Respect for Body, Spirit, and Mind of each Individual

Body

I don’t agree with a lot of choices people make for their body, from what they put in it to how they workout. Sometimes people make choices based on bad information, for example healthwashing. It’s basically when giant corporations brainwash people to believe that words like natural, gf, vegan, keto, etc. on their packaging and marketing = healthy. This is simply not always true. If you take a look closer at the ingredients of meatless burgers or natural, gf products, or weight loss elixirs, you will probably see a list of preservatives and other hard to pronounce substances in that food or drink. They often cause inflammation and even mood swings for a myriad of reasons, it’s no bueno! BUT MANY BELIEVE IT’S HEALTHY.

I used to be one of those believers! That is why I respect the process and don’t smack the bad choices out of my clients, friends, and family's hands. Hell, I occasionally make bad food choices from time-to-time, I’m only human! So although I may not always agree with people’s choices, I respect where they are at in life given their priorities and understanding.

Spirit

If I had a nickel for every woman I know who punishes themselves in the gym to look a certain way, I’d have quite the side hustle! Looking in the mirror and tearing yourself apart has a damaging effect on your spirit, truly. So many people do not understand the profound impact meditation, relaxation, and rest can have on the body and mind. This is just one tiny example. Engaging your spirit in positive intentions, breathwork, and even prayer can help rewire the brain to get your physiology to work harmoniously with your health goals. Holistic wellness is all encompassing, it impacts every realm of your life. The need to actively switch on the parasympathetic nervous system is not only essential in healing, it’s also one of the most undervalued tools within the wellness game.

So when I hear someone beating themselves up at the gym for that slice of cheesecake they had the night before, I cringe. Fitness is not punishment for bad food choices, it’s a celebration of what you can do. When you tie your spirit to movement or find pleasure in any experience that brings you true joy, the needle will move faster toward your goals. It really is that simple. As someone with a past of self deprecation, I can tell you how hard it was to make the choice to love myself and my spirit… but know we are ALL worth it. 

Mind

Do you know anyone who refuses to take on new information that goes against their current beliefs? Are they older? I kid, I kid! Just look at what we have learned, from the food pyramid to the magic plate containing a lot of vegetables, small portions of healthy fats/proteins, yada-yada… and that’s just food!!! There is so much to learn in an infinite world of possibilities and topics. Every single day the human race gains knowledge, imagines new ideas, and reshapes old dogma. It doesn’t matter if you have your PhD, the world is constantly changing and new research and information should be consumed like Thanksgiving dinner, but more frequently and with an open mind!

Are you reading books, listening to new and didactic podcasts, having meaningful discussions with people who work firsthand regarding a particular topic of interest? I know some people that just don’t. They scroll mindlessly on their phones or tablets, or have gotten through all of Netflix. Hey, I’m not here to judge. I respect their choice to do what they want to do, but I’d argue that it could lead to a closed mind. I’m all about growth mindset, that’s why I do what I do, and I am constantly learning. That’s my choice, and this choice makes me feel deeper and see further. It feels good, and I’m always up for new suggestions! Whatcha got?!

So why am I writing this? Because I want people to know that I don’t have to agree with them to honor their choices and respect their free will. We are all going through a process, each and every one of us. I think this trait that I possess is the reason why Lake Girl Retreats exists. I understand and meet people where they are at, and I don’t judge it! When was the last time you didn’t “judge” something? If you’re being truly honest, you’d respond something like 10 min ago. I mean when was the last time you looked in the mirror?

Try this exercise on for size, drop words like good or bad from your thoughts and replace them with “is.”  For example: Thought - the scar from my surgery is ugly (bad) and that makes my appearance ugly (bad). New thought - The scar from my surgery is there because I had cancer, now I don’t have cancer. Actually, that feels good! The scar simply “is,” no judgment needed. Anyways, that’s the long of the short. I can have respect for my fellow human; body, spirit, and mind for each individual (within reason of course) without having to agree on all the things. How about you?  

Said scar from the removal of my granulosa cell ovarian tumor and hysterotomy.