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A Sankofa Soul Care Meditation: Nourishing Foods, A Spring Blessing - Mental Health Awareness Month Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- May 15
- 5 min read
As we continue our Sankofa (SAHN-koh-fah) journey, going back to fetch what is precious, we turn now to the nourishing power of food + soulful recipes that honor our bodies through every season.
With open hands + contemplative hearts, we reach back for what is precious, bringing it forward as a blessing for our present lives. In this season of Mental Health Awareness, we offer a soul care meditation rooted in the divine gifts + abundance of nature’s bounty. Food is more than sustenance; it is medicine, connection, and a reminder of God's creative goodness.
Ancestors knew this well, using seasonal foods + herbs to nurture health, regulate emotions, and foster community. Today, I invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the sacredness of nourishment as an act of personal + collective soul care.
A Holy Haiku - Nourishing Foods
Season’s gifts unfold
Earth’s bounty on tongue and soul
Savor, bless, receive
Amen + Asé
This haiku invites us to reclaim the mindfulness of eating seasonally, to enjoy the earth's bounty with all our senses, and to regard seasonal nourishment as a sacred act of soul care.
Pause before your next meal. Notice the colors, textures, and aromas on your plate. Ask yourself:
What foods are in season where I live?
Which herbs, vegetables, or fruits are grown nearby or at their peak right now?
How does this food connect me to the land, to others, and my senses?
Let this be a gentle invitation to nourish yourself with intention, gratitude, and curiosity. Below, you’ll find a seasonal produce guide tailored to different regions across the United States. Use it as a springboard, explore your local farmers market, cultivate your own herb garden, and deepen your connection by discovering what’s fresh + flourishing in your own backyard.
This is the heart of Sankofa: returning to the gift of collective care that nurtures our souls + bodies together. Our ancestors understood that care was never meant to be solitary but shared like breaking bread—a communion that sustains us all.
Seasonal Produce by Region
Northwest (WA, OR, ID)
Spring: Asparagus, lettuce, radishes, rhubarb
Summer: Berries, cherries, cucumbers, tomatoes
Fall: Apples, beets, pumpkins, winter squash
Winter: Apples, leeks, rutabagas, winter squash
Southwest (CA, NV, AZ, UT)
Spring: Asparagus, beets, broccoli, strawberries
Summer: Tomatoes, melons, peaches, peppers
Fall: Grapefruit, mandarins, walnuts
Winter: Citrus fruits, root vegetables
Midwest/Great Lakes (WI, MI, IL, IN, OH, KY)
Spring: Asparagus, cabbage, lettuce, peas, rhubarb
Summer: Berries, cherries, cucumbers, melons, tomatoes
Fall: Apples, pumpkins, sweet corn, winter squash
Winter: Brussels sprouts, parsnips, winter squash
Northeast/New England (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE)
Spring: Asparagus, fiddleheads, garlic scapes, rhubarb
Summer: Beets, berries, broccoli, cherries, cucumbers
Fall: Apples, cranberries, grapes, pumpkins
Winter: Brussels sprouts, leeks, parsnips
Southeast (WV, VA, NC, SC, TN, GA, FL, AL, MS)
Spring: Asparagus, beets, cabbage, lettuce, peas, radishes
Summer: Okra, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries
Fall: Apples, figs, grapes, pecans, pumpkins
Winter: Citrus fruits, collards, kale, turnips
South Central (NM, OK, TX, AR, LA)
Spring: Asparagus, beets, broccoli, peas, strawberries
Summer: Eggplant, figs, grapes, melons, tomatoes
Fall: Apples, pears, pecans, pumpkins
Winter: Citrus fruits, winter greens, root vegetables
Seasonal Herbs by Region
Northwest (WA, OR, ID)
Spring: Chives, mint, parsley, dandelion
Summer: Basil, dill, cilantro, lemon balm
Fall: Sage, rosemary, thyme
Winter: Bay leaf, winter savory
Southwest (CA, NV, AZ, UT)
Spring: Cilantro, parsley, chives, dandelion
Summer: Basil, oregano, marjoram, epazote
Fall: Sage, rosemary, thyme
Winter: Bay leaf, winter savory, rosemary
Midwest/Great Lakes (WI, MI, IL, IN, OH, KY)
Spring: Chives, parsley, sorrel, dandelion
Summer: Basil, dill, cilantro, mint
Fall: Sage, thyme, tarragon
Winter: Rosemary (indoors), bay leaf
Northeast/New England (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE)
Spring: Chives, parsley, sorrel, dandelion
Summer: Basil, dill, mint, lemon balm
Fall: Sage, thyme, tarragon
Winter: Bay leaf, rosemary (indoors)
Southeast (WV, VA, NC, SC, TN, GA, FL, AL, MS)
Spring: Chives, parsley, dill, dandelion
Summer: Basil, mint, oregano, lemongrass
Fall: Sage, rosemary, thyme
Winter: Bay leaf, rosemary, winter savory
South Central (NM, OK, TX, AR, LA)
Spring: Cilantro, parsley, chives, dandelion
Summer: Basil, oregano, mint, epazote
Fall: Sage, rosemary, thyme
Winter: Bay leaf, rosemary
Mindful Herb Gathering
Take notice of the herbs growing in your backyard, community gardens, or around your town, including resilient wild herbs like dandelion, which often appear in early spring and can be used fresh in salads, teas, or cooked dishes.
Foraging Safety Reminder: Always be certain of the plant’s identity before harvesting, as some plants can be toxic.
Avoid foraging near roadsides, industrial sites, or areas treated with pesticides or herbicides. Never harvest from private property without permission, and respect local laws protecting wild plants.
Wash all foraged herbs thoroughly before use. When trying a new wild herb for the first time, consume a small amount initially to ensure no adverse reactions. Practice sustainable foraging by only taking what you need, leaving enough for the plant to regenerate and for wildlife.
Reflection for Your Journey
SOULjourner,
What’s in season, right where you are?
Blessing:
May you savor the gifts of each season,
May your table be filled with earth’s abundance.
May your senses awaken to the beauty and blessing in every bite.
For May's Mental Health Awareness Month, affirm: "Through empathy, I/we return to our belovedness + reclaim in the spirit of Sankofa, to go back and get it, by the enablement of the Holy Spirit”
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
Featuring the botanical-themed Charcuterie Gift Box
Elevate your next collective care gathering with the Melanated Musings Charcuterie Board Gift Box Set.
In the heart of your home or gathering, add flair wherever you dare with a fusion of art, Black culture, and whimsical elegance.
Add a pop to any tabletop for your hors d'oeuvres + desserts.
Let the captivating charm bring a touch of soul to your next soirée (bridal shower, hostess gift, team party, bachelorette party, birthday party, anniversary celebration, or just to feel lavished), as they remind you that sometimes, the most beautiful stories begin with a simple, heartfelt gesture.
What’s Included: Free Gift Wrapping
1 x Choose board shape: Round Charcuterie Board with Groove - 13.5” x 13.5” or Rectangular Charcuterie Board with Groove - 12" x 9"
1 x Choose Board Design: Noir + Leaves or Mocha + Leaves
1 x Tamarind Oh! Sauce, 10.5 oz. Ingredients: Guava, Water, Tamarind Puree, Ginger Juice, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Organic Lemon Juice, Organic Lime Juice. A phenomenal sweet and tangy sauce for veggies, meat, and YES—desserts. Use it on your charcuterie boards to replace jams + jellies.
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique. Be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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