Chewing for Peace

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Daily living in a modern society can be busy. Within the course of one morning, it is easy to over commit and find oneself rushing to get from A to B, to get the school lunches ready for the day, to prepare your own lunch, to have the time to sit, meditate, exercise, drink your warm water, have a shower, make your breakfast, eat your breakfast, decide what you will wear, brush your teeth and finally get out the door.

Deep breath, that is an active morning!

So your morning might not look quite like that and may have it’s own unique features.

It is common that our lives have become busier than the ‘olden days’. Technology has streamlined many activities and tasks as well as enabled us to be more productive and in general, ‘do more’.

This can be a great blessing. This can also be a good time to remember the value of having time to sit, be still and savour the moments that make up your day.

When we get ‘busy’ simple activities like eating can become restricted to a certain amount of time. Look at the clock, five minutes to eat breakfast. Gulp, gulp, gulp, out the door!

We start  to inhale our breakfast, rather than sit and CHEW what it is we are taking in.

It is admirable to make sure that breakfast is eaten, however the stress involved with rushing can create your digestive system to tense,  your mind to become anxious and your nervous system to be in flight or fight mode, rather than rest and digest.

With this response in your body, digestion can become heavy and imbalances can start to occur.

It is at times like this that stopping and taking five conscious breaths into your belly can help the nervous system to calm down, relax and rebalance.

This could be where saying ‘grace’ before a meal once came from. The act of sitting still for a moment to centre your mind and body, gives gratitude to the energy and life that has gone into your meal as well as calms the body, so that when you take your first bite, you are present, centered and able to digest your meal properly.

Chewing is one of the first stages of digestion. Through this process, signals are sent to the organs of digestion to release enzymes, acids and juices that are needed for proper assimilation and elimination of the meal you are eating. This leads to peaceful digestion and nourishment of the cells and tissues in your body.

Like our physical digestion, we have mental digestion, which requires the same amount of mindfulness to keep the system clear and peaceful.  When we are busy and miss out on time to eat our meals in a peaceful way, we also miss out on being able to digest our thoughts, feelings and emotions properly, which can lead to clogging of the channels and mental ‘indigestion’.

Here is a simple mantra to keep in mind for creating peace with-in and peace with-out…

Rather than trying to DO more,  CHEW more.

When we take the time to really chew our meal, or chew our thoughts… a profound sense of inner peace and relaxation comes about, as we have given our mind’s and bodies the space they need to assimilate, transform and eliminate what we have put in.

Next time you sit down for your meal try the follwing:

  • Take a moment to give thanks for the food and the energy from others and yourself that has gone into bringing it to your table. This will calm and centre your mind and body, bringing you into the present moment.
  • Take one mouthful at a time and enjoy the process of chewing, allowing the mouthful to become smooth and broken down into a paste. This will streamline the job of your stomach and intestines, allowing the enzymes and acids to mix easily with the food and digestion to be peaceful.
  • As you enjoy each mouthful, be aware of the various tastes and textures of what you are eating. It takes the brain 20 minutes to realize that you are full when you are eating. By chewing your food properly, the brain has more time to tell you when you are full, before you get full. This can help prevent over-eating, which can burden your digestive system and leave you feeling heavy.
  • Chewing can be a meditation. Chew your thoughts in the same way, through taking some deep breaths, giving gratitude and sitting still with yourself, allowing any undigested thoughts, feeling or emotions to come to the surface and then dissolve with your awareness.

Through chewing our food, thoughts, feelings and emotions with a greater sense of mindfulness, we relax the nervous system, digestive system and mind. This removes blockages on the physical or emotional level that could prevent proper nourishment from coming into our bodies and allows for true nourishment from the inside out.

Chew chew chew, for peace within and without. x

Ayurvedic Digestion Tip: Shower before eating…

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According to Ayurvedic medicine it is best to shower before eating, rather than after.

When we eat, our blood goes to the stomach and centre of our body for digestion to take place. When we shower, through the pressure of the water and the temperature, blood is directed back out to the extremities, distracting the body from it’s task of digestion.

For smooth, easy, sound digestion try showering before breakfast or dinner and see if you can notice a difference.

It becomes a nice ritual, to cleanse and purify the body, then enjoy nourishing it with your wholesome food!  A simple alteration that can make a big difference to the effectiveness of your digestion over time.

It feels so good to be fresh and sparkly before eating and you will smell lovely for your own company or those who you will be sharing your meal with.

To happy eating & healthy digestion! x

“Only eat what you can digest”. ~Jayadharma 

Ayurvedic Turmeric Chai Recipe

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Immune boosting deliciousness…

Turmeric is a natural ‘anti-biotic’, anti-inflamitory super spice!

