Are we not being nourished? We are being nourished!

Nutrition is commonly defined as the act of consuming and ingesting substances through the mouth.

If we were merely physical bodies, this would be true. This is nutrition in the literal sense that enables physical growth. Yet we are individuals who possess not only a body but also a mind and a spirit, and it is through the nourishment of these dimensions that we grow and accomplish great things.

Therefore, we are valuable human beings who are more than just physical bodies—we possess a spirit more precious than the body, along with a mind that enables us to think and evaluate, a heart that feels, and emotions that shape us.

What we see, hear, watch, listen to, think about, imagine, touch, smell, say, and refrain from saying are all forms of nourishment that shape who we are.

If these are what make us who we are, and if they are not the source of our nourishment, then what is? Is it merely what we eat and drink that constitutes the nourishment making us who we are? Is our nutrition limited to food and drink?

We are not nourished only by what we eat and drink. We grow—or shrink—through what we see, hear, watch, listen to, think about, imagine, touch, smell, say, and choose not to say. Thus, nutrition is not merely an act confined to the mouth.

Are we not nourished by the fine olive oil we apply to our skin—or by the poor, unnatural, chemically laden creams we use?

Are we not nourished by the cosmetics we apply to our irritated skin in pursuit of beauty, thereby causing harm?

Are we not nourished by the scents carried by the wind from flowers and the aromas wafting from meals cooked at home? Are we not nourished by the artificial fragrances of perfumes and detergents?

Are we not nourished by the voices of our mothers, fathers, siblings, spouses, children, relatives, neighbors, birds, wind, and rain? Are we not nourished by the sounds of motor vehicles and by programs that glorify criticism, argument, and fault-finding as virtues?

Are we not nourished by gazing upon the natural sky, deserts, seas, streams, hills, trees, flowers, birds, cats, and children? Are we not nourished by news reports that scour the world for every negative occurrence? Are we not nourished by the thousands of unfamiliar faces, car license plates, and product advertisements we encounter on the streets?

Are we not nourished by our good and beautiful thoughts and dreams? Are we not nourished by our negative and ugly thoughts and fantasies?

Are we not nourished by the smiles of others and by virtuous people who speak kindly? Are we not nourished by those who constantly grumble and complain, including ourselves?

Are we not nourished by conversations filled with hopeful and positive words? Are we not nourished by pessimistic speech steeped in negative language?

Are we not nourished by touching the earth in nature and by shaking hands or embracing fellow human beings? Are we not nourished by growing accustomed to sleeping and waking amid petroleum-based plastics?

Visual Representing a Nourished Family (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)