Real Sustenance

At times of great upheaval, change and fear, we become naturally upended.  Our routines change, our plans change, our sense of control and lack of control is changing.  There is a tendency toward more fear and discomfort.  It is a natural impulse  to reach toward familiar places for comfort, calm and nourishment.  Many will find that they open the fridge more often, or look to food as a comfort.  Many will find that they stay in bed longer, sleeping more and avoiding the experiences of unprecedented change.

The best real sustenance, comfort and nourishment we can give and receive at this time is connection, understanding, listening and empathy.  This is primal nourishment; the kind that babies require to grow.  The attention of a caring adult; one who is listening and empathizing with the baby, attending to his/her needs.  Deeply trying to understand the infants non verbal communications.  It is this kind of attention that nourishes all of us.  It is the kind we actually NEED in the moments we seek refuge in food, social media, distractions of all kinds.

TRY:   Sharing time with a loved one, a child, a friend; listen deeply to how they are doing.  Ask questions and feel into their experience.  Let them know in some way, with some words and touch that you understand and care.ask them to do the same for you.  see how you feel before and after.  Are you more nourished?