“Memory is humanity’s most important asset. Containing the truth of the entire universe, memory is both the inner guide for each life and the means of exchange with the universe,” says the brilliant Maya Tiwari, in her book ‘Secrets of Healing’. “Every atom and molecule of the cosmos, including the most minute cell and space within the human body is infused with cosmic memory of all time.”
I am blown away by how profound and deep this knowledge is, because right now, in the 21st Century, modern advertising and the American Food Industry have teamed up to create a food system that encourages amnesia throughout the globe. Humans have been on Earth for 1.5 million years. At no other point in history have we been willing to consume so many substances that would not be considered ‘whole foods’.
These mega giants are counting on us to have no memory of what real food looks like, feels like or tastes like. As we put on the pounds from these ‘nonfoods’ and our health declines, industrialized American companies step in and promise to save us. The weight loss market is one of the largest industries in the world, with no sign of slowing down. Pills, powders, pre-packaged foods, counting fat grams, low carbs, no carbs, up and down we go, buying empty promises, losing faith in ourselves. I see our goal as Holistic Health Coaches/Raw Food Chefs as memory keepers and educators, making sure no one forgets.
Memories
Growing up I straddled two worlds. My mother longed to be the new modern woman of the 1950’s. She was one of the millions of women frustrated with the isolation of the suburban household. She jumped at the chance to enter the work force and join the new norm for women. She had come up in a tiny cold water flat and her relationship with the kitchen was complicated, bordering on contempt. She fed us quick and easy foods, like Pop Tarts, KoolAid, hot dogs and frozen hamburger patties.
My second world, every Sunday, was spent with my Irish Family. A clan of generous women who created long dining room tables filled with slow cooked foods on linen tablecloths and fine white china. This long line of culinary females had been gathering together to feed family and friends since the Middle Ages. As a young woman my relationship with eating was confused while I attempted to navigate this world of mixed messages, only finding my way later in life.
Using Memory As A Coaching Tool
What does all this mean to you as an effective coach that wants to change lives?
In our training we teach you to begin with the Questionnaire. Through a series of questions we provide, you ask your client to visit their memories of family and food. You allow then to talk while you listen. They construct their own unique story so that they can better understand where they are today. This helps you both create a plan that excites and motivates them so that they can move forward. Unraveling old patterns and adopting new healthier ones takes time. Helping your client heal from their conflicted relationship with food is a creative process. Coaching sessions often end with what are called ‘Action Steps’. These exercises are highly valuable in helping your client explore deeper into their own unique process.
The Memory Action Steps
Because we are all in process I encourage you to first try these Memory Action Steps on yourself:
- Take time to meditate daily with the goal of reflecting on memories related to food and family.
- Explore family photos with the purpose of remembering how it effected your relationship with food and any conflicts you may have.
- Relay your discoveries without judgement in a journal. No one will see them so you don’t need to edit your notes.
- Ask yourself “what did I find out I needed to know? How can it help release what’s holding me back?”
Visiting memories with purpose helps us all understand ourselves better. In this way we can make better life choices, eat healthier foods, connect to what is true. This is Holistic Health Coaching in Action.