Reconnecting to the world around us

Nourished by nature. What does that mean to you?

When we think about being nourished by nature, we often think about the physical act of eating food that was grown in the ground, picked from a tree, or caught in the wild. But being nourished by nature goes beyond just the physical act of eating.  It is that which continuously reconnects us to the Earth, the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars and to each other.

Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on the connection between humans and nature. One of the key concepts in Ayurveda is that everything in the universe is connected, and that includes the plants we grow in our gardens. According to Vedic agriculture, gardening isn’t just about growing food – it’s about growing and cultivation good health. By working with the natural rhythms of the earth, gardeners can help to promote balance and harmony in both their own lives and in the world around them.

For centuries, our ancestors lived in harmony with the natural world, honoring the Earth as the source of all life. However, in the recent years we have become disconnected from nature over time. We have moved away from rural areas and into cities, we have lost touch with the natural world that sustains us and as a result we have started to take her for granted. We abuse her resources, neglect her needs, and fail to appreciate the vital role she plays in our lives. This disconnection has led to a sense of separation and loneliness that is detrimental to our mental and physical health. It’s important for us to reconnect with nature so that we can remember our place in this planet that we call home and learn how to take care of our Mother Earth in return.  She provides us with the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. We are born of her and will eventually return to her when we die.

 There is a deep wisdom in this cycle that can teach us how to live in harmony with one another and by taking the time to nourish your connection with nature you’ll not only improve your own well-being, you will also be contributing to the protection of the ecosystems that we all rely on. 

Deep Nourishment

Deep nourishment is essential to your biochemistry. Poor nourishment leads your mind and emotions from discontent to despair or even depression, and our bodies from lethargy to dis-ease.

According to Ayurveda, the quality of our consciousness is reflected in the quality of our food. When we eat foods that are processed or low in nutrients, we are more likely to experience negative states of consciousness, such as feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger. When we eat foods that are nourishing and supportive, we are more likely to experience positive states of consciousness, such as feelings of happiness, joy, and love.  

I’d like to share with you a few ways of how I connect with nature. I invite you to experiment and maybe chose one of these to begin to re-establish your connection with her.  If you do decide to give it a try, connect with me and let me know how it has made a difference in your life, week or even just your day. 

Exploring the plants around you

The next time you are in the supermarket, take a stroll in the produce section look and see what vegetables are in season.  Choose one that is new to you and give it a go. You never know, you may come up with a delicious new dish to add to your weekly rotation.  If you try this and end up creating something delicious, share it with me the in comments!

Another way to introduce more plants to your diet is to invite a friend and head over to the farmer’s markets in your neighborhood.  Get to know the local farmers in your area and support them and in return, their products will help support you. 

Introducing a Plant-Based Diet

One way to nurture this connection is by introducing more plants into your diet.  This does not mean to change your current diet entirely right now or become vegan or vegetarian, just include more diversity to get more nutrition and experience more energy.   By eating fresh, locally grown, organic foods free of chemicals you not only add more phytonutrients are chemicals produced by plants, but you also start to become more connected to the world around you by letting your outer ecosystem nourish your inner ecosystem.

Start a Garden!

Gardening is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries not only in Ayurveda and Vedic agriculture. It is a way to connect with nature and create harmony in our lives.

For some of you starting a garden may seem too difficult, or even impossible to do especially if you feel that you are short on time or if you do not have a yard.  But it doesn’t have to be. You also don’t need to be an avid gardener or have a green thumb to receive the amazing benefits of plants.  If you have limited or no outdoor yard space, growing sprouts and microgreens is a great, inexpensive, and easy way to start growing your own food and it can be done right on your kitchen counter. Plus, it’s a perfect way of getting your daily dose of phytonutrients without having to go to the market.  Here are a few tips on how to start your indoor garden.  

(tips: with link to sprouts and microgreens)

If you decide to try out an indoor garden, please share your pictures in the comment section or email it to me! 

Many people think that gardening is difficult and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. Start small, with just a few plants, and experiment with new varieties. By growing your own food, you also become part of their nourishment because you care for them. As you water, fertilize, and even talk to them, you are creating a connection and in return for their care they nourish us. We become more aware and understand how we are intimately connected to the world around us. We start to understand the energetics of plants and how our outer ecosystem affects our inner ecosystem. 

As we enter this web of give and take, we feast upon higher quality food, the gift of plants, and pay it forward.  We shift our consciousness from consumer to collaborator. In this way, we are nourished deeply and receive abundance. 

A little on Ayurveda

According to the principles of Vedic agriculture, gardening should be done in harmony with nature. This means using natural methods to care for plants, such as composting and crop rotation. Gardening can also help to improve mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors and, in the dirt, can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.  In fact, soil is known to be an antidepressant.  It lights up neurotransmitters that release serotonin, a mood-lifting hormone!

Now are you ready to go out and get your hands in the dirt?

Here are a few tips on how to start your outdoor garden.

(Tips: with link on starting your own garden)

Enjoy and Happy Gardening!

If you are interested in learning more about Ayurveda and how it can bring you more balance in your life, schedule a free chat with me!

Much love,

Darlene