The Art Of Slow Living Part 1: Bio-Individuality
Photo by Gian Cescon
“The human body is the universe in miniature. That which cannot be found in the body, is not to be found in the universe. Hence the philosopher’s formula, that the universe within, reflects the universe without. It follows therefore, that if our knowledge of our own body could be perfect we would know the universe.” ~ Mahatma Ghandi
We were created to be unique human beings who, while living with some likenesses, seem to be more remarkable in the ways we differ than in the ways we are similar.
There is no one diet that works for every individual and as both Anne Louise Gittleman, author of “Your Body Knows Best” and Joshua Rosenthal, director, owner and teacher for the Institute for Integrative Nutrition says, numerous factors shape our bio-individuality, one example is our ancestry. If your ancestors were Japanese it is very likely you ate such things as sea vegetables and high amounts of rice versus a vegetarian ancestry from India, eating more grains, lentils and spices.
“One person’s food is another person’s poison,” says Rosenthal.”
It is why fad diets never work in the long haul. At one time we knew what to eat and what was right for our bodies. In the past we grew and gathered local foods and learned from our elders on how to cook and prepare it. We ate together as a group or family, however in these times we are rushed and maybe have one meal together as a unit. Now, what we want and look for are convenient and fast foods. Advertising companies spend billions of dollars each year to make you believe these highly processed, fast foods or cigarettes, alcohol and more unhealthy products, are exactly what you need for your day. Do you think given just a moment of thought you would actually buy that stuff? Of course not, we don’t wake up in the morning and ask ourselves “what should I do today to destroy myself?” We are so influenced by advertisements that we have lost touch with our bodies’ instincts.
Trust your body
You are living in it and you should take care of it. When you learn to listen to your body and develop an understanding of what foods it needs and at what time it needs it, you will discover what is best for you. If you allow yourself time to explore your body and its system, you will be very surprised at how responsive and intelligent it truly is. Your body is a highly sensitive organism that wants to be healthy. It wants to communicate with you about the food you supply it with and how to treat it if it is in trouble.
Pay attention to your body and take care of it, so it can take care of you!