Traditionally ‘Chai’ is made using black tea, Cow’s milk and a lot of sugar. These traditional Chai recipes can have their place. In India Chai is a social currency and without the black tea, milk and sugar it is quite possible that the train stations would stop and India would come to a stand-still. It really is a huge part of life and if you have ever sampled the Chai over there, you will know that it can be quite addictive!

This ‘Spiced Turmeric’ Chai Recipe is a delicious ‘medicinal’ (yet still so yummy) Chai that is warming, grounding, nourishing and calming all year round, through each season and time of the day or night.

It can be made with fresh Almond milk, Rice Milk or purely on water for a ‘dairy-free’ alternative or with a Organic Unhomogenised Cow’s milk for a more grounding, rich brew.

The choice of milk is up to you. Listen to your body and what it feels would be most balancing. Using the purest quality Organic Spices will make a difference, allowing for not only greater nutritional goodness within the spices to be available for your body, good quality spices will also offer greater flavour, aroma and will give your Chai a touch of magic!

Ingredients:

  • Fresh Turmeric Powder
  • Fresh Ginger
  • Cardamon pods
  • Cinnamon powder & or stick.
  • Cloves (optional)
  • Nutmeg (optional)
  • Fennel seeds
  • Rice Milk (Organic Un-homogenised Cow’s milk can also be used).

The secret to this Chai is to use an abundance of fresh Ginger! You can grate the Ginger or slice it finely. The quantity is up to you.

Steps:

  1. Pour 2 cups of milk (or water) into your pot
  2. Add fresh ginger
  3. Add a teaspoon of cardamon
  4. Add a 1/4 of teaspoon of cinnamon
  5. Add a pinch of Nutmeg
  6. Add a few cloves
  7. Add a pinch of fennel seeds
  8. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Turmeric powder and stir
  9. Allow to boil, then allow to cool down before straining & serving!

Yum!

Happy spicing, drinking & loving!

A New Cycle – 2013

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Today, the 12.1.13 is the first New Moon of this new year. The New Moon represents the beginning of a new cycle. A time to reset and start from scratch, to lay the foundations for what will unfold as we move towards the full moon and the fullness of this year.

Ayurvedic medicine has a deep connection and respect for the moon. The moon governs the water element within our body, and our bodies are made up of up to 60% water. When the moon goes through it’s cycles (changing daily), on a subtle level we too are going through cycles and changes internally and externally.

Some may notice that their emotions vary quite dramatically throughout the course of a month. Females having a larger proportion of the water element in their make-up can notice a big difference in their body, mind and emotions as the moon goes from new moon to full moon. Being aware of this can be a wonderful way to gain a deeper appreciation, acceptance and understanding of why we may feel more emotional on some days and very clear and calm on others.

We are connected to nature. The Sun and the Moon play a big role in our lives. When the sun rises, it signals our body to wake up and start a fresh day. When the sun-sets and the moon rises, it signals going within and time for rest and rejuvenation.

Seeing the sunrise and spending time bathing in moon-light feels good!

Since there is a balance of both elements within our body, seeing these beautiful wonders of nature reminds us on a deeper level of who we are and what we are made of.

With this in mind, today is the first new moon. Make the most of this fresh energy with a simple activity of writing down on a piece of paper what you intend for your year ahead. Take ten minutes to do this with yourself. Draw, make dot points, however you feel to express. While today is a ‘good’ day for doing this, you can do this any day of the year… Setting intentions can be a 24/7 activity if you wish!

I wish for you all a year of health, peace, joy, creativity, beauty & love!

Welcome to the first post of 2013. It is a honour and joy to share with you this new space on such a appropriate day, the beginning of a ‘new cycle’.

With love & wholesome loving wishes for an amazing year ahead!

x Lorien

 

Simple One Pot Kitchari Recipe

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Kitchari Recipe

Ingredients: Split Moong Dhal, Basmati rice, Cummin, Coriander, Coconut oil or Ghee, Himalayan Salt, Spinach! So easy to digest, nourishing & in Ayurvedic texts said to be a ‘complete protein’!

1. Add 1 tblsp Ghee or Coconut oil

2. Once melted, add 1/4 teaspoon of Cummin seeds & Coriander seeds. Allow to toast.

3. Add 1/2 a chopped Onion, a few slices of chopped Ginger & 1/2 a clove of chopped Garlic & toast. (Garlic & Onion is optional).

4. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder & stir.

5. Add 2 cups of soaked & rinsed lentils.

6. Add 1 cup of rice.

7. Stir & toast in the spices for a few minutes to lighten the lentils & rice for improved digestion.

8. Add 8 cups of boiling water & stir. Allow to gently boil.

9. Add a pinch of Himalayan salt

10. Continue to stir regularly

11. When Rice & Moong become creamy, turn off the heat and add some freshly chopped Spinach and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes before serving. Adding the spinach last will ensure that it stays fresh and full of life force!

Serve with some chutney, fresh coriander on top & a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to nourish all the six tastes and promote great digestion.

