2026 October #852

A personal note from Sylvia

Nourishment, Ancestry and the Authentic Self

Learning to recognise what genuinely nourishes us, gives a valuable support for staying connected to our true values.

Nourishment extends far beyond the food we eat. It is found in our connection to the land, the environment that surrounds us, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the cultural and ancestral influences that help shape our sense of self.

Living in a semi-arid country (as I do), offers access to clean, nutritious foods and the abundance of a unique landscape. Yet there are times when what is readily available does not quite satisfy the deeper inner yearning. Something within us calls for a different taste, a familiar texture, a particular aroma or a food that evokes a sense of recognition and belonging

Perhaps this is an invitation to listen more closely.

To listen to the inner call: is it towards the mountains or the plains, the rivers and lakes, and the foods these different landscapes provide. Or to follow the changing terrain towards the ocean, where seafood offers its own diversity of nutrients, flavours and nourishment.

Every landscape has its own character, and the foods that emerge from it reflect the conditions in which they grow. Exploring these different environments can broaden our understanding of nourishment and remind us of the importance of eating a varied, balanced diet that supports our individual needs.

For some, ancestral food traditions can offer a meaningful connection to heritage. Familiar ingredients, traditional ways of preparing food and the tastes remembered through family and culture can evoke a sense of continuity between past and present.

And it is not only the food.

It is the air, the terrain beneath our feet, the clean water flowing from snow-fed catchments, the changing seasons and the living environment in which we find ourselves. It is the memory carried through stories, traditions, family and culture—a sense of connection that can be felt even when it is difficult to put into words.

Our DNA carries biological ancestry, while our cultural memories and personal experiences help shape our preferences, identities and sense of belonging. Together, these can inspire us to explore what feels meaningful and nourishing, without assuming that our genetic inheritance alone determines what our bodies need.

Sylvia Marina N.D. 🌸