This year at Project Good Work we have selected Food Yoga and for both our Giving Tuesday organization and our Organization of the Year due to the overwhelming need of help with multiple wars going on in the world and the growing number of displaced people looking to have their basic needs met. Food Yoga has worked for decades to assist people and their families in war torn areas and help provide relief in poverty-stricken communities.
About Food Yoga International
Food Yoga International, formerly known as Food for Life Global is a modern-day revival of the ancient Indian culture of hospitality. Since the beginning of recorded time, sharing of food has been a fundamental part of the civilized world and in India, such hospitality was based on the understanding of the equality of all beings.
In 1974, an elderly Indian swami, Srila Prabhupada, shocked and saddened upon seeing a group of village children fighting with street dogs over scraps of food, told his yoga students: “No one within ten miles of a temple should go hungry . . . I want you to immediately begin serving food.” Hearkening to the swami’s plea, his followers around the world were inspired to expand that original effort into a global network of free food kitchens, cafes, vans, and mobile services, establishing daily delivery routes in many large cities around the world.
Food Yoga International affiliates also provide food relief in times of natural and man-made disasters: In the war zone of Grozny, Chechnya, in 1994-1996, volunteers risked their lives to provide hot meals to the people in the city, serving over 2 million meals.
Definition of Food Yoga:
Food yoga, or the yoga of eating, is a way of eating that involves paying attention to your body and food, and treating food with respect and gratitude. Some principles of food yoga include:
- Eating mindfully: Savor your food, chew it thoroughly, and eat without distractions.
- Eating with gratitude: Bless your food and express gratitude for it.
- Eating in a pleasant environment: Try to eat in silence or with soft, calming music.
- Eating regularly: Eat regularly with space between meals to promote digestion and prevent overeating.
- Avoiding heavy meals before yoga: Try to eat at least two hours before practicing yoga.
- Eating seasonal produce: Choose fresh, seasonal produce over processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Using herbs and spices: Some herbs and spices, like ginger, turmeric, and cumin, can help with digestion and reduce inflammation.
- Fasting: Fasting can be a tool for detoxification and self-discipline.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Welcome [4:29]
- Art is a Moment to Touch God [7:06]
- No One Hungry [11:00]
- You Are What You Eat [15:00]
- Food Systems [17:23]
- Heal Yourself [21:02]
- Intention [24:00]
- Energy [30:30]
- Evolution of Consciousness [33:33]
- Happiness and Purpose [41:19]
- Karma [51:47]
- Judgement [56:48]
- New Decade [57:00]
Quote: “A meal means is an opportunity to nourish my body and soul.”
Guest Bio:
Mr. Turner co-founded Food Yoga International, formerly Food for Life Global in 1995. He is a former monk, a veteran of the World Bk, entrepreneur, holistic life coach, a vegan chef and author of 6 books, including,
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