Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year Soup Notes +
Notes to my Soup Subscribers
1st week of January 2011
Monastery Lentil Soup
An old time comfort food – one of my earliest
vegetarian soups I’ve been sharing with guests
since the 1970’s – taken from Frances Moore
Lappe’s Diet for a Small Planet – and updated
with Daiya dairy and soy-free grated Mozzarella.
This hearty stick to the ribs soup is a meal in
itself served along with some crusty bread/corn
tortilla and a lovely raw salad.
Soup ingredients include red lentils, yellow onion,
olive oil, tomatoes, carrots, thyme, kelp, lemon pepper and
marjoram. Serve piping hot poured over the Daiya grated
mozzarella - stir well to melt - and garnish with the chopped
cilantro.
Chanting Ingredients include:
Navkar Mantra
From Thik Naht Khan:
Breathing in Cherish Yourself
Breathing Out Cherish The World
From Hopi Wisdom:
I Walk in Beauty
Beauty is Before me
Beauty is Behind me
above and below me
Sim Shalom: Let there be Peace
The gentle art of gastronomy is a friendly one. It hurdles the language barrier, makes friends among civilized people and warms the heart. Samuel Chamberlain
Bon Appetito! L'Chaim! In Joy!!
All Blessings of Compassion for the New Year!
Your singing soup-maker, Sharda
http://www.CelebratingtheInnerHealer.blogspot.com
412 656 4645
From you I receive, To You I give, Together we share and From this we live
Many Species...One Planet...One Future
~I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:
© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com
Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/
Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com
Or on its unique radio channel at:
Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Get Ready Get Set:
Get Ready to Kickstart Your Health on Jan. 3!
Based on research by Neal Barnard, M.D., one of America’s leading health advocates, this program is designed for anyone who wants to explore and experience the health benefits of a vegan diet. Low-fat vegan—plant-based—diets are the easiest way to trim excess weight, prevent diabetes, cut cholesterol, lower blood pressure, prevent and reverse heart disease, and reduce cancer risk. They even trim our carbon footprint.
Check out the website - amazing online supports - menus - recipes - podcasts:
Sign up at http://21daykickstart.org/
PS My Pittsburgh January soup subscription includes five weeks. If you would like a delivery/give a gift of health for 2011 - I have a couple more reservations available - if you register by Friday December 31:
You will receive a quart each Monday:
Jan. 3 Lentil tomato
Jan. 10 Mushroom Barley
Jan 17 Special Miso
Jan. 24 Vegan Italian Wedding Soup with seiten neatballs
Jan. 31 Tomatoe Spinach - Ayuvedic bone healing soup
From you I receive, To You I give, Together we share and From this we live
Many Species...One Planet.....One Future
~I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:
© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com
Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/
Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com
Or on its unique radio channel at:
Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years
Monday, December 27, 2010
Notes to my Soup Subscribers
Enjoy your soup this week -- either my special delivery or one of your very own making!
Curried Butternut Squash
Kretschman Farm apples and squash along with Clarion River organic squash from Sligo PA are blended with the special Magic Mineral Broth c tm. This delicious and restorative veggie base was created by Chef Rebecca Katz and conveyed by ‘Chefnurcian’ Laura Pole. who I had the joy of meeting at a Smith Farm Retreat in Maryland (learn more at EatingforaLifetime.com)
Additional ingredients include olive oil, yellow onion,dried ginger and curry, almond butter and mango chutney. If you prefer a thinner/richer version, you could add coconut, almond, oat or rice milk.
Chanting ingredients:
Navkar Mantra
Kamiya Kamaviya Forgiveness Prayer
Threshold Choir:
If not love what are we here for
May eternal Light surround you
While pouring and sealing:
Jain Meditation Int’l Center grace:
From you I receive, To you I give,
Together we share, And from this we live.
It is wonderful if we chose the right diet, what an extraordinarily small quantity would suffice. Gandhi
Bon Appetito! L'Chaim! In Joy!!
Your singing soup-maker, Sharda
From you I receive, To You I give, Together we share and From this we live
Many Species...One Planet...One Future
~I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:
© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com
Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/
Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com
Or on its unique radio channel at:
Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years
Monday, December 20, 2010
Soup's On!
Notes to my Soup Subscribers
3rd week of December 2010
Enjoy your soup this week!
Hearty Farm fresh Vegetable Soup
The Chinese yam makes a comeback
to deepen the healing properties of
this veggie soup – yes soup at last!!
