What nourishes you?

The last couple of weeks, I have been assessing my needs. I keep coming back to the word “nourishment”. There are so many levels or layers to this nourishment. There are ways to nourish yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually and of course physically. Where am I lacking this nourishment?

In Sanskrit, a word for nourishment is “bhunaktu”. This rich word figures big in a beautiful mantra that in English we call “The Togetherness Mantra”.

Om Saha Nā Vavatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu

May we be protected in togetherness, May we be nourished in togetherness.

Saha Vīryam Karavāvahai, Tejasvi Nā Vadhītam Astu

May we work vigorously and passionately together, May we share in the glory of spiritual knowledge.

Mā Vidviśāvahai, Om Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ

May we not hate or oppose each other. Peace, Peace, Peace

It points to nourishment as the support of community! “May we be protected in togetherness. May we be nourished in togetherness.” Where is your supportive community? There is probably more than one. I have reconnected with so many communities in my life which includes high school friends, college friends, family, theater friends, yoga studio friends and my spiritual community or kula. All of these communities nourish and even heal parts of myself as I reengage with them, each time anew.

(I also have a cooking family! This is a group of people from all over the world that comes together to learn new cooking techniques and fun healthy recipes! See below for your Cooking Club special offer.)

The really really cool thing about The Togetherness Mantra or Om Sahanā Vavatu, is that it introduces something called “the kośas” for the first time in text,

Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1-5). The kośas are layers of Self that make up our entire being. Ok…it sounds lofty, but hear me out.

You have a physical layer, an energetic layer, an emotional layer, a wisdom layer and a bliss layer. Picture these layers or sheaths in a ball going from outer to the innermost layer of bliss (like an onion). When one area is fulfilled, it effects the other layers but also if one is lacking, it effects the others.

I think this time of year is the perfect time to ask yourself, where do I need nourishment? Do you need to slow down and meditate more, exercise more, sing more, dance more, sleep more, be in community and/or eat healing food??

I have a perfect opportunity for community and food nourishment for you! It includes a Zoom holiday cooking class this Saturday, December 20th as well as many others. I am part of a cooking club lead by Asha Paul that has taught me so much about food choices, new fun ingredients, cooking techniques along with fun new recipes. AND you'll get a great discount!

Click HERE to learn more and sign-up for the club with me. See you there!

In togetherness...❤️