N is for Nourishment: Having Conversations That Make You Feel Whole

At the beginning of December, I was on a call with my life coach. I expressed concern that after a focused six-month stretch of content creation, I found myself slowing down amidst the holiday season.

He responded, “Maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe this month, you can focus on nourishment instead of advancement.”

Nourishment? What does that even mean?

What Do You Crave?

As human beings, we don’t just need physical nourishment like rest, food, or hugs. We also need emotional, mental, and spiritual nourishment.

Whereas in the past I would just go go go, this past month I’ve been experimenting with pausing throughout my day, closing my eyes, taking a deep breath, and asking myself, “What would feel most nourishing right now?”

Sometimes it’s a moment of quiet prayer or connection with God. Other times it’s stepping outside for a walk, hitting the gym, or journaling my thoughts. Occasionally, it’s diving into creative work like filming or editing.

I’ve found that taking a moment to check in with myself about what I’m truly craving allows me to approach each action with greater intentionality and presence.

And I’ve found that this concept applies to conversations and relationships too.

When it comes to conversation, sometimes I crave variety—interactions with new people that expose me to fresh ideas and perspectives, so I go in with a little more pep in my step and curiosity. 

Other times, I crave emotional depth—being truly seen or spending time with close friends where we can relax and laugh, so I go in with ease and vulnerability. 

And sometimes, I yearn for spiritual connection—interactions that feel transcendent, pointing to something greater than ourselves, so I go in with surrender and humility.

The Art of Nourishment

Nourishment is about more than just feeding your body or mind. It’s about cultivating connections—with yourself, others, and even God—that leave you feeling whole.

Whatever type of nourishment you’re seeking, here are three ways to foster more fulfilling conversations and connections:

1. Be Present

One of my favorite childhood memories of my grandfather is watching him eat dinner with his eyes closed, chewing slowly and savoring every bite.

The same principle applies to connection: to feel nourished, you must be fully present.

Pay close attention to what the other person is saying. Be still, focus on your breath, and let yourself be immersed in the moment.

If you catch yourself drifting off, ask yourself why.

Are you bored? See if you can guide the conversation to a new topic.

Are you distracted by something in your life? Try letting it go for now—or bring it up if sharing feels right.

Presence isn’t about perfection. If you notice you’ve zoned out, simply bring yourself back. You can’t feel nourished by a conversation if you’re not truly there.

2. Be Vulnerable

True nourishment often requires vulnerability. It’s not easy; it’s a skill to identify what you’re feeling and then share it with another person openly and effectively.

Timing and environment matter. If you’re meeting a friend at a noisy bar, gauge their mood and consider finding a quieter space before diving into something meaningful.

When sharing something personal or difficult, you might start with, “Hey, can I tell you about something I’ve been working through? I could use some help processing it.” Though it may feel vulnerable, prefacing this way allows the other person to prepare emotionally to listen.

Without vulnerability, it’s hard to experience the deep emotional connection and nourishment we all crave.

3. Be Supportive

Here’s a counterintuitive truth: nourishment doesn’t always come from receiving—it can also come from giving.

Holding space for someone else, asking thoughtful questions, and helping them reflect on their feelings and path forward can be deeply fulfilling.

Supporting others teaches us about them, ourselves, and life itself.

But balance is key. If you’re someone who often gives too much and finds yourself feeling burned out or bitter, it’s a sign to dial it back and take time to focus on your own needs. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Your Challenge This Week

The next time you’re in conversation, ask yourself:

• How can I be fully present?

• What part of myself needs nourishment right now?

• Can I offer support or share vulnerably to deepen this connection?

When we approach our relationships and conversations with intention, we create spaces where both we and others can thrive. And that’s the kind of nourishment that sustains us long after the moment has passed.

By the way, if right now what you’re hungering for is an epic, heart-warming tale of redemption and grace, check out the YouTube video I made of my adventure with Phil and Blue just released TODAY:

This video has been a year in the making. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope it inspires some hope in you.

With curiosity,

Eric

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