Harvesting Holistic Health ~ what does that even mean?

What does it mean to harvest holistic health?

Massage has a positive impact on Mind, Body and Spirit

The awareness of connection of how you function as a whole being is often brought to light during a Massage. Clients will often notice that releasing muscle tension in one area has an impact on other muscles. It's always rewarding when they realize that they are not just a collection of parts.

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Often included in that realization is that they are feeling less stressed, anxious and tense in their mind and spirit, as well as their body. In other words they feel the benefits holistically - mind, body and spirit.

It's all connected. You are connected!

When I talk about Harvesting Holistic Health it is this. To address your being on all levels and not just one or two. You can go to the gym every day to release muscle tension but unless you deal with the underlying cause of the tension it will keep returning. If you include meditation or prayer and address or change what is causing stress and tension as a part of your fitness plan, in addition to the gym, you are on the path to harvesting Holistic Health.

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Taking the time to cook and eat nourishing foods feels good for the body and in turn also the mind. The positive messages we give our mind and spirit through caring about what we eat, or taking time for self care, directly impact our mood and sense of self-love. 

Why would you want to consider harvesting Holistic Health?

We are not just our bodies, nor a collection of systems, nor are we just our minds, thoughts and beliefs...they are all interconnected. If we ignore one or more aspects of our being eventually all three will seek our attention through physical pain, emotional upheaval and/or a sense of disconnection. It's important to address all three to maintain vitality, peace within and balance. 

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A walk in nature can align our whole being

Have you ever noticed, when you are walking in nature, that you begin to breathe more deeply, your mood lightens, your mind feels more clear, your circulation improves and you feel good overall? (If nature isn't your go to place think of something you do that brings you a sense of peace and balance). That simple action of a walk in nature addresses all aspects of your being.

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How can Holistic therapies help with harvesting holistic health?

Are you a "back burner" person? Meaning that you go to the gym and know that meditation is good for you but you will get to it later because the gym is all you have time for in your busy day to day life.
Many people are. When I ask clients if they take time to slow down and stretch and breathe, the most common responses are "I do a bit but should probably do more" "no, I don't have time" "it's something that I've been meaning to do more of but I'm so busy".

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Relaxation allows the body's innate healing abilities to kick in

Most holistic therapies encourage relaxation and when in a relaxed state the body's innate healing abilities are given space to kick in, the mind becomes calmer and releases stress and tension, and the spirit feels good, nurtured and balanced. It's why there is a saying that Relaxation Massage is Therapeutic and Therapeutic Massage can be Relaxing.

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Massage does not have to hurt to be profoundly healing

There are still those clients that believe the Massage or Holistic Therapy has to hurt to do any good, but hopefully I'm bringing them around to a better understanding that if the hurt makes them tense it's not doing any good at all. However, if they are relaxed in the dimmer lit room, quiet music and I apply more moderate pressure and gentle stretches for their muscles, the effects will be profound. 

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Harvesting Holistic Health isn't a goal but instead is a way of living.

Nurture a positive relationship with self.

When you address and care for the health of all aspects of your being, on a regular basis, it can lead you to an amazing, positive relationship with self. In a balanced and harmonious lifestyle you access greater levels of personal power. You're able to take life on in a more empowering way, with more energy to give to everything that is important to you. 

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That being said it can certainly be daunting to tackle this task all at once and I would suggest taking on one or two ideas at a time, stay with them for a few weeks until they become second nature, before adding more. Part of harvesting a holistically healthy lifestyle is being kind to yourself. 

Ways to Harvest Holistic Health

Some suggestions to get you on the road to embracing Holistic Health as a lifestyle (Remember to start with one or two and add to the list gradually. And, you may have other ideas that fit better for you, I would love to hear about them!)

• Plan your meals or cook ahead so that when you're home from a busy day at work you have your nutritional needs already addressed for you. What are your comfort foods? How can you make them more nutritious? Can you make them ahead of time?
• Find an activity that makes you feel peaceful, calm and balanced and book it into your schedule. Start with weekly but try to increase it to daily. You deserve how it feels.
• Make a list of the healthy things you already do for your body and see if there is space to increase them. Add activities you would like to do and look for opportunities (in your schedule, available classes...) to participate. Do you work out? Go to the gym? Take yoga classes? Stretch at home? Make a separate list for your mind and spirit...meditation, prayer, creative projects, time spent with good friends... where can you increase time to do more of that.
• What brings your spirit peace? Meditation, prayer, quiet time? Feeding your spirit/soul is the most important activity. Also looking for aspects of your life that drain your energy, and release them. Often keeping a journal helps you to hone in on what it is your spirit needs.
• Practice gratitude. Looking for things in your day to be grateful for begins to change your brains chemistry to more positive thinking. Plus we often manifest more of what we pay attention to.
• Set an example. When we begin to change it can often be difficult for others to accept, however in making change in our lives we are setting an example for others to do the same. Imagine the life lessons you are sharing with your children about self-care, gratitude and balance when you are showing them how important it is.
• Book time out. Take time for your self care, book holistic therapies that nurture your being, 

These are just a few ideas to try and below are a list of other blogs I've written to help you get started with harvesting holistic health. Enjoy!

Preparing for the Week Ahead
​Simple Self care Rituals
​Connect with Sacred Space Within

Book yourself a "time out" and do something that nourishes your mind, body and soul.