Diet: Physical Health, Mental Wellbeing, and Spiritual Connection
In our quest for health and wellbeing, diet often stands at the forefront of our concerns. What we eat not only impacts our physical health but also influences our mental wellbeing and, according to some, our spiritual state. However, while the benefits of certain diets, such as veganism and vegetarianism, are widely recognized, the accessibility of these diets and healthy food in general remains a significant challenge in many parts of the Western world.
Our diet is the foundation of our physical health. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Nutrient-dense foods provide the vitamins and minerals necessary for the body's functions, supporting everything from cellular repair to immune function.
Conversely, diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to numerous health issues. The rise of fast food and convenience meals has contributed to an increase in lifestyle-related diseases. Emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
The connection between diet and mental health is increasingly recognized by the scientific community. Nutritional psychiatry explores how food impacts our mood and cognitive functions. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins B and D are linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Conversely, diets high in refined sugars and processed foods are associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders.
For instance, the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil, has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. This underscores the importance of diet in maintaining mental health, suggesting that what we eat can significantly affect how we feel and think.
For some, diet extends beyond physical and mental health into the realm of spirituality. Certain dietary practices are believed to enhance spiritual wellbeing and foster a deeper connection with the world around us. This perspective is often seen in various spiritual and religious traditions.
For instance, many people believe that a vegetarian or vegan diet can raise one's vibrational frequency, promoting feelings of peace and empathy. This idea, while considered "woo-woo" by some, aligns with the ethical considerations of non-harm and compassion found in many spiritual teachings. Eating clean, natural foods is thought to purify the body and mind, facilitating spiritual growth and clarity.
Despite the recognized benefits of healthy diets, access to nutritious food remains a significant barrier for many, particularly in the Western world. Food deserts—urban areas where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food—highlight the disparity in food accessibility. In these areas, fast food restaurants and convenience stores are more prevalent than grocery stores offering fresh produce.
Economic factors also play a crucial role. Healthy foods, particularly organic and non-GMO options, are often more expensive than processed and junk foods. This price disparity makes it challenging for low-income families to maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, the time required to prepare healthy meals can be a barrier for with demanding work schedules - which let’s be so fuck honest, is most of us.
Veganism and vegetarianism, while gaining popularity, can also be less accessible. These diets often require careful planning and sometimes more expensive specialty ingredients. In some regions, cultural norms and lack of availability further hinder the adoption of plant-based diets.
While navigating the challenges of food accessibility, it’s essential to be kind to yourself. Recognize that these barriers are not a personal failing but a systemic issue. There are resources available to help make healthier food choices, even when the demands of everyday life make it difficult. Local food banks, community gardens, and online resources can provide support and guidance. Remember, striving for a healthier diet is a journey, and every small step towards better nutrition counts. By being compassionate with yourself and utilizing available resources, you can make positive changes that support your overall well being.
With Love and Compassion,
Mia Marie
Opinion: Finding Common Ground: Reflecting on Christianity, Critique, and Compassion
Anyone who has met me in the last decade has most certainly discovered that I am vehemently anti-religion. I was once rabid about this, though now I strive to be less militant and more compassionate about it. I still have some heavy criticisms for Christians in particular (because I have the most first-hand experience with it) but I feel most if not all religions, either by design or by corruption, lean heavily on aspects of control by utilizing fear, shame, guilt and coercion. There are already tons of creators out there discussing the same criticisms I have, so for today I would like to focus on sharing some aspects of Christianity I like. I find common ground to be the most effective way to bridge any divide and this country is already divided on so many lines and I don’t think spirituality should be one of them.
During my 17 years as a more-than-casual Christian, I picked up some key ideas that I keep with me now, more than a decade later. First and foremost, I like Jesus. I think he was a rebel with a great cause. He flipped the money changers tables in the temples, he performed miracles on the Sabbath, kept company with sinners, lepers, and women. From reading the bible and later the historical context I came to understand that he is really for the people. I think Jesus was truly revolutionary. My favorite passage, the one that I think succinctly sums up what Jesus wanted us to learn was the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-7 for those following along at home.)
The sermon on the mount starts off strong by talking about what is now known as “the Beatitudes”. Here Jesus talks about the qualities that will be rewarded in heaven. I don’t personally believe in heaven and hell anymore but I believe that these attributes will help us live a life that lessens suffering and serve to clear past negative karma and set us up for success in the next life by building positive karma. (Side note, a lot of my ideals and beliefs are rooted in Buddhism, which of course is rooted in Hinduism. I came to many of these beliefs on my own through observation. I later discovered they line up pretty well with Buddhism and of course Buddah teaches us that observation is a powerful tool.) Here on the Mount Jesus tells his followers that the following attributes are blessed: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who seek righteousness, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted.
