Last spring I revisit The Big Apple, not just for fun this time. I enrolled a food therapy program at the former Natural Gourmet Institute as one of the experiments to recharge. Read more here

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I’m regularly inspired by the infinite ways that people live. This includes, of course, how humans feed themselves across cultures and within households. I like to be reminded that there is no one way to do anything – that includes how we eat! That kind of realization lifts me up because it reminds me that life is a more like a game that we can practice and play. We can try things on for a while and see how it fits our life and if it doesn’t fit we can try something else.

A feature of my profession is that I’ve raced around most of my life and rest doesn’t always come easy. But I encourage it in others and try to practice it myself. I know, at least in my case, that a rested body and mind breeds creativity, a better attitude, and better decision-making overall.

meet

Celine

Beitchman

Feb, 2019

Find a recipe shared by Celine in #Cook

I’m a naturally curious and restless person. I think in general those two elements are my motivators. The field culinary arts is well suited to my personality type and it’s provided endless streams of interest and possibility.

My water – so to speak, is rest. That means good sleep, time outdoors, time away from work, and space to let my thoughts wander. I love a good forest bath!

As a teacher I try to encourage my students to stay curious, open-minded, and open-hearted.

To me those are features to cultivate across your career (and life). Try new things – and if you are afraid to, try to explore where that fear is coming from. You will never be bored if you’re curious, and you don’t have to worry about being pushed forward in any particular direction. Life will take you places if you let it. There’s so much to learn no matter what you are doing! I think that can be very empowering.

This conversation series of #Backtobasics also started during that time in New York City. Join me with Celine Beitchman, my instructor here about staying curious, open-minded and open hearted.