It’s been a long time since I’ve written a blog and some of you may be wondering what happened to me. Just as I was getting into the rhythm of writing, I stopped to care for a loved one.
As a caregiver, I thought a lot about life force, our body’s vitality or essence when we are at our best. During those months I was using lots of raw, fresh ingredients in our meals and cooking from scratch whenever possible. I also went to bed early in order to maximize the extra rest I seemed to need in the midst of the chaotic, stressful situation in which I found myself.
Yet after the caregiving segment was over, I found myself in real need of a major wellness program to regain the energy I lost…my zest if you will…my life force. As I thought about how I might nurture myself back to vibrant health, more sleep seemed like an obvious solution, as well as good food, fresh air and relaxation. But deep down I suspected I needed more than that.
Qigong, a wonderful practice I had learned a few years back, immediately came to mind. Qigong activates qi (pronounced “chee”) through slow deep breathing and gentle movements that move energy, while improving the circulation in the body. I’m happy to say that I recently found a seminar right in my “backyard” and spent much of a weekend reconnecting with this wonderful practice as well as hearing about foods that provide life force for our bodies.
While you may be intrigued by my discussion about qi, you may be wondering how it relates to edible gardens, soil and plant life. As living beings (human bodies, living plants or the soil), I believe life force or qi is maximized through the exchange of oxygen or carbon dioxide, presence of good microbes, and necessary nutrients. And while all edible plants have the same basic needs of sunlight, nutrients and water, certain plants are more vigorous, less prone to disease and seem to thrive on minimal care. I believe everyone could add plants such as moringa, sorrel, nettles, lambs quarter, rustic arugula, dandelion, and chicory in their kitchen gardens if their climate allow. These plants add variety, good nutrients, and act as foundation plants when our gardens are in a state of transition between seasons. And the closer we stay with whole foods, in both raw and cooked forms, the more life force we may accumulate. As for me, I already feel better after a couple of months of more sleep, green and fruit smoothies, and being outside in nature more.
May the life force be with you!