Jesus goes on to ask his followers to ask, seek and find, to share their light. He affirms that he is fulfilling the law (Moses’) and the prophecy. He speaks out against murder, adultery (I particularly like that he asks men to pluck out their eye if it causes them to sin), divorce (excepting in cases of adultery, though I think Jesus would agree that you should leave your abusive spouse today), and making oaths. He goes on to ask us to give to those who hurt us, love our enemies, give to the poor (without making it a show), pray, fast (without making it into a spectacle), he reminds us that our possessions are not coming with us into the afterlife, and reminds his followers that they will be provided for. He tells us not to pass judgment on others and speaks about the golden rule. He warns against false prophets and disciples.
I invite you to look up how a pastor of a mega church acted towards folks displaced during hurricane Harvey in Texas back in 2017 and reflect on if this is the kind of attitude you would expect from a disciple or prophet of Jesus. I invite you to look into the pastor that just a few months ago gave a whole sermon from the pulpit before sharing that his wife had killed herself and reflect on if that is what you would expect from a leader in the Christian faith. I invite you to look into how your local leadership speaks about politics and reflect on two things: Should they be speaking about politics from the pulpit? (By law and would Jesus approve?) If they kept with Jesus’ teachings - do you think that what they are saying about different populations are loving, compassionate and just?
I imagine that if we are objective, we might find that the most “Christ-Like” among us are not in the church leadership, and in my experience, are not often found in the church at all. I understand that we are not perfect - I do, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t all strive to live the truths that Jesus taught.
With Love and Compassion,
Mia Marie
Opinion: Golden Rule
Everyone has heard of the Golden Rule: "Love one another as yourself," "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." There are many ways to express it because it is almost ubiquitous. It is found in almost every religion and culture all over the world. This is one of the many truths I have adopted over the years due to its almost omnipresent nature. Of course, I didn’t start out knowing how widespread this notion is; I learned it in a very Christian context. I have spent over half my life in some form of Christianity: a half a dozen denominations and over a dozen churches, and I’d like to share some things I’ve found to be true as it relates to Christians and the Golden Rule.
My mother didn’t take me to church, but she did read me bedtime stories from the book of Revelations. I had to seek out God’s people and his teachings on my own. The first church I went to was a Methodist church where my neighbor (not the one that molested me) taught Sunday School. Sachi, I hope I spelled that right, was a very kind and loving Japanese woman in my neighborhood. My questions sometimes made her uncomfortable, but luckily it was usually just her and I in the Sunday School room when I made her answer questions like, “Doesn’t 'thou shalt have no other Gods before me' suggest the existence of other Gods?” I couldn’t have been older than 5, and I was already asking uncomfortable questions of the adults around me. It was in Sachi’s classroom that I was introduced to the Golden Rule. Now, I don’t know if it’s the CPTSD or if maybe I am autistic or what, but I took that to mean that we should be good to one another. It was unfortunate and uncomfortable when I realized that most Christians failed to even live out the most basic of Jesus’s teachings.
Sure, I have found that Christians tend to be good at performing love with acts like: picking you up for church, praying for your situation, laying hands on you in prayer, and supporting you but only if you are heading in the “right” direction. In my experience all of that looks like: Chaotic Sunday mornings filled with verbal and emotional abuse (again, not my home, but people close to me), gossiping about your neighbor disguised as prayer requests, general “pick-me” behavior that deserves its own post, silencing abuses of any kind, and of course, no Sunday service would be complete without judging and condemning the folks you are supposed to love like Christ loved you. Folks that literally showed up “as they are”; in jeans and tee shirts, too much or not enough makeup, over or underdressed, not being repentant in the correct ways, and even “wrong” color choices for hair, clothes, and makeup. I observed a disconnect in the way Christians are called to behave and the way they actually choose to behave. As I grew older and started digging into the Bible for myself, I discovered that when an elder puts you through an edification process, you are to obey, but if you try to edify another member on how their behavior is not Christ-like, their cognitive dissonance will engage and cause them to act even more unChrist-like.
