil, especially seed oils, and can contain trans fat. Trans fats can have harmful effects on health, including Cardiovascular problems, Distorting cell membranes, Elevating the risk of coronary heart disease, Adverse effects on the brain and nervous system, Diminishing mental performance, Insulin resistance, Infertility in women, Compromised fetal development, Cognitive decline, Promoting inflammation in the body, Linked to diabetes and obesity.'
Since I want to avoid all those unwanted effects, I continue reading labels to ensure my foods lack M&D. I often learn to substitute with other ingredients that don't clog our bodies. I use avocado oil or ghee when my recipe needs an emulsifier (I'm a big fan of making delicious sauces for meats and pasta).
Juicing:
Fifteen years ago (2009), I bought my first juicer. (It still works well!) I joke that my juicer is my longest-maintained and happy relationship outside my family. At the time of purchase, I let my juicer live in a permanent space on my counter. I enjoy drinking my greens and getting abundant fruit. I also use the fiber-filled pulp for smoothies or muffins.
Plastic, Glass, or…?
I have begun replacing plastic food containers with glass in the past few years. Since plastic CAN and DOES leak into our food (especially when heated, as in a microwave), I transitioned to mostly glass containers. I learned that my food and beverages taste better when stored in glass or stainless steel containers anyway. So, that conscious choice is a win!
Holistic author Jane Alexander writes, "Once we decide that we have the power to change, almost anything can happen."
So, what will you decide on today? What would you like to see happen? Keep a notebook/journal to record your efforts and results through all your intentional changes. I also encourage you to be completely honest about your feelings and efforts. You can then decide to close your life to anything that doesn't serve a good purpose or open your life and embrace whatever holds powerful benefits for your existence. Your newly chosen, 'On-Purpose,’' Holistic life awaits you.
By, Kaari Branham
