Krystal M., LMSW, CIMHP, CYT
Schedule your consultation with Krystal HERE
I've recognized early in my career that mental health and wellness doesn't stop with just your brain. It's how we've internalized the life around us, how our bodies have absorbed the many hits it's endured over generations. It's tapping into our intuition that's been lost over the years due to the nay-sayers (and yeah, you may be that nay-sayer. Let's keep it real). It was through all of this that I've begun to incorporate yoga as therapy, integrative nutrition and herbal medicine to truly address the healing of your entire being. Mind, body and spirit. "Our body tells on us before we even open our mouths...it's time we finally listen"
Remember the movie "Soul Food" or even "Almost Christmas" and the scenes of them cooking in the kitchen? As I thought of what to share with you as we enter this holiday season, what came to mind was this power of ritual (rhythmic and repetitive actions). The holidays can be all parts of loving, stressful and dreadful. As we incorporate rituals, though, it allows us to rewrite our story or even bask in the present sense of gratitude that surrounds you. According to Dr. Leslie Korn, a leading pioneer in the world of nutrition and mental health, every time we enter the kitchen it gives opportunity to partake in these rituals of tradition or create new ones, both of which are foundational in the Afrikan descended and Indigenous cultures. What does this look like mentally?
- Rituals, like cooking, use both your left (logic) and right (expressive) sides of your brain
- It realigns your nervous system and connects us to the nervous systems of those around you
- It brings us to a state of relaxation
- It brings an endorphin rush of attachment and connection
Maybe it's using Big Mama's recipe for her greens or making sure your newly vegan uncle still feels the love on his plate. Maybe it's not cooking at all and it's supporting with prepping the food or passing the necessary items. Ritual and tradition is what got us through the trials of life so that when we sat at that table, it all disappeared (if only for a moment). How will you be intentional about your rituals this holiday season?
Love yourself, lean into your tribe, and remember your greens. Ase and Namaste, family!
--
Krystal M., LMSW, CIMHP, CYT
Creator of Melanated Masks, LLC
Facebook
Instagram
Healthy Soul Food Cookbook - https://amzn.to/3nAMFAk