It was this cognitive dissonance that sparked my curiosity as to WHY they were behaving that way. You see, anytime someone told me I was acting poorly, I believed them and adjusted my behavior. These were my “elders” after all, and I do appreciate edification. Edification is used over and over in the Bible, yet so few Christians seem to appreciate it the way I do. Even now, 15 years post-Christianity, I see value in learning how to interact with everyone - by practicing love. To me, practicing love is the essence of the Golden Rule. Practicing love can look like: sitting with the newcomer dressed “poorly” and hearing their story without judgment and showing them the available resources that the church or community has to help, inviting the divorcee over for Sunday dinner and asking them, with true intention, how you can best support them. It’s respecting people's identity and lived experience, including pronouns - even if you don’t “get it”. (Do you really think Jesus cares about what’s in someone’s pants?) It is offering kindness, support, and encouragement - even when their path is different from yours. In my 18 years of searching for truth in the Christian sphere, I found that Christians are very good at performing love but are lacking the ability to practice it.
Eventually, I started to think about why the Golden Rule is so hard for so many folks. Was it a lack of understanding? A lack of empathy? A lack of reading comprehension? Maybe. However, in observing my own family and those closest to me, I realized that so many people are not raised on love but survival. Many of the families I got to observe used fear, guilt, shame, abandonment, and other forms of abuse to raise their children to be “god-fearing”. I was taught fear of hell and the Old Testament god. I observed others being taught to fear people that were “othered”; gay, queer, black and brown, homeless, sex workers, poor or rich, etc. I was taught shame around my body, my personality, my curiosity, and my observational prowess. Others were taught shame for having basic human needs like love, food, safety, and health. I was taught guilt for treating others the way I wanted to be treated - regardless of hierarchy. Others were taught guilt surrounding their very being. I was taught I was unworthy of love in spaces that are supposed to be dedicated to loving. The adults I grew up around internalized the same things they were teaching me and their children. It is hard to truly practice love when you are not taught you are worth loving. How can we love someone else the way we want to be loved when we don’t even know what healthy love looks like? How can I love you when you are going through active addiction when I was taught that makes you a bad person? How can you love someone going through an abusive situation when it looks normal? How can you call out unloving behavior when you treat yourself with judgment and succumb to shame?
The good news is we can learn to practice love within ourselves, and eventually, that will help us truly practice love with others. It is a long road and hard, but one worth taking.
With love and compassion,
Mia Marie
Buddhism: A Natural Conclusion
In my journey of personal growth and exploration, I have stumbled upon many principles that have significantly shaped my worldview and daily practices. Interestingly, many of these concepts align closely with Buddhist teachings, despite my not being a Buddhist. This convergence of ideas speaks to the universal wisdom embedded within Buddhism, which transcends religious boundaries and resonates with the human experience.
One of the most transformative concepts I encountered is mindfulness—the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. Without initially realizing its roots, I found that by paying close attention to my thoughts, emotions, and actions, I could navigate life's challenges more effectively. This practice allowed me to cultivate a sense of peace and clarity, leading to more thoughtful decision-making and a deeper appreciation of everyday moments.
Buddhism places a significant emphasis on mindfulness. It is one of the core elements of the Noble Eightfold Path, a guide to ethical and mental development. The practice of mindfulness in Buddhism involves observing one's mind without attachment or judgment, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the nature of existence. This alignment between my natural inclinations and Buddhist teachings highlights the profound impact mindfulness can have on our lives.
Another realization that profoundly influenced my outlook is the concept of impermanence. I began to see that everything in life is transient—emotions, circumstances, successes, and failures. Embracing this understanding helped me develop resilience and reduce my attachment to fleeting moments of pleasure or pain.
Impermanence, or "anicca," is a fundamental doctrine in Buddhism. It teaches that all conditioned phenomena are in a constant state of flux. By recognizing and accepting this impermanence, Buddhists aim to reduce suffering and cultivate a more balanced perspective. My natural acceptance of life's transitory nature echoes this core Buddhist principle, underscoring its relevance across different contexts and cultures.
In exploring my relationships with others and the world around me, I came to appreciate the interconnectedness of all things. Recognizing that my actions have far-reaching impacts and that I am part of a larger web of existence has encouraged me to act with greater compassion and responsibility.
Buddhism emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life through the concept of "dependent origination" (pratītyasamutpāda). This teaching asserts that all phenomena arise in dependence upon multiple conditions and causes. By understanding this interconnectedness, Buddhists strive to act with kindness and awareness, fostering harmony and reducing suffering. My natural inclination towards recognizing our interconnected world aligns with this profound Buddhist insight, highlighting its universal applicability.
In my personal development, I discovered the importance of compassion—not just towards others but also towards myself. By practicing self-compassion, I learned to navigate my shortcomings and failures with kindness, leading to greater emotional well-being and growth.
Compassion, or "karuna," is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice. It involves the wish to alleviate the suffering of others and is considered essential for achieving enlightenment. The practice of compassion in Buddhism extends to all beings, encouraging a sense of universal empathy and care. My natural gravitation towards compassionate living mirrors this essential Buddhist value, demonstrating its significance in fostering a more humane and compassionate world.
