Open Letter: The Rituals That Shape Our Health.
Hey mates, it's me again—Jordy!
One of my most vivid childhood memories is harvesting vegetables in my Nonno and Nonna’s garden. It wasn’t just a chore; it was a ritual. We would pull zucchinis from their vines, dig up potatoes, and pick tomatoes warmed by the sun. That evening, those same vegetables would become the centrepiece of our family meal. Sitting at the table with loved ones, sharing food grown with care, I learned a lesson that has stayed with me: health is not just about the body. It’s about the rituals that connect us to something deeper.
Food as Medicine, Culture as Care
In Italian culture, food is more than sustenance; it’s an act of care, a way of saying “I see you, I value you.” Meals are prepared with intention, using fresh ingredients that nourish both body and spirit. These practices are not just cultural traditions; they are forms of preventative healthcare. They reinforce the idea that how we eat, who we eat with, and the stories we share around the table all contribute to our wellbeing.
Contrast this with the other side of my upbringing, shaped by contemporary Australian life. Here, meals were often quicker, more convenient, and less connected. Sugary snacks and processed foods were common, and while they were exciting as a kid, they lacked the grounding presence of those slow-cooked, vegetable-filled meals at Nonna’s table. Looking back, it’s clear to me how these contrasting approaches to food reflect broader differences in how we think about health.
The Rituals We’ve Lost
In modern healthcare, much like in contemporary life, we’ve lost many of the rituals that sustain us. Visits to the doctor are often transactional, focused on symptoms and quick fixes rather than understanding the full story of a person’s life. The same is true for the way many of us eat and live. Fast food and hectic schedules leave little room for connection, slowing down, and truly listening to our bodies.
A Call to Rediscover Connection
What if we brought the same care and intention to healthcare that my Nonna brought to her kitchen? What if we saw each patient as someone with a unique story, shaped by their culture, community, and personal rituals? This is the idea that drives my work at Mode Healthcare. We’re not just treating symptoms; we’re asking how we can help patients reconnect with the rituals that make them whole.
This isn’t just about nostalgia for simpler times. It’s about recognising that health is deeply personal and deeply cultural. Whether it’s the food we eat, the people we surround ourselves with, or the habits we form, these everyday choices are the foundation of our wellbeing.
An Invitation to Reflect
As you think about your own health, I invite you to reflect on the rituals in your life. What brings you joy and connection? Are there practices from your past that you’ve left behind but could rediscover? And how can we, as a society, create space for these rituals to flourish again?
Thank you for allowing me to share this reflection. Let’s work together to build a healthcare system – and a way of life – that values connection as much as it values cures
Start Your Health Journey Today
At Mode Healthcare, we believe everyone deserves access to care that looks at the bigger picture. By asking your GP for a referral, you’re taking the first step toward a healthier, brighter future. We can’t wait to welcome you to our clinic and help you achieve your health goals.
