Nourishing My Soul in Jordan

I just returned from traveling around Jordan for a few weeks.

It was a very memorable adventure, especially hiking in the prehistoric city of Petra, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.

The act of travel feeds my soul on such a deep level that food often becomes a secondary form of nourishment.

This also happens when I’m immersed in other pleasurable pursuits, such as reading a captivating book, strolling in the park or losing myself in a creative project.

Lack of Soul Food
When you don't regularly engage in soul-satisfying endeavors—whether it’s traveling, singing, dancing, drawing, gardening, volunteering or communing with Mother Nature—your life can become pleasure deficient.

As a result, you can become over-reliant on food to fulfill your inherent desire and need for pleasure.

Of course, food should be a tremendous source of pleasure. Problems can arise, however, when it becomes your only source of pleasure.

If you struggle with food obsession, cravings, emotional eating or overeating, consider if your life is lacking "soul food." 

Jot down a list of everything that feeds your soul and gives you genuine pleasure, then reflect on how frequently you engage with each item listed. If rarely, consider what needs to change so you’re experiencing more pleasure in your daily life.

Although there are many reasons for food preoccupation, cravings, emotional eating and overeating, once you start nourishing your soul with more pleasurable pursuits—the things that make you feel truly alive, energized and free—you may discover you rely less on food to enrich your life.

This has been true for me and for many of my clients. It certainly can be for you, too.