While I did not set out to adopt Buddhist principles, my journey of self-discovery has led me to many of the same insights that Buddhism has articulated for millennia. This convergence underscores the timeless and universal nature of these teachings. Whether we identify as Buddhists or not, integrating these principles—mindfulness, acceptance of impermanence, recognition of interconnectedness, and cultivation of compassion—can profoundly enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. As we navigate our unique paths, we may find that these ancient wisdoms naturally emerge, guiding us towards a more mindful, compassionate, and fulfilling existence.
With Love and Compassion,
Mia Marie
Direct experience: Yoga
Truthfully, I would have never done yoga if not for my sister. She pushed it off and on through my life. She is one of the many women that embarked on her self healing journey before me and helped show me the way. I had been introduced to the idea that the body holds onto stress and can cause tension and other such problems - It's that or my calves were just tight because I was inactive, yeah it was probably that. I later came to know this physical practice as asana, only one limb of traditional yoga.
Before I started learning about the 8 limbs of yoga, I started to connect my breath to my movements. Breathing in as I extend my posture, stopping and holding my breath at the apex of each stretch - when my body reached the point that was not yet painful but lengthened to the point that it was uncomfortable. Holding my breath and the pose. Finally breathing out while allowing my muscles to relax into the pose. It was here that I found the importance and mechanics of release. I have found release to be an integral part not just of my yoga practice but also how I navigate life. I found this to be akin to meditation for me. Even if that’s too out there for you there are tangible benefits of asana as well.
Take for instance flexibility, balance and of course strength. Working on flexibility helps your overall joint health according to a variety of body work specialists across many fields. You don’t have to take my word for anything, ever. Balance is only important if you want to walk upright and not fall. You need strength to support balance and flexibility. Wait, Mau, how are these life lessons - these are just the physical benefits of stretching and strength training.
I have found in my healing journey that these things are even more beneficial when one integrates them in their everyday life. Beyond the physical practice. That is to say flexibility of mind has been one of the singular most beneficial practices I have adopted. The ability to change one’s mind with the introduction of new information is an admirable and all too lacking trait in Western Society - from my own personal and lived experience. When one subscribes to one thought or idea so heavily that it becomes cemented in their psyche it is a hindrance to growth. We can see examples of people that lack flexibility in thought during any election cycle on both sides of the political spectrum. Ever notice how during an election year people you love are spouting harmful rhetoric with an inability to see any other perspective? I know, because when I was subscribed to Pentecostalism I possessed zero flexibility of thought on my own. I even once publicly posted “All lives matter”. That is until people I loved and respected sat me down and explained the nuance of what I was saying. I didn’t realize at the time that I was speaking in a way that was harmful - until someone took the time to educate me on why we were seeing “Black Lives Matter”. I am forever thankful for the people that take the time to educate me when I am ignorant. This wouldn’t have been possible if I had remained so dedicated to my identity as a Pentacostal - God-Fearing - Conservative woman. This single interaction put me on a path to reassessing the structures that I was accustomed to.
Balance of mind came much later for me. I was living a fearful and reactive life - this is in part my fundamentalist christian-adjacent upbringing and later my adult choice. Studies have been done that concluded religious folk are often operating out of the fear center of the brain. Again, you never have to take my word for anything. The proof is always readily available to anyone who wishes to find it. It was my experience that authority figures were not well balanced - incapable of seeing more than their own perspective. So firm in their perception of reality that they sought to destroy all opposing views instead of seeking to understand and find truth in them. It takes an individual that is well balanced to be able to hear an opposing view without getting angry and without blindly accepting the other perspective as gospel. Balance of mind allows us to see another perspective and honor our own experience.
To be well balanced requires strength. Strength of mind is the ability to sit with the darkest parts of one’s self and unflinchingly discard the thoughts, ideas and beliefs that are holding them back. I started my journey by getting angry at myself. By sitting alone, in the darkest parts of my depression, anxiety and my own bullshit. The parts of myself that I didn’t like. A lot of the parts of me that I didn’t like were actually by-products of the C-PTSD. Complex childhood trauma is tricky because you don’t always know that it is even a factor. It takes strength to examine your reality and figure out where you are contributing to the negativity. It takes even more strength to shed what doesn't serve you - over and over and over again. Until you can find how you are repeating the negative bullshit in your life things won’t get better. That takes strength. So if that is where you are on your healing journey, you are not alone. You are a fighter. You got this. Let’s keep going.
With Compassion,
Mia Marie
