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Unlocking Grandma's Secrets: Celebrating Women's Day with Tips to a Longer, Healthier Life.

Mar 7, 2024

3 min read

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On International Women's Day, we pause to honor the remarkable women who have shaped our lives, often without the accolades they truly deserve. This year, I wish to dedicate my reflections to the four incredible matriarchs of my family: my grandmothers and my mom's great-grandmothers. Their unspoken wisdom, resilience, and sustainable living have left an indelible mark on my life, guiding me back to the essence of true health and well-being. Living in the embrace of both my grandmothers and witnessing the legacy of my great-grandmothers, I was surrounded by a wealth of love and traditional knowledge. Despite their lack of formal education, these women were masters of life's most crucial lessons. They knew how to nurture a family with the bare minimum, relying on the bounty of Mother Earth to provide. Their lives were the embodiment of resilience and sustainability, long before these terms became mainstream.



For years, I overlooked the simplicity and depth of their wisdom, mistaking it for the mere necessities of a bygone era of scarcity. I remember the dandelion greens, a staple in their kitchens, freshly plucked from the backyard and served with pride. To my younger self, these meals seemed too simple, too unrefined - a symbol of poverty rather than a choice. Little did I know that these humble dishes were laden with health benefits, a fact I would come to appreciate much later in life.


At 38, a cancer diagnosis turned my world upside down.


Among the first pieces of advice from my doctor was to incorporate cooked dandelion into my diet daily, owing to its myriad of health benefits. The irony was not lost on me. The very plant I had disdainfully ignored was now a beacon of hope in my darkest hour. The wisdom of my grandmothers, once invisible to me, shone brightly as a testament to their deep understanding of nature's gifts. Regrettably, by the time I recognized the value of their knowledge, these remarkable women had passed on, leaving me with a legacy I had only begun to appreciate. The revelation that the simplest, most natural foods held the key to health was a stark contrast to the processed, marketed products I had been conditioned to consume. This realization marked a turning point in my life, prompting me to delve deeper into nutrition and the hidden truths behind food labels.



 

Hindbeh, or cooked dandelion, is an incredible Lebanese side dish. It’s versatile, hearty, healthy, and delicious. There are a lot of recipes out there, but we’re particularly fond of this one from Simply Lebanese. Enjoy!

 

Today, as I honor these women on International Women's Day, I am reminded of their incredible strength and wisdom. Each bore and raised nine children without the crutches of modern parenting, social media, or financial wealth. Instead, they relied on love, sustainability, and a profound connection to nature. Their lives were a masterclass in what it means to live fully, with little, teaching us that the essence of well-being lies not in abundance but in the wisdom of our natural world.



As we celebrate the achievements of women around the globe, let us not forget the silent wisdom of those who came before us.


The legacy of my grandmothers and great-grandmothers serves as a beacon, guiding us back to the roots of health, sustainability, and a life deeply intertwined with the rhythms of nature. In their memory, I vow to carry forward their lessons, embracing the simple, the natural, and the profound wisdom that grows, quite literally, in our backyards.


In their honor, I extend an invitation to those who wish to rediscover the simple, potent wisdom of our forebears. If the story of the dandelion resonates with you, if you seek to embrace the healing power of nature in your journey toward wellness, I invite you to connect with Shifting Gaia's team. Here, we are dedicated to reviving the lost art of living in harmony with the earth, drawing on the ancestral knowledge that once flourished in the hearths of our grandmothers.


In memory of Amira, Lamia, Sofia, and Marie.

Mar 7, 2024

3 min read

6

26

1

Comments (1)

Nehme Melhem
Nov 12, 2024

This brings back memories of my childhood in my village, where my family lived simply and stayed close to nature, passing down lessons that still guide me today. Thank you, Hiba, for sharing and inspiring us! On a personal note, my aunt, who raised me and often made Hindbeh, was recently diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer.