In our fast-paced world, cooking is often reduced to a task — something to check off the list. But what if we approached it as a sacred practice? What if the kitchen became a place of presence, gratitude, and love?
A Zen saying instructs us as cooks to “see the pot as our own head and the water as our life’s blood.” This simple yet profound image invites us to slow down and reconnect. When we consciously and lovingly cleanse, peel, chop, and stir our ingredients, we are not simply preparing food — we are preparing care. We are creating nourishment for ourselves, our loved ones, our communities, and our planet.
When the soul is fully present in the act of nourishment, our meals become a source of life force energy and joy — for ourselves and for others.
Eating consciously means more than choosing healthy foods. It means understanding where our food comes from, how it was grown, who it nourishes, and what impact it has on the earth and all living beings.
This is one reason I choose to shop at Natural Grocers. I believe in organic, humanely raised, regenerative, fair trade, and clean foods that honor both our bodies and the planet. Every choice we make is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.
As Mark Hyman so wisely reminds us, eating well is one of the most powerful ways we can care for ourselves and the world.
“Real food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
That’s a beautiful place to begin.
Coming Soon to Osher Special Events
For my next special event with Osher Lifelong Learning, a division of the University of Utah Continuing Education, I’m thrilled to be partnering with Natural Grocers to facilitate a thoughtful and inspiring book discussion based on What the Heck Should I Eat? by Mark Hyman.
This book came into my life at exactly the right time.
Like many people, I spent years trying to understand what true health really means in a world overflowing with confusing nutrition advice, diet trends, and conflicting information. What I appreciate so deeply about Dr. Hyman’s work is that he looks beyond quick fixes and focuses on root causes, whole foods, inflammation, blood sugar balance, longevity, and the powerful connection between food, lifestyle, and vibrant aging.
My own health journey has been transformational. Through the guidance of functional medicine principles, personalized testing, mindful nutrition, movement, yoga, stress reduction, and lifestyle changes, I’ve experienced profound healing and renewal. Recent advanced biomarker testing showed my biological age to be nearly two decades younger than my chronological age — not because of perfection, but because of consistent daily choices rooted in self-care, awareness, and alignment.
This discussion is not about dieting, shame, restriction, or perfection.
It is about becoming more conscious and empowered in the way we nourish ourselves.
Together, we’ll explore:
• What real food actually looks like
• How food impacts energy, mood, inflammation, and aging
• Why blood sugar balance matters
• Practical ways to support heart and brain health
• How mindful daily choices can create lasting change
• And how health can become an act of self-respect rather than self-punishment
Most importantly, this gathering is about community, curiosity, and compassionate conversation.
I’m honored to partner with Natural Grocers for this event because their mission aligns so beautifully with my own values around wellness, education, conscious living, and healthy aging.
Whether you are just beginning your wellness journey or looking to deepen and refine it, you are warmly welcome.
The event is free, but registration through Osher Lifelong Learning is required.
Let’s nourish our bodies.
Let’s help heal the planet.
Let’s honor all living things.
