When life becomes overwhelming and change feels daunting, we often seek comfort in various ways: calling a friend for a drink, asking Siri for life advice, or turning to therapy. If the therapist is unavailable, some might consider an ayahuasca retreat. For me, however, the best remedy was always my grandmother’s chicken soup.
I realized long ago that her soup was far more therapeutic than any counseling session and undeniably tastier than ayahuasca. The love infused in each bowl provided a sense of comfort that no psychedelic experience could replicate. Walking into her kitchen, filled with the aromas of rosemary and garlic, felt like entering a sacred space. No matter what was happening in my life, that kitchen was my sanctuary, grounding me in love and nourishment.
My grandmother often reminded me that everyone creates their own weather within. She understood that the simplest expressions of love are sometimes the most profound. Homemade chicken soup cooked with love will always be more healing than any ayahuasca journey.
While psychedelics can offer insights and healing for some, they do not do the work for us. They simply show us what needs to be addressed. In my opinion, the best healing comes from heart-centered therapies that align with our human nature. Many people seek therapy to feel heard and validated, but too often, they are met with complex methods that overlook the simplicity of love and attention.
If we cannot feel ordinary love, we cannot aspire to reach higher emotional states. Love and attention are the foundations of healing. By paying attention to ourselves and others, we allow our hearts to open and engage more fully with life. And then, life will open up the doors for us rather than shutting down.
Ultimately, the journey to healing involves recognizing the power of the heart. Memories and emotional experiences can weigh us down, but by understanding and releasing them, we can free ourselves from the burdens of the past. The heart guides us toward integrating our emotions and thoughts, allowing us to experience life’s beauty.
In the end, whether it’s a warm bowl of chicken soup or the gentle wisdom of the heart, it’s clear that love and understanding are the true healers in our lives. Light, love, and peace are the guiding principles, essential for healing. And then, life will open up the doors for us rather than shutting down. That chicken soup was real life, and the real life will open up.
