Modeling Well-Being: Gisele Bündchen On Nourishing The Self, The Soul & The Planet | Rich Roll

Added: Mar 25, 2024

In this podcast episode, Gisele Bündchen, a renowned supermodel, shares her journey of transformation and self-discovery. She reflects on her early start in the modeling industry at the age of 14 and how it was initially a means to support her family. Despite her success in the industry, Gisele never let it define her identity. She maintained a grounded perspective and focused on excelling at her job rather than getting caught up in the glamour and excess often associated with the fashion world.

Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Gisele opens up about experiencing anxiety and panic attacks in her early 20s due to the demanding and fast-paced nature of her career. She realized that her unhealthy habits, such as smoking, drinking, and poor eating choices, were taking a toll on her physical and mental well-being. With the help of a natural doctor, she made a conscious decision to change her lifestyle and adopt healthier habits. By replacing destructive behaviors with positive ones like meditation, exercise, and mindful eating, she was able to overcome her anxiety and regain control of her health.

Gratitude and Humility

Gisele remains humble and grateful for the opportunities she received. She attributes her success not to luck, but to hard work, discipline, and a positive attitude. Despite achieving fame and recognition, she never lost sight of her values and continued to treat others with respect and kindness. Her upbringing in a modest family environment instilled in her a sense of responsibility and practicality, which guided her decision-making, such as investing in a property at a young age instead of indulging in luxury items.

Connection to Nature

Gisele's deep connection to nature stems from her upbringing in a small village in Brazil, where she learned to appreciate the Earth's resources and the importance of sustainable living. She witnessed the impact of deforestation and pollution on indigenous communities during a visit to the Amazon in 2004, which inspired her to take action. She has been actively involved in environmental initiatives, such as planting trees in the Amazon and supporting clean water projects in her hometown.

She exposes the hidden agendas behind deforestation, such as mining and logging for precious metals and resources. She emphasizes the need for collective action to protect the Earth's natural resources and preserve the delicate balance of ecosystems. She advocates for sustainable practices and responsible stewardship of the planet to ensure a healthy future for generations to come.

Parenting and Wellness Choices

As a mother of two children and a bonus child, Gisele prioritizes wellness and sustainability in her parenting approach. She believes in leading by example and creating a nurturing environment at home. Her children have been homeschooled and exposed to organic gardening, composting, and beekeeping, fostering a deep connection to nature and sustainable living practices.

Letting Go and Allowing Growth

Gisele reflects on the importance of letting go and allowing her children to explore their own paths. She draws parallels to her own upbringing, where her mother empowered her to make independent decisions and take risks. She encourages her children to embrace their individuality and learn from their mistakes, recognizing that growth and self-discovery are essential parts of the journey to adulthood. She emphasizes the need to trust in the process and have faith in the resilience of the next generation.

Gisele's Upbringing and Values

Gisele talks about her upbringing and how her parents instilled in her the importance of self-sufficiency and responsibility from a young age. She shares how her mother taught her essential life skills like cooking, cleaning, and organizing, which empowered her to live independently at a young age. She emphasizes the value of equipping children with practical skills to become capable and self-sufficient individuals.

The Butterfly Metaphor

Gisele uses the metaphor of a butterfly to illustrate the importance of struggle and growth. She explains how the process of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly requires patience and allowing the natural progression to unfold. She emphasizes the value of allowing children to go through their own challenges and mistakes, as these experiences shape their growth and development.

The Importance of Mindfulness in Eating

Gisele emphasizes the significance of mindfulness and presence in eating. She encourages people to be grateful for the food they consume and to approach mealtime as a moment of connection and gratitude. She believes that practicing mindfulness while eating can enhance the overall dining experience and foster a deeper appreciation for food and nourishment.

Gisele's New Book

Gisele's new book, "Nourish," offers simple and healthy recipes that are accessible and easy to prepare. She shares her inspiration for creating the book, which stemmed from the positive reactions she received from parents whose children enjoyed her nutritious meals. Her recipes focus on using high-quality ingredients, meal planning to reduce food waste, and incorporating mindfulness into the cooking process.

Challenges and Growth

Gisele reflects on her current challenge of practicing patience and acceptance in the face of external noise and distractions. She acknowledges the importance of staying grounded, compassionate, and patient with herself and others. She views challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, emphasizing the importance of accepting things as they are and focusing on what can be controlled.

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