Holistic Health-- Physical Compass Point: Soul Food

When we discussed the Physical Compass Point, we talked about the importance of caring for our bodies each day. At the most basic level, this involves food. Food sustains our lives, but it can also connect deeply to our souls and become part of our individual and cultural identities and values. It can be interesting and enlarging to try foods from different regions, such as Asia, India, Africa, Greece, Italy, Sweden, and Mexico, and within our own country, to sample recipes using local ingredients: Southern grits, California granola and fresh fruit, New England clam chowder and Indian pudding, and Minnesota wild rice, as well as beverages like German beers, English tea, and French wines. Many families pass down recipes from one generation to the next, and friends who exchange recipes are sharing something of themselves in the process. Such “pass along recipes” can establish close family and friendship bonds and sustain us in stressful times. Past occasions that featured the special recipes become personal life stories that are meaningful to share. Before she passed away at 94, my mother wanted collard greens and ham hocks and barbecue, special fare during the Great Depression, and my father, a native of South Alabama, liked nothing better than to visit with me over gumbo or oysters on the half shell in the French Quarter. Growing up in the country, he enjoyed cooking “soul food” throughout his life. I have served his sweet potato soufflé, corn bread, and gumbo with friends from everywhere. These compliment my own special memories of French Market freshly roasted coffee and chicory served au lait with powdered beignets in the French Quarter. Do you have special recipes? Write them down, along with the stories and memories that go along with them. You may be compiling an important story of your life, your family, and friendships. Even more, you may learn something important about the values you cherish. Like churches who use bread and wine as spiritual nourishment, your own special “comfort” foods can sustain your body and soul.