What do you mean by "nourishing resources" and why do you ask me about this on the health history intake form?

I first came across this phrase in Suzanne Scurlock's book Full Body Presence. Although the phrase itself was new to me, I was certainly familiar with the meaning of it. 

​Quite simply, what are the things in your life - activities, people, places - that nourish you...
that feel life-giving…
that nurture you...
that bring you joy...
that help you experience love...
that connect you to a sense of peace…
that “feed” you spiritually, emotionally, energetically, physically? 

Ideally, these are things that are simple and easy to incorporate into your day to day living. As you can probably guess from this favorite quote of mine by Ralph Waldo Emerson, being outside in nature plays a significant role as one of my nourishing resources. But that's certainly not true for everyone!

Take a moment to think about this right now...what are the first three or four things that come to mind for you? Write them down on a post-it note or index card and keep it in a place where you see it often. Add to the list as you think of others.

Here are some of mine - hiking, being out in nature, walking and playing with our dogs in our field, playing a board or card game with my husband and my son, meditation and prayer, enjoying my morning cup of coffee while I read, listening to music, sitting in the back yard listening to and watching the birds, enjoying a campfire with my husband…

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I ask about your nourishing resources on my health history intake form for two reasons:

1. To encourage you to think about the simple things you have access to in your daily life that can support you on your healing journey. The things that you enjoy and find comfort in, that offer you a reset point. When you're aware of what nourishes you, it makes it easier to "choose nourishing resources moment to moment, no matter the situation" (Suzanne Scurlock).
2. To help me gain a fuller understanding of you and your life, beyond your physical ailments and concerns. Your symptoms may be anywhere from mild to more challenging, but they do not define you. My hope is to be able to encourage you to choose your nourishing resources, moment to moment, so that you can continue your healing journey between our sessions.

The work we do together is truly a collaboration. At its heart, healing isn't something that is 'done' to you. It's something we participate in together and it unfolds over time. I support that process, but I don't push or force it. My role is not to "fix" anything, but to support your system in finding a new balance. And to invite you to turn to what brings you joy and connects you to love, so that you can show up from a place grounded in peace and gentle strength as you walk through even the difficult circumstances in life.

Thank you for trusting me to walk with you on your journey. 🌟