What makes me tick?

Nov 28, 2024
Posted by: Monique Parker

I often get asked what made me write my book ‘Conversations on the Lost Connection with Nature’, being a nutritionist.
In short, it was because of my experiences with clients as a nutritionist, my own love for Nature and concern for the future of our planet including our complex food system.

You will understand when you know what makes me tick.

Apart from human connections, my lovely Labrador Retriever Eric, music, books and travel, there are three passions in my life that really make me tick.

 

  1. NUTRITION


I LOVE food. Growing it, cooking it and eating it, it is as simple as that. And through my job as a nutritionist, I am also very interested in the effect that food has on our health and well-being. I have seen firsthand what effects small dietary changes can have on people with physical and/or mental health issues.

I’m passionate about educating people on the benefits of real foods and how they can take advantage of these benefits for health and well-being. I not only talk about what foods would be beneficial, but I’m also an advocate for growing your own food where possible.  

I’m in the process of writing my second book, this time solely about food, although I’m sure Nature will make an appearance too.

 

                                                 

 

 

  1. NATURE


A lot has been written about the importance of Nature for us human beings, but of course we all have our own ideas about this.

Some people see Nature just as a provider of life’s necessities: air, water, the food we eat, etc., or the bringer of disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, drought and so on. Others have a strong spiritual connection with Nature, and they live their lives in tune with its rhythms and cycles. Artists find inspiration in Nature; others find solace in Nature when the world does not make sense. But no matter how you see Nature, at the end of the day we are all connected to it.

 

 

                                                                            

 

 

For me personally, Nature is my healer, my go-to when I’m feeling down and my charging station when I’m tired. Nature makes me feel alive. The spiritual connection I have with Nature makes me feel more whole and part of something much bigger.

Like many artists, Nature is also my inspiration.
I paint a lot of landscapes, and I try to capture the natural beauty as best as I can. I’m forever taking pictures when I’m out and about, collecting reference material for future art projects.

 

 

                          

 

 

  1. ART

 

From my early years I have always been involved in some form of art. I would rather be drawing and painting than hanging out with my friends. Art was encouraged by my father who was an accomplished artist himself, although, much to his own disappointment, he was never able to become a professional artist. However, a few years before he passed away, he had two small exhibitions in the care home where he lived.

For me art is the only way to fully relax, almost like meditation. Please don’t call me when I’m painting as I won’t be answering the phone. I often don’t hear it ring!

I’m very much inspired by Nature and landscapes are my favourite subject, but as art is also a wonderful way to express emotions that we cannot otherwise express I often diverge to other subjects. A good example is the work I did during COVID.

I love it when my art speaks to someone, when they get the meaning of what I put on the canvas or paper, it is after all a form of communication.

 

                                   


 

 

 

 

‘Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find
 reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.’

Rachel Carson