The (Other) Circle of Life
I think we can all agree, there is no one-size-fits-all “diet”. We are all bio-individual beings and one man’s food is another man’s poison. The Circle of Life is a wonderful tool created by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, (also known as IIN) a pioneer program in Health Coach Training. There are 2 types of food in our lives, Primary and Secondary food. This concept holds that we are fed by what we put on the actual plate, and into our bodies, but also, and perhaps even more important, how we feed ourselves “off the plate”.
The 12 slices of life on the circle include:
- Relationships
- Social Life
- Joy
- Spirituality
- Creativity
- Finances
- Career
- Education
- Health
- Physical Activity
- Home Cooking
- Home Environment.
Overwhelmed? The core primary foods are exercise, spirituality, career, and relationships. These areas when out of balance can really throw off a balanced diet. For instance, if you feel lonely (lack of healthy relationships (Primary food), you may be more inclined to comfort with a less healthy (secondary) food like ice cream. Each of the 12 areas feeds us and our quality of life. When they are in alignment we feel fulfilled, energized and more alive.
How to use the Circle of Life:
Place a dot on the line of each element to indicate satisfaction: toward the outside of the circle and dissatisfaction: toward the center. Connect the dots to identify where you can direct more of your energy to create better balance by working on areas of Primary food you need to make space for.
You may want to add or delete an area and make it even more personal. For example, Relationships- you could specify family, friends, etc.
Balance is unique to an individual, and your primary food could be stressful or boring to another person. You may even discover areas you don’t feel you can tackle alone, such as Home Environment, by hiring an organizer. This tool is used by Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches with their clients.
If you are ready to meet with one of our Certified Health Coaches to do work on your own Circle of life we’ve got you!
About Lifeologie
Lifeologie Counseling was founded in 2000 with one goal in mind — to bring a fresh, innovative approach to the everyday problems of life. Creative solutions to stuck problems®. With our unique multi-specialty, collaborative approach, Lifeologie Counseling helps individuals and families heal their wounds and break out of old, unhealthy patterns.