The Kreschman Farm additional root
veggies are included: carrots, turnips,
potato, along with local organic swiss chard,
onions, celery, garlic, shallots, pears, cabbage
and split mung and for some added protein
and texture. Seasonings include, paprika,
poultry herbal blend and EEFCoop not-chicken
flavored broth and my fav Trader Joe’s
lemon-pepper sea salt.
The chanting ingredients include:
Namkar Mantra
Threshold Choir songs:
You Are loved.
Rest Easy.
Easy, rest easy,
Let all your troubles drift away.
Easy, rest easy,
Love surrounds you and holds you safe.
And during pouring and packing:
From the Dances of Universal Peace repertoire:
May All beings be well,
May All beings be happy,
Peace, Peace, Peace.
(Om Shanti, shanty, shanti)
Non cooks think its silly to invest two hours'
work in two minutes' enjoyment, but if cooking
is evanescent, well, so is the ballet. Julia Child
Bon Appetito! L'Chaim! In Joy!!
Your singing soup-maker, Sharda
21-Day Vegan Kickstart Less than a month till the next Kickstart! Perfect New Year's resolution! http://21daykickstart.org/
From you I receive, To You I give, Together we share and From this we live
Many Species...One Planet...One Future
~I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:
© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com
Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/
Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com
Or on its unique radio channel at:
Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years
Saturday, December 18, 2010
December 8 – January 5, 2011
Once again, I'm sharing the Taoist Astrological Monthly Report produced by Phil Jannetta
As we celebrate the holidays, there is much opportunity for personal health and well-being. What we do (or fail to do) now will greatly influence our experiences in the new year. I hope these reports help you thoroughly enjoy the season and find renewed meaning and purpose as we turn towards the new energy year.I join Phil in wishing you the very best over the holidays – however you celebrate them.
Phil Jannetta is an author and teacher in the fields of macrobiotics and Far-Eastern Energetics who lucky for me, lives in my neighborhood in Pittsburgh. He has an interesting online service providing monthly kernals of wisdom from Taoist astrology that I'm finding very affirming -- perhaps you too will find some useful support in the report covering the time frame from December 8 through January 5 .
General Outlook
Clearly, the holiday season - the period leading up to them, celebrating them, and unwinding and recovering from them – dominate our experiences in December. Ironically, the month is notorious for its potential for increased stress and sadness that can deepen into depression. Part of this dynamic is the spreading darkness that creeps into both ends of the day - dawn and dusk - as we drift towards the year’s shortest days.
Another factor is the operation of the dynamic of “misdirection,” found throughout life. At a time when natural forces are directing our attention inward – toward quietness and self-reflection, taking stock and making plans - social forces focus on the decidedly external activities that test our judgment and best intentions. The full force of advertising is now turned on young and old alike. Messages stoke the fires of material and emotional perception. Issues of self-image and self-worth are heavily employed in the attempt to have us to act in ways (buying and spending, excess and indulgence) that may not be conducive to our own and our family’s present and future well-being. The failure to address our inner self can result in frustration and deep-seated dissatisfaction that could last well into spring.
Emphasizing the material, we collectively (cultures and communities, families and individuals) fail in the essential task at this time of year for renewing the spirit. Too often we mistakenly seek to satisfy the genuine need for meaning and purpose, hope and comfort, family and friends, from sources bound to disappoint.
Energetics – There could be a “wintry” feel to December, not simply in the actual weather, but in our mood and levels and physical vitality as well. The energetic imperative now will be for:
1) Conserving resources - be prepared for unexpected demands of various types,
2) Replenishing yourself – physically, psychologically and spiritually, and
3) Purification – the letting go of mistaken impressions, assumptions and expectations that have accumulated over the year.
Implications – December highlights a pair of complementary activities. To benefit from the month’s mystery and yes, even magic, the advice is to consciously and enthusiastically participate in the duality this duet performs. In nature, abundance and fullness are invariably balanced by scarcity and emptiness. If we are wise, we can avoid the subtle hazards of overabundance and the obvious risks that come with insufficiency.
In preparation for the year-end celebration, the advice is to make the effort to first “empty” yourself of excess, wherever and in whatever form you find it. Do this in ways that reflect your own sensibilities, not in conformance with conventional sensibilities. Experience the genuine and profound sense of lightness that comes by giving away items you no longer use, and recycling what is no longer in working order.
