If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
African Proverb
Ever think about what lies at the heart of society? Ever consider what lies at the foundation of our happiness as humans experiencing this magnificent life? Yes, you may have guessed it: at the end of the day life is all about connection. It is all about family. Being a mother to two incredible boys (even if I do say so myself) I must admit that family is one of the most important aspects of my life. Mix this with my passion for wellness and there you have it: an opportunity to teach a topic that resonates with every fiber of my being. I am here to teach about the importance of transforming together as a family.
To operate in synarchy with each and every single member of your household will bring ease and pleasure to your everyday lifestyle. There is a growing call for a collective contribution to a better mental and physical world for all of us. This starts at home, within yourself, and therefore in your expressions to those who depend on you. As mothers and fathers, our children look to us for teachings and illustrations on what may be healthier and more wholesome life choices. They look to us for guidance, they trust in our decisions, and they learn from our behaviours.
Healthy choices reach into the past and future
It only takes a single moment of integrated awareness through one pillar of the family to foster a healthy domino effect that reaches far into the psyche of past and future understandings. For instance, having healthier lifestyle choices may work on reducing the effects of unhealthy lifestyle choices that were made in the past. Detoxification and weight loss may help to reduce disease, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and create a healthier self-esteem within our children. It may also work into the future by preventing disease and illness for our children as they venture into adulthood. It also reduces the possibility of premature death for adults, meaning greater longevity and more time spent with your children and grandchildren.
Physical and emotional connection can be considered some of the most vital aspects of any child’s upbringing. Their interpersonal experiences start with their first relationship, which is with their parents. There are many avenues of science that now explore the effects of these initial stages, whether psychological, physiological or epigenetic, as well as how they are showing to influence primary attachments and memories with our children. These can have considerable effects later on in life. Our initial relationships with our children help them with creating healthier, happier experiences and making more aligned choices, particularly with regards to their relationship with food and their health.
The Archetype of the mother and father
The archetypal roles of mother and father, the masculine and feminine, in relation to our family hierarchy and synergy are not to be overlooked. Still, the simplest life offers the greatest reward by many means of success. Mom, Mum, Mommy, Mama, Ma – there are many names given to the life bringer, caregiver and nurturer. The mother was the gatherer of nutrients in our tribal times, foraging for the essential thread and essence that weaves the collective together. Nourishment of the whole is perhaps what drives the innermost forces of the maternal instinct. In modern times, mothers are the shoppers, and the ones who provide, seek and source the family’s sustenance. Dad, Father, Daddy, Poppa – these are the names given to the masculine, the pillar of strength. Infinite solidarity and wisdom are often found in the role of the father. Fathers are beacons, guiding the entire family, modeling and treading the first and future steps for the whole. The weight, interchangeability, and what can at times feel like the burdens of these roles are not to be overlooked.
The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.
George Santayana
Self-Accountability in the Parent
Creating a positive and healthy environment for the future generations of our world starts with ensuring your own ability to parent yourself. Gently softening into a space of strength within your important place in your child’s life will foster the environment for them to do the same. Encouraging by example and educating your child to develop their own healthy habits also brings out one’s innate ability of discernment. Instead of having to nag, beg, plead or wish for your child to shift their relationship with sugary foods and drinks, working together as a family to support these lifestyle understandings will absolutely inspire them to make those choices on their own. It is almost always more effective to lead by example than to try guide with force.
These days, creating healthy meals for your family is not easy. As mothers, we have to deal with fussy eating, different diets, food allergies, and peer pressure that your children may experience at school. Teaching them why sugar, processed food, dairy, chips and meat are tasty (owing to the flavoring, preservatives and unnatural compounds), and what effects they have on the body is VITAL. It is important that you children understand the reasoning behind your recommendations, so that they can make these choices for themselves. Educate them, nourish them with documentaries on the way food is created, speak to them about the vibration of nature. As parents, it is important to nourish and educate ourselves so that we may lead with confidence.
Mothers and fathers should be proud to provide, and working together as a family to unify as a team during meal times is a service to the family as a whole, as well as to our children’s futures. Eating together, and also enjoying one single meal allows for a more supportive, communicative and strengthening environment. Encourage your children to help in the kitchen, give them small fulfilling tasks, and learn about the nutritional benefits of each ingredient so you can share this with them. This may encourage them to taste and try new things, whilst simultaneously help you to work as a team to create healthy solutions for their age-old-favourites. This not only creates opportunities for learning and communication, but also for a deepening of emotional connections, in loving ways that inspire personal growth. Quick tip: If your family is struggling to transition, then read my post on plant-based meats. These offer an alternative way to create your family’s age-old favourites (such as burgers, nuggets, or schnitzels). However, these should be used as a stepping stone towards a greater goal – a nutritious plant-based lifestyle.
Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter
Brad Henry
