I was excited and humbled that The Virginia Dietetic Association (VDA) honored me as this year’s Emerging Dietetic Leader. Here’s some of what they said:

Anu Kaur, MS, RD, - Emerging Dietetic Leader

“This is a relatively new award that is intended to honor a Virginia member who shows great promise in their early career to move our profession and association forward… [Anu Kaur] has been described as a pioneer of the “whole-person” approach in which she employs the values and practices of East and West philosophy to focus on the mind-body-spirit. A unique aspect of her business is “Tea Time With The Dietitian” in which she conducts home nutrition parties by sharing a cup of tea (preferably “chai”) with the host and guests while discussing nutrition topics in a casual, intimate setting… Anu’s mission is authentically connecting with people and guiding the process of mindful changes in daily living.”

I’ve been familiar with the VDA, but when I received this award it occurred to me that it is a great resource for my readers as well. If you want to find out how to get in touch with a dietitian in the state of Virginia and learn more about the profession, then the VDA is a great place to start.  Find people out there who can give you guidance on eating healthier and get some one-to-one time with a nutrition health professional.

In my world, a hot cup of tea (or anything warm) is not just part of that calming moment in the morning it is also my sensory reminder of gratitude.   As I took my yoga instructor’s advice this week and looked at “my inner landscape” I realized a very strange and unexpected thing has happened in my life.  Since starting this blog I have had a deepened sense of conviction in my work and whatever direction it may take me along with a greater sense of appreciation.

I have felt very grateful for those readers and friends who given their words of encouragement.  Most of us have experienced how a few kind words can make our day despite how brief those interactions may be.  For that I am thankful and happy.  Psychology research indicates that gratitude does indeed deepen our happiness.

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Enlightened Buddha

I start this blog with the hope of stimulating my mind and those of others about the benefits of merging East and West.   I recently reread Siddhartha by Herman Hesse after many years.   It was a beautiful reminder of how we strive to find our spirit and life purpose in our daily choices.  Health and wellness, in my mind, is the balance of your mind, body and spirit in daily living.

Stimulating your mind by learning and gaining knowledge as your foundation is crucial in making decisions for your overall wellness.

Strengthening your body and having the ability to function at an optimal level physically is equally important.  Nutrition knowledge alone will not suffice. Implementing your knowledge and actually exercising is key to creating and maintaining a healthy and stress free body.

Synchronizing those pieces with your personal energy and spirit is the final and perhaps most important piece of the entire package.  So with those goals in mind I begin my journey of sharing with others.  Welcome to a world of growth as we synchronize the best of East and West knowledge, philosophy, and heart.