Symbols and Associations – An awareness of traditional symbols and associations can help us understand our own evolving needs, drives and emotions as the months and seasons progress. December brings two powerful symbols (and their numerous associations):
The Winter Solstice – Arriving this year on December 21 (and accompanied by a total lunar eclipse), the solstice marks the year’s longest night and the start of winter on the solar calendar. Interestingly, it is also a major turning point towards light (the daylight hours slowly begin to lengthen, minute by minute).
Representing a journey’s full circle, the winter solstice is both an ending and a beginning – a two-edge sword that can be wisely or harmfully used. In this case, knowledge and awareness are crucial.
The New Year (and the End of the Current Year) – Bringing an affirming combination of hope, expectation, and celebration, the new year is a milestone marking a major shift of emphasis and influence.
Associations - Endings and Beginnings / Death and Rebirth / Past and Future - winter’s somber feel now shifts towards hopefulness and joy.
Light and Color – The seasonal colors are both magical and powerful.
Green (think of evergreens) represents renewal, youthfulness, the promise of spring, growth and vitality. In winter, green mysteriously adds a feel of warmth when the natural landscape is otherwise bleak. (In hot weather green brings fresh, cool relief.)
Red is a symbol of celebration and happiness throughout Asia. To all, it brings a welcome feel of warmth and stimulation. A strong heart and robust blood are bodily representations.
Ironically, red is related to complimentary images – the merriment and benevolence of Santa Clause, and the horror of hellish beings and of hellish states of being. It is our own condition that determines how we perceive, interpret and experience the implications of red.
Human Image – The qualities of purification and renewal will be highlighted this December.
1 Red reflects the valuable process of “going through the fire.”
This act serves to remove (burn off) what is unnecessary, harmful or mistaken in our perceptions and behavior. In the heat of high summer this occurs spontaneously (a involuntary process). As the year winds down, it is a voluntary process – it is up to us to clear the way for the new influences of the coming year.
2 Green speaks of renewal and rebirth – the promise of fresh opportunities, new areas of emphasis and a lightening of spirit. Just remember that the green energy of shrubs and trees depends on deep, healthy roots. Attend to your own roots.
Commentary – The irony at this time of year is that without the activities summarized by the red color, the promises associated with the green color are limited – growth must be preceded by consolidation, roots grow before foliage, renewal is born from letting go.
Suggestions include:
~Just as we discard the shell to enjoy the nut it contains, it is now time to actively release the superficial aspects and embrace the essential meaning of our experiences over the past year.
~Joyfully practice the spirit of kindness and charity – give of your time and talents, energy and experience, as appropriate.
~ Celebrate and delight both in the season’s enchantment, and in the awareness of fellowship that reminds us that we are members of a great web of beings with the creativity to make our world a safe, supportive family.
Food (The primary way we adjust to changing environmental influences, remain in touch with ever-shifting energies, and nourish our selves through the various stages of life, is with daily diet.)
December brings two points of focus – Simple yet strong foods (and cooking styles) are followed by the Foods of Celebration that herald the Year-End holidays. We are now actively compensating for the sun’s retreat by using food to stoke our “internal fire.” We need more high-quality oil (an essential nutrient), slightly more sea salt (another dietary essential), complex carbohydrates, and rich dishes (a continuation from November).
If we are not careful, strong cravings for (and indulgence in) sweets, alcohol, soft dairy foods, and other extremes, can now play havoc with physical and psychological health. As a result, the year’s most festive time, could find us suffering from the elimination mechanisms of fever and coughs, emotional ups and downs, and an acute sense of spiritual disconnect.
The advice is to be conscientious now.
1) Pay attention to (and anticipate) cravings, and satisfy them in wholesome ways.
2) Provide the nourishment and energy the body needs to cope with weather extremes.
3) Delight in the holidays in a mindful way and avoid the binging that inevitable imbalance body and mind.
Special Energy Days – There are days each month when the energy is especially active and bright, and others when it is slow and dull. This is true generally, and is not specific to individual natures. (Rather than basing your actions on the following dates, review them once they are past to see if this rings true in your own life.)
