May I present the first of our healers in the HOT 6 series: Elodie Friedrich, naturotherapist.
What is it that you do? Who would benefit from seeing you?
At the moment I work at a health product store, where I advise customers on vitamins and supplements. In the past I have done private consultations at a women’s gym, helping members to improve their health by making diet and lifestyle changes. Basically anyone looking for ways to improve their nutrition and thereby preventing (mostly chronic) diseases could benefit by advice from a naturotherapist.
There is so much pressure in today’s society to have it all, see all and be all. How do counter the stress that this brings and find balance in your life?
I try to avoid falling in the trap that society puts on us. Everyone is unique and has his/her own purpose in life. Personally I really don’t aim to have it all. At all. Having more things or perusing becoming another person will just give you more pressure and inner tension. For example, to me there is no purpose in working more, building a fantastic career, earning a ton of money. This will lead to entering a cycle where you work so much, have all the material possessions that you want(ed), but no time or energy left to enjoy whatsoever. No time to be with your family, always being tired or stressed out.. To conclude: Don’t do this! If you’re pursuing having it all, you’ll miss out on everything in the end.
What does it mean to you to live a healthy life?
To find balance. Frustration over never having a dessert, or being stressed out for not making it to the gym won’t make you any healthier. You need to be gentle on yourself. Finding balance is key.
What are the top three things you do to contribute to saving this planet?
Treating all living beings with respect (human and animal- being vegetarian helps doing so). Realizing that humans are just an infinitely small part of the universe (science doesn’t know it all- nature does) helps to appreciate and understand the interconnectedness that exists between everything and everyone. Each action or thought has a consequence. Being mindful of this allows for greater appreciation and respect for others.
My purpose is not to save the planet (remember I don’t pursue having it all!!), I just do whatever I believe is the right thing to do. For myself, for others, as everything has a consequence, somewhere, somehow. I particularly like this quote, by Anne Frank I believe..: “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no-one’s watching”.
What are your favorite health habits/routines?
The classics: eating a plant-based diet, physical exercise, breathing in fresh air and truly enjoying relaxing moments. I really appreciate the small things in life, being a highly sensitive person. Anything from baking cookies, offering a gift, walking in the park, seeing beautiful flowers and so on can make me the happiest person. Allowing yourself to be savouring those little pleasurable moments in life, that is wellness, whether you’re in physical health or dis-ease. The latter appearing whenever something is not going right for you. Therefore, you need to be conscious of what your body and mind desires, and offer it whatever it requires to achieve a fulfilling balance.
What’s the best advice you have for us on how to live life to the fullest?
Again, enjoy the small things in life. Keep it simple. Keep it light.
