Courage in holistic living.
Embracing holistic living: Thais Harris on living consciously from the heart.
Every week I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guest how they define courage. This week is my guest Thais Harris, the co-founder of Nourish Together, who offers a refreshing perspective on courage that resonates deeply within the spheres of holistic health and conscious living. Her insight into what it means to be brave in the context of personal health and environmental sustainability is both enlightening and inspiring.
"I think as the word suggests, it's really about heart... It's acting with the heart. That to me is what courage means. And it's starting before we're ready... we do it afraid but we do it anyway."
This powerful statement captures the essence of courage not just as a concept, but as a lived experience. It suggests that true bravery is about taking steps towards positive change, even when the path is uncertain or fear-inducing.
In the broader context of living well and consciously on the planet, Thais’s definition of courage underscores the importance of embracing holistic living as a form of bravery. Holistic living — which encompasses a balanced approach to diet, lifestyle, and one's interaction with the environment — requires us to make choices that may go against the grain of conventional wisdom or societal norms.
It demands a willingness to listen deeply to our own bodies and the needs of the planet, even when doing so challenges us to change longstanding habits or beliefs.
Thais’s approach to courage is particularly relevant in today's world, where the health of individuals and the planet is increasingly threatened by unsustainable practices. Embracing holistic living as a courageous act allows us to view personal health and environmental sustainability not as separate issues, but as interconnected aspects of the same journey towards healing and wholeness.
This perspective on courage also highlights the importance of self-love and compassion in the process of making positive changes.
Thais emphasises that courage involves acting from the heart, suggesting that kindness towards oneself and others is a critical component of brave decision-making. This approach to bravery is especially pertinent when considering the often overwhelming challenges of addressing personal health issues or environmental crises.
To embody this courageous approach to holistic living, consider the following ten actionable steps:
Embrace Imperfection: Start where you are, and accept that progress may be slow and non-linear.
Prioritize Plant-Based Eating: Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support both health and the environment.
Reduce Waste: Begin by minimizing single-use plastics and composting organic waste.
Seek Knowledge: Educate yourself about the sources of your food and the impact of your lifestyle choices on the planet.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate meditation or mindfulness exercises into your daily routine to enhance self-awareness and reduce stress.
Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Support Sustainable Brands: Choose products from companies that prioritize environmental sustainability and ethical practices.
Advocate for Change: Use your voice and your vote to support policies and initiatives that promote holistic health and environmental stewardship.
Cultivate Community: Engage with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to holistic living and courageously making a difference.
Reflect and Adapt: Regularly assess your lifestyle choices and be open to making changes as you learn and grow.
Thais Harris’s insights into courage offer a powerful framework for understanding holistic living as a courageous journey towards personal and planetary health. By embracing the heart-centred bravery she describes, we can all take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable, healthy, and conscious life on this planet.
PS. If you would like support in combating what holds you back, in order to grow your inner Brave New Girl for a better life, book in for a free chat and we can take it from there: BOOK A CHAT
