The amazing healing power of soup

As I write this, I’ve got a cold.

It started with a sore throat, then went into my nose, and now it’s a cough.

I’m sure you know what all that feels like.

And I’m not alone, my family has been lucky enough to be suffering along with me.

As much as I don’t like having a cold, the good thing is that forces me to slow down.

When I slow down, I take the time to rest… and make soup.

Homemade soup.

Nothing makes me feel immediately better than a bowl of homemade soup.

I make it with whatever veggies I’ve got sitting in the fridge/pantry – because when I feel like this, I don’t feel like going to the store.

I chop up an onion.  I love the smell of the chopped onion browning in the olive oil as I get the tomatoes ready.

In the fridge I find some cherry tomatoes, vine tomatoes, and a little left-over canned tomato, so I chop up the fresh and add all the tomato to the browned onions.

I’m making tomato soup today.

So after adding the tomatoes, I take a moment to enjoy the steam coming off the pot and the delicious smell that fills the kitchen.

Then I add just a little salt and pepper, but I could add basil or thyme if I felt like it.

Finally, I blend it all together because I like it smooth.

Once it’s ready, I fill my bowl with the steaming hot soup, and have buttered toast with it.

Nothing lifts me up out of my congested state like this.

But what is it about soup that can make you feel so much better?

I think the best thing about homemade soup is the comfort you get from it.

The time and attention that goes into making the soup, even if you make it just for yourself, makes you feel cared for and loved.

It’s compassion, or self-compassion, in a bowl.

Then, probably the next best thing is the heat of the soup as it soothes your throat and relaxes your tired body.  It warms you from the inside out.

Finally, when you make a soup from scratch, with good quality ingredients, it helps your body do its healing work.  The vitamins and anti-oxidants from the vegetables help fortify your cells and keep them nourished as they work to restore your health.

Soup:  Compassion, warmth, and nourishment.

What more could you ask for?

I feel better already.

Keep moving forward my friends,

Debbie