December’s Fortunate Dates – 12, 18, 24, 30
Inauspicious Dates – 11, 17, 23, 29
© Phil Jannetta 2010
Thanks, again, Phil, for the enlightening notes to ourselves! If you'd like to subscribe directly with Phil for 2011 - do contact him at:
E-Mail philjannetta@hotmail.com
21-Day Vegan Kickstart Less than a month till the next Kickstart! Perfect New Year's resolution! http://21daykickstart.org/
From you I receive, To You I give, Together we share and From this we live
Many Species...One Planet...One Future
~I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:
© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com
Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/
Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com
Or on its unique radio channel at:
Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years
Friday, December 17, 2010
Week Two Notes to my Soup Subscribers
2nd week of December 2010
Enjoy your savory ‘stew’ this week:
Middle Eastern Sleek ala Sharda
I’ve added sea salt, lemon pepper, kelp
And leeks to the traditional ingredients
Of kale, black-eyed peas, yellow onions
And bulgar ( cracked wheat). Again, a
protein packed, stick to the ribs meal in
a bowl, with lots of minerals, vitamins
and tons of fiber!
Some folks are used to garnishing Sleek with
some salty crumbled feta – instead, I’ve
included a sample packet of Daiya's
grated ‘mozzarella’ – a dairy-free, soy-
free alternative. (Place it in your bowl
first to encourage melting – then toss
the steaming hot sleek with it and finally
drizzle fresh lemon juice to taste and
garnish with the additional fried onions.
The chanting ingredients include:
Namkar MantraSinging two Threshold choir songs:
Since Love is why I'm here
Since Love is why I'm here, Let me be an open channel
Since Love is why I'm here, let me give and then receive.
Up from the Earth (the self-healing song)
Final chant while pouring and sealing:
Sarve bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Santu Niramayah
The ancient universal prayer:
May all living beings know real happiness and the
source of happiness within.
May all living beings become free from delusion,
disharmony and disease.
May all perceive the true, the good and the beautiful
with clarity of mind and purity of perception.
May no one, not even the tiniest of creatures,
become a victim or cause of pain, suffering, torture
or killing.
May everyone revere the sanctity of life
To eat is human, to digest, divine. Charles T. Copeland
Bon Appetito! L'Chaim! In Joy!!
Your singing soup-maker, Sharda
From you I receive, To You I give, Together we share and From this we live
Many Species...One Planet...One Future
~I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:
© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com
Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/
Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com
Or on its unique radio channel at:
Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
More Soup notes for Healthy Happy 'burghers
So here is the upcoming schedule :
Dec. 27 Butternut Squash
Jan. 3 Lentil tomato
Jan. 10 Mushroom Barley
Jan 17 Special Miso
Jan. 24 Vegan Italian Wedding Soup with seiten neatballs
Jan. 31 Tomatoe Spinach - Ayuvedic bone healing soup
I am grateful to all the seen and unseen patrons of the zoupa!
Perhaps you'd like to request gift certificates for the January Soup subscription. Who do you know who would appreciate receiving this unique gift of health?
Pittsburghers can contact the Singing Soup maker to request online registration for January ( paid by December 27) ASAP. Subscriptions are limited. Orders reserved with a check/cash $45 by the last Monday of each month will receive one quart weekly. ( If requesting a second/third quart for the series of five weeks add an addition $22 per month.
Single quarts may be available week-to-week - call to request a week in advance ($12 per quart)
Total orders are limited right now, so order soon!
From you I receive, To You I give, Together we share and From this we live
Many Species...One Planet...One Future
~I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:
© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com
Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/
Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com
Or on its unique radio channel at:
Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years
Friday, December 10, 2010
Ingredients for Soup as Medicine Soup as Love
First week of December 2010
FYI: Here's a copy of the notes enclosed in the first week's soup delivery:
Enjoy your soup this week:
Shitake Mung Bean Brown Rice
with Chinese root veggie
An Asian fusion of powerful ingredients to strengthen, balance and harmonize all systems.
Mung bean broth has been my answer to the comfort and restorative powers of my childhood chicken soup. The added mushrooms add texture interest and healing properties acclaimed by our macrobiotic friends.
Along with the ingredients in the title, there is a
bit of cumin seeds, tumeric, coriander, Hungarian paprika (honoring the Mama and Grandmama) dry ginger, garlic, olive oil, leeks and shallots.
The chanting ingredients include:
Namkar Mantra – bringing in the light energy of
all those who have walked the path of self-realization from all traditions in all times.
(I always begin centering/clearing myself with this one)
Chanting: Thank You
Singing: I Am Sending You Light
Chanting: The Forgiveness Prayer: Kamiya Kamaviya
Final chant while pouring and sealing:
Shivum Astu:
Let the whole universe be blessed
May everyone be concerned with one another's
well-being,
May all the faults, weakness, suffering evaporate and vanish
May everyone, everywhere be healthy, happy, peaceful and blissful.
