A House With Four Rooms is based on an Indian Proverb that states we should do something daily for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Today, I’m sharing about my Physical Room. 

Because I’m actively working on recovery from some health issues, I’ve decided to begin with a closer look at my physical room. My physical room does not consist of only exercise, but it encompasses so much more. But I can address the issue of exercise straight away; I don’t have a regular exercise routine, but walking seems to fit the bill. I monitor the number of steps I take each day; my goal is to reach 10,000 steps per day and begins with a morning walk. I typically walk for about 45 minutes at a moderate pace and get around 5000 steps to start my day. For the rest of the day, I take the stairs whenever possible, park further away from the entrance than necessary, and stand every hour or so. On the weekends, I often go out for a few hours on a variety of hiking trails, some for elevation and views and others for distance. This practice has been beneficial for many reasons, including preparing myself for the Camino de Santiago trek from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago, Spain.

I have had two great experiences on the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage across Spain, the first time in 2012 and more recently, in 2017. Preparing for my Camino adventures helped me to realize that walking and hiking is an exercise that picks up and travels with me. I can walk almost anywhere, and a walking routine allows not only for exercise, but it helps alleviate stress. I can certainly incorporate this into my daily schedule, but it has been more difficult to get out to the trails now that I’m not officially preparing for a Camino. I need to make time for it.

Another matter of circumstance in my physical room is food. I love food! I consider pasta high on my list of favorites. I love it so much that I paired it with my love for travel and spent some time in Italy taking cooking classes and learning about Sustainability on a Tuscan Farm at Tenuta di Spannocchia, an agriturismos, providing farm-stay accommodations about 12 miles southwest of Siena. This is where I first heard about the “farm to table” philosophy, and I learned a lot about conservation and sustainability. I continue to see a lot of things about urban gardens and living with a garden to table philosophy lately.  After seeing the impressive gardens of the 12th century Tuscan farm  Spannocchia and eating the fresh food, I realized even more that this is a healthy philosophy. Growing your own food allows for a nutritious diet that helps fortify the physical body and mind. Lately, my unconscious life seems to be of the “fast food” variety, everything is done quickly. So when it comes to food, the Slow Food Movement intrigues me. This is something I will investigate further.    

The physical room is also where I must review the food and methods of cooking that I typically use in my own kitchen. The quality of the ingredients is a major component to the success of a recipe. The quality of ingredients is also an indicator of good health. It isn’t news that our diets should be rich in fruits and vegetables, and then there is much talk of the advantages of eating organic foods and the dangers of GMOs. I’ve also learned that it is wise and cost effective to eat foods that are in season.

I often combine my love of reading and food by seeking out cookbooks and food in literature books. One of my favorites is Elizabeth Romer’s The Tuscan Year. She shares some of the traditional Italian foods that I would love to feast on. Reading this book, with the chapter divisions compiled into lists of monthly activities, foods, and chores, reminds me of the seasonal offerings that could easily make their way to my kitchen and menu. “All the year round, the produce of the farm is grown, gathered and stored following a pattern laid down centuries ago. The days begin early, end late and there are no holidays. As Silvana often observes, if you want to eat genuine food then you must work hard to make it” (Romer 4).

So, how do I bring this philosophy into my kitchen? I believe it all begins with taking an inventory of what is housed in my cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer. Eliminating processed foods and committing to fresh ingredients and whole foods. It means consuming lean proteins, meal planning, and making the desired foods easily available and within reach. It means changing my regular visits to Five Guys, Red Robin, and Bojangles to occasional ones. It means going into my physical room every single day and doing what’s necessary to support my physical health.

I invite you to reflect on how you spend time in your physical room and evaluate what’s working and what needs to change for a healthier you. Share your successes with me...and if you need inspiration, encouragement, and support, DM me for more information on how you can work with me 1:1 in my private coaching. As your accountability partner, we’ll design a plan that works for you so you can accomplish your goals (whether your goals are to get healthier, start a business, go back to school, or improve your relationships). My intensive 1:1 private program includes Zoom calls, email support, and step-by-step guidance to living your Intentional Life. You’ll develop life management practices that allow you to experience more happiness, peace, and freedom while being a more confident you. Don’t you want to live your best life?

In the meantime, I’m going to continue to reflect by taking my 24 oz. bottle of water and heading out for a quick walk in the beautiful Northwest.

Cheers!

Lisa