✨ This Week’s Reflection
Nourishment Through Connection
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how connection nourishes us in ways that go far beyond the plate. Sometimes it’s the moments shared with a friend, and sometimes it’s the quiet check-in we offer ourselves. Both matter deeply.
A recent lunch with an old friend reminded me just how fulfilling it can be to share time, conversation, and presence with someone who truly gets you. I know I’ve written about the power of connection before, but it continues to show up in new ways in my life, like a constant reminder of how essential it is to our well-being.
Seeing my friend, we immediately hugged, you know the kind: the two-armed embrace that makes you feel so loved. We sat down to eat, and our conversation flowed easily as we caught up on our joys, our challenges, and everything in between. When the waitress stopped by to ask if we were enjoying our food, we realized we’d barely touched our plates. The connection itself had become the meal. The nourishment was in the exchange of words, the warmth of laughter, and the comfort of being seen and understood.
That afternoon reminded me that our appetites reach far beyond the physical. We often think of hunger as something that happens in our stomachs, but intuitive eating invites us to look through a wider lens andto recognize that we also crave belonging, intimacy, safety, and joy. These are forms of nourishment that sustain us just as deeply as food does.
And yet, connection isn’t only about others. It’s also about the relationship we have with ourselves. When we feel disconnected, it’s easy to reach for something to fill the emptiness, whether that’s food, distraction, or busyness. But sometimes, what we truly need is a moment of stillness. A moment to pause, take a breath, and ask ourselves, “What am I really needing right now?”
That kind of honesty can be deeply nourishing. It helps us reconnect with our own inner rhythms, our emotions, and our needs. It allows us to care for ourselves in ways that are both compassionate and sustainable.
There’s nothing wrong with finding comfort in food. I cherish my matzo ball soup that reminds me of my grandmother, and the chocolate cake that celebrates birthdays. But when we listen to the deeper layers of our hunger, we often discover that what we’re really craving is connection to others, to ourselves, and to something greater that reminds us we belong.
That time with my friend reminded me how full we can feel simply by being with someone, listening, sharing, and being present. There was no rush to finish our plates. We were nourished in a different way.
Connection feeds our spirits. It grounds us, softens us, and helps us feel whole. And when we’re connected, to ourselves and to others, we can approach food and our bodies with greater trust, ease, and compassion.
This week, notice the moments of connection that fill you up: a conversation over coffee, a shared meal, or a few quiet minutes with yourself. These, too, are forms of nourishment.
If you’ve been feeling a bit disconnected lately, whether from your body, your food, or yourself, I’d love to support you. I am a licensed social worker and Intuitive Eating Counselor, and I am passionate about helping women rediscover joy and trust in their relationship with food and body. I offer virtual sessions and share reflections on living with intention, balance, and kindness. Contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com