Beautiful Soup! Who cares for fish, game or any other dish?
Who would not give all else for two pennysworth only of beautiful soup? Lewis Carroll
Bon Appetito! L'Chaim! In Joy!! Namaste!
Your singing soup-maker,
Sharda
Many Species...One Planet...One Future~I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and Reverence for All Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.comListen at: http://tinyurl.com/Blog: http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ on its unique radio channel at:Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally, for over thirty-five years.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Soup is Served!!
I introduced a unique Shitake Mung Brown Rice Soup. Included in the package was a sample of a traditional Indian bread - "Dokla" that I'm working on -- a lovely accompaniment to soups -- its packed with Chickpea protein and seasoned with a little cumin and mustard seeds with canola oil, fresh cilantro and coconut -- needing to be warmed up before serving. I'm eager to hear how it was received. While attending a community suprise 16th Birthday celebration for Pooja Pokharna at our Jain Hindu Temple , I got some great tips for improving my dokla making by Miraben Shah. I think all Jain women are expert cooks. I'm going to try it once again -- wish me well! I've decided that if I don't have the light spongy texture down this third try, I will make an appointment to join Garima Jain in her kitchen - and watch the expert. Her Jain vegan dishes continue to gain followers at our Public House and East Liberty Farmer's Market.
Sometimes cooking is an art as well as science, eh?!
So far, I've gotten rave reviews from subscribers on the soup - mixed on the dokla. Next week I'll offer a more familiar soup/ or it may become greens and beans -- since I'm getting lots of kale through a wonderful donation of Kretchman Farm winter CSA share of the week (that's an organic local farm that offers 'community supported agriculture' - subscriptions of weekly produce.
I want to publically acknowledge just some of the thoughtful generous gifts I've already received from soup subscriber benefactors:
Many thanks to Gloria DeRiggi for her seed money that supplied the program with a new large capacity food processor, new chef's knife and packaging materials.
Many thanks to Ernie Abhai Edson for the Kretchman Farm share - fresh local veggies and apples this week.
Many thanks to Dr. Greg Nicosia for his on-going support and gifting part of his multi-quart order to a mutual friend.
Many thanks to Pramoda Chitrabhanu whose 1970's mindful Ahimsa cooking coaching has served me and all of us so well.
And last but closest to my heart, in celebration of my first role model of Food as Medicine Food as Love -- I dedicate this project to the memory of Mama Florence Solomon Segall.
I am grateful to all the seen and unseen patrons of the zoupa!
Perhaps you'd like to request gift certificates for Pittsburghers for the January Soup subscription. Who do you know that would appreciate receiving this unique gift of health?
Stay tuned for some soup reviews -and more news on my dokla-making journey!
Many Species...One Planet...One Future~I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and Reverence for All Life
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.comListen at: http://tinyurl.com/Blog: http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ on its unique radio channel at:Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally, for over thirty-five years.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Widening Horizons: Step back and Clear the Path
Phil Jannetta is an author and teacher in the fields of macrobiotics and Far-Eastern Energetics who lucky for me, lives in my neighborhood in Pittsburgh. He has an interesting online service providing monthly kernals of wisdom from Taoist astrology that I'm finding very affirming. I'm including his latest information below - even though it describes the whole month of November and just the first week of December -- perhaps you too will find something affirming by reflecting on the past month and useful now to support your transition from Fall to Winter - body-mind and or spirit.
General Outlook Horizons widen in November – both literally and symbolically. As the vegetation dies back and trees drop their leaves, the natural landscape exposes a forgotten side of its character. Features previously hidden and vistas obscured for long months now reveal themselves.
This “opening up” is as apparent in our back yard and neighborhood as it is on a walk or drive through the countryside.
Implications - Nature serves as a valuable reminder, through its own example, to psychologically step back, to view the circumstances, direction and path we have walked this year, with a detached perspective (to the extent that detachment is possible when it comes to personal affairs).
Such a review is a vital exercise. It is essential if we are to avail ourselves to the inspiration and stimulation, to the imperative for growth and connectedness that is the essence of creation and the stimulus for continued personal development as we move through our lives.
Symbols and Associations – An awareness of traditional symbols and associations can help us understand our own evolving needs, drives and emotions as the months and seasons progress. The obvious symbols include:
Fire and Light- Holiday candles, lights and color are appropriate ways to balance the sun’s seasonal retreat.
A Hard, Killing Frost- Heralds the end of the growing season and the inclination for our own attention to turn inward and toward the metaphysical.