(Note: Add more water to make your Kitchari lighter and more cleansing, and slightly less if you want a heavier and more grounding meal.)

Ginger Water

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Ginger Water

Sipping on warm ginger water is a simple & gentle Ayurvedic remedy used to improve digestion, circulation, clear the mind, cleanse toxins & naturally make you feel light & bright!

Simply finely chop or grate some fresh Ginger (organic is best!), place in our tea pot or cup and add hot water. Allow to sit and gain ‘gingery’ strength, then enjoy drinking it when it has cooled down to a warm temperature.

Ginger is regarded in Ayurvedic medicine as a wonderful healing herb/food that can be used on a daily basis. Ginger’s warming qualities are supportive to the digestive fire, boosting for the immune system, assists in nausea and morning sickness and at times when the body or mind is feeling heavy, lethargic and slugish. Since ginger is warming, it helps to improve circulation and allow toxins to be released from the channels within the body, allowing proper flow and harmony.

Ginger is such a wonderful food that can be used as a daily medicine. Enjoy cooking with ginger in soups, stir fry’s, dhal’s, kitchari and any other savoury dish, where you wish to add a gentle warming flavor. Enjoy sipping on warm fresh Ginger water through-out your day to keep your channels open and digestion strong.

 

How to Make your own Ghee

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The benefits of Ghee in your life…
♥ Aids digestion
♥ Stimulates the secretion of stomach acids, which aids digestion & assimilation of nutrients (vitamins & minerals).
♥ Good for learning & memory.
♥ Is rich in Antioxidants
♥ Nourishes all 7 tissues of the body
♥ Strengthens the bodies immune system
♥ Has a high concentration of Butyric acid, a fatty acid that conatins anti-viral properties and is believed to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumours!
♥ Balancing for the nervous system which creates warm, happy, wholesome, loving, good thoughts feelings and emotions.

AND… you can make it yourself at home which add’s the special ingredient of LOVE into your diet!

Watch this little video to learn how to make your own Wholesome batch of Ghee!  Yum!

Ayurvedic Quinoa Porridge Recipe

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Porridge is so warming, nourishing & restorative for the body. Great for grounding your energy at the start of your day!

(Serves 2 people.) 

Certified Organic Ingredients:

      • 2 tsp’s of Ghee or Coconut Oil
      • 2 cups of Quinoa flakes
      • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
      • 4 Cardamon pods opened
      • Pinch of Fennel seeds
      • 1 tbsp Jaggery, Coconut Sugar or Rapadura
      • 4 Blanched Almonds
      • 12 Raisins
      • 3 to 4 cups of Hot water

Method:

1. Add your Ghee or Coconut oil to your pot & warm
2. Add Quinoa flakes & stir to toast the grain
3. Once smelling, looking & feeling ‘toasted’ add hot water & stir.
4. Add Cinnamon, Cardamon, Fennel & stir.
5. Add Raisins, Jaggery/Coconut sugar & stir regularly until Porridge becomes creamy & smells yummy!
6. Serve with 2 Blanched Almonds & some Raisins on top for presentation!

Enjoy!

Note: This Porridge can also be made with milk (un-homogenised, raw Organic milk is best). Simply use 1/2 milk and half water instead of all water.

*Feel free to add some more Water during the process if it looks to thick, and if it look too thin and runny you can add a few extra Quinoa flakes.

 

Staying Cool this Summer

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Today is the first day of Summer, a season that is predominant with the elements of Fire + Water (Pitta). Summer is a beautiful time of year to relax with the warmth of the enviornment around you and also a good time to stay cool.

Some simple tips for staying cool the Ayurvedic way:

  • Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the cooling qualities of Sunrise.
  • Walk on dewy grass to balance the fire element and cool your liver.
  • Enjoy fresh Coriander and Fennel seeds in your cooking, they are naturally cooling and avoid heating spices like chilli and mustard.
  • Enjoy seasonal fresh juicy cooling fruits such as Berries, Watermelon and Papaya. (Always eat fruits by themselves and watermelon always 20 mins away from other fruits).
  • It is easy to reach for ice cold drinks, however this hampers your digestive fire (Agni). Drink room temperature water or slightly warm, Your digestion will thankyou for it.
  • Enjoy Aloe Vera juice, Cucumber, fresh greens, light vegie soups and fresh fruit
  • Swim in fresh water and spend time in nature amongst lush green tree’s. Simply connecting with ‘cooling’ environments like this can make a huge difference to your entire wellbeing! 

lorien at the waterfalls

The Simplicity of Eating Well

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Eating well can be simple. It is about reducing the amount of packaged items in your fridge & pantry and increasing the amount of fresh, alive, real, wholefoods such as vegies, fruit, legumes & whole-grains! Being aware of what you are buying will make a big difference to the way you eat, which will make a huge difference to your overall health & wellbeing!