Connecting to Spirit through Nutrition in February

By Tina Marie Jones

Mind, Body, Spirit – Connection through nutrition

The way we treat and honor our bodies reflects our mental, emotional and spiritual states of being. For centuries ancient traditional practices around the world have recognized the connection of our thoughts and beliefs to the physical states of our bodies. Learning to tap into and readily access the body as an instrument of awareness, creation and healing delivers you to a level of understanding that you cannot go backwards from.

‘We are what we eat’, as the old adage says, is not too far off. I would suggest ‘we are what we eat, think and feel’ but all facets are entwined together in a graceful dance of awareness. Take for instance a client of mine who was experiencing heart pains, intestinal pains and headaches. In traditional allopathic medicine her symptoms would be diagnosed as high blood pressure due to stress and prescriptions would be dealt out and off she would go with a total of 10 – 15 minutes with her practitioner, a person with whom she has placed the value of her own health and happiness. We are all accustomed to reaching out to a doctor in our lifetimes to have some sort of a similar experience. Not that it is right or wrong, it just is. That has been a majority of people’s level of awareness and acceptance of our bodies. We break – doctors fix us. Through the practice of holistic health a person is a whole being (thus the derived HOL in Holistic) of mind, body and spirit. To dismiss any one component allows the state of ‘dis-ease’, or imbalance to prevail. We are a sum of our parts and in looking at the body as an instrument that is feeding us back information, practiced people and practitioners can provide a comprehensive reading on what areas(s) are requiring attention.

Now back to my client, whom we will call Clarissa, with the symptoms. Since the body is an instrument, it comes equipped with wonderful read-outs, maybe not yet digital, but extremely precise non-the-less. Our energy centers, otherwise known as charkas, tie into specific areas of the body and branch out like radiant rings away from our physical bodies to our emotions and then out to our spirit. Clarissa exhibited the affects of a high stress lifestyle. In speaking with her she admitted to being in a demanding job, and having motherly and wifely duties at home that had her ‘on the clock’ nearly 24 hours a day. After discussing the physical symptoms that she detailed on her chart the puzzle pieces began to line up. As we continued in sharing and she continued to open up to the process that unfolds in a holistic assessment, she shared of her mental states and emotions. Tears began to flow and with that a bit of embarrassment. I take pause here to share that this is part of the process, especially for women, who are more open to allowing their feelings to flow. Men open up also, but I can often see them stuff their emotions to the point of coughing and requiring water before they can continue. Trust that in your assessment with your practitioner, you are honored and cared for. All information is confidential and each practitioner creates their own space of safety for their clients so that healing can take place. Tears are part of the process God has in mind for our healing. Let them flow. As Clarissa opened up more and more through the one and a half hour session, lightness came to her face, her backbone straightened, she smiled naturally and toward the end laughter could be heard through the office walls as she reflected on her life and found immense gratitude for all she has and is. The healing had begun and given the regimen of fun, laughter, love, and self-honoring practices, would continue.

Now where does nutrition come into all of this?

How we treat our bodies is a direct reflection of how we feel about ourselves, others and our world. As we are learning more, and more – our physical bodies are an extension of our thoughts and beliefs. Once we align our spirits with our minds, our bodies become a sign; a symbol, of our happiness and bliss. I am sure you have met a person who seemed to embody health and happiness. The beauty of health comes from within and touches all that we create. Looking into our nutritional patterns provides a glimpse into how we are in other parts of our lives. A trained holistic practitioner who takes into consideration physical appearances, emotions, and life situations for their client extends healing into all areas of our being. Seeking the support and guidance of a holistic practitioner can begin a journey into your peace, your happiness, your bliss. By learning how to honor our bodies with support from others makes room for spiritual transformation that radiates through our lives in ways we could not imagine. Blessings to you all. – Tina Marie

Optimal Health Consulting. All rights reserved. 2006