Lee Smith, bachelor of holistic nutrition studies and doctor of naturopathy student, would rather be seen as your friend who knows a lot about natural health than elevate himself to the title of “expert.” He takes a Zen-like approach toward teaching others about natural health. “When I am ready, my students will arrive,” Smith says. He believes you can never stop learning, and he has sought the wisdom of mentors as well as the advice of friends. “I am a student, will become a teacher, and hopefully then can really learn something relevant.”
Smith had to start his own learning process about natural health when conventional medicine could not ease his health complaints that resulted from a kidney disorder. “After five years of feeling worse and worse, I was physically disabled, unable to walk without crutches, 370 pounds, and finally motivated to eat right.” His wife sought the advice of one of their friends when she had to receive chemotherapy in 1997. She was able to boost her immune system by using holistic nutrition, and did not experience nausea or vomiting, two of the typical side-effects of chemotherapy.
Smith consulted the same friend when facing his own health challenges, and went on an extended raw-juice fast. His health, as well as his motivation, greatly benefited as a result. “Seventy days later, I emerged from the fast a lot more motivated to eat healthy foods. I shifted my diet to its present state of 85 to 90 percent raw foods and have never felt better.” He lost 180 pounds, was able to go back to work, and experienced a clarity of mind. It was then that he discovered his mission. “I knew I had to help others who felt helpless to empower their health.”
He found CCNH after a friend and mentor suggested that he could learn more by studying holistic nutrition. Although he is now more knowledgeable about the subject, he doesn’t consider himself an expert and doesn’t want to be viewed as one until he completes his program. He would rather follow in the footsteps of his friend who helped him and his wife overcome their health challenges. “I’ve been reluctant to move forward in charging others for what I know; at least until I complete the CCNH program. For now, I am your friend who knows a lot about health and nutrition, and I am a good friend to have.”
He doesn’t just have a Zen-like approach to learning, he also incorporates an Eastern worldview of integrating mind/body/spirit with his Christian faith, and believes that you must use all three aspects of your being in order to honor God. “Most people in the current movement toward healthy dieting are from an eastern mind-set. I am coming distinctly from a Christian worldview, yet I have the unique perspective that the Bible is an eastern book, written from the eastern mind-set, and intended to be interpreted from a meditative and contemplative mind. The whole duty of mankind is to honor God and though many churches aren’t yet in sync, we must respect our planet, our bodies, and our minds along with our souls.”
Taking better care of his body led to an emotional and spiritual rejuvenation for Smith, proving that we need to experience a renewal of the body in order to have a renewal of the mind, since we are “tri-une beings” and need to be healthy in all three areas — mind, body, and spirit — in order to be in true balance, as Smith states. “During my 70 day detoxification fast, I experienced a revival in my relationships. I came out of my depressed state invigorated to love my wife, serve God, and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Part of his quest for learning more about natural health has included reading books on the subject, and Smith says that Gabriel Cousens is his favorite author on the topic of health “because of his perspective from the polar opposites of medical background and spiritual priesthood. He is incredibly intelligent yet deeply committed to his faith.”
It is only fitting that Cousens is his favorite author, since he embodies what Smith believes — that you must work on the mind as well as the soul, in order to be healthy.
This article was based on an interview with the student.
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