First Snow- cold and ice – Beneath the snow and frozen ground, the forces of life renew itself for the coming of spring. Do the same for yourself.
Celebrating Abundance – The image of “plenty” includes our material, psychological and spiritual resources. Commemorate those things you treasure and that make life meaningful.
Charity and Donations – What more appropriate way to acknowledge our blessings – small and large - than by sharing with family and friends, and with the less fortunate.
Appreciation and Gratitude – By recognizing, acknowledging and expressing thankfulness for all that is positive in our lives, we foster the “Abundant Mind, Giving Heart” that mirrors the order of life.
Personal Natural Image – November brings a valuable and fleeting (December offers its own emphasis) opportunity to enlarge perception and outlook – to see our lives in the context of the numerous relationships each of us exist within.
The month’s paradox lies in the fact that as the natural landscape opens up, energy is actually moving inward – it is being conserved, concentrated and refined.
Activity is polarized in November. In the plant world, the growth cycle has moved into a stage of dormancy. In the animal world, the picture can be opposite. Song birds have migrated. Many animals hibernate. For those that do not, however, there is a burst of activity motivated by the need to collect and store energy (calories) for the coming winter.
Human Image – The thrust of November’s influence revolves around two imperatives:
1. Taking Stock - reviewing our activities over the past months (the planting, growing and harvest seasons). Before the year ends, there is still time to further our goals, provided they are sharply focused and our efforts are consistently applied.
2. Getting Organized – The final weeks before year’s end are highlighted by the image of straightening up and cleaning out: of putting things in order in anticipation of Winter (both its seasonal and energetic natures.
3. Be Comprehensive - The year’s darkest and coldest days are ahead of us. Modern conveniences shield us from the extremes of physical discomfort. It is emotion and intellect, social and spiritual expression that many of us do a poor job of addressing. There is much to be gained now by examining each of these areas of personal expression. And, opportunities will be lost if we fail in this activity.
4. Acknowledge that there are tasks to be performed, promises to keep (to ourselves and to others) while the weather is still relatively mild. Use the month’s vibrancy to conscientiously set various aspects of your life in order.
Also, be sure to look ahead towards the year’s end and beyond. There is still opportunity for accomplishment, involvement and varied experiences before winter’s quiet sets in. We need only recognize that the time for completion is now at hand.
Commentary –Along with the obvious imperative to get things organized, several qualities support the suggested whole-person approach to self-examination as the year reaches its conclusion:
~ Take time each day to reflect on your experiences over the year. There are lessons, both general and specific, we can learn and apply in daily life based on both the positive and the painful. Do not waste these opportunities for growth. What you learn now will be put to use in coming seasons.
~ Identify key issues in your life that need or should be addressed. Late Autumn’s momentum (widening perspectives) makes this easier than at other times of the year. Do not procrastinate. Time passes quickly now and influences will change.
~Once you have clarified a topic or matter to work on, commit to resolving it. Be determined, intelligent and flexible in doing so.
Food – The primary way we adjust to changing environmental influences is with daily diet. We now naturally start to crave rich, warming foods - Autumn’s comfort foods are sweet, salty and oily, warm, moist and soft. The colors orange, gold and red invariably find their way onto our plate. It is time for warm and moist breakfast porridges. Thoughts may turn to thick soups and rich stews, noodles in a hot broth, and hearty Risotto (my autumn favorites include sweet- squash and mushroom, with daiya non-dairy mozzarelli Risotto). The baking season begins in earnest – for a naturally sweet taste, try baked apples, sweet potatoes or yams. At Phil's house, this is muffin season – primarily because they know how to make them without the eggs, milk, butter and refined sugar that we all avoid. Stay tuned here, I'm hoping Phil will gift us with a vegan muffin recipe soon! Breads and simple seasonal fruit pies round out his family's repertoire -- I've had fun preparing a simple baked fruit with oatmeal-walnut crumble top -- usually apples with either peaches or pinapple.
We turn to these warming foods to compensate for the sun’s retreat and the consequent loss of light and warmth. By exercising our judgment and will, we supply the materials to generate internal heat and light so we can remain active over the winter. Thank you Phil Jannetta!
How have you been celebrating the inner healer during this seasonal transition? Stay tuned for Phil's next Outlook for year's end and start of 2011.
Many Species...One Planet...One Future~I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and Reverence for All Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.comListen at: http://tinyurl.com/Blog: http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ on its unique radio channel at:Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally, for over thirty-five years.