I was elated with the whole experience shared with the seven Tai Ji companions in the garden on Saturday.
Debby said "I found inner peace and love. I really enjoyed myself. Shanti'
Patty said she regretted needing to leave early -- she thanked me said "It was fun. I really appreciate the opportunity to meet Victor and do Tai Ji there. The garden is so beautiful. I really appreciate you including me."
What an awesome experience of celebrating the inner healer with one another...celebrating the interconnectedness of all life...celebrating Eddie's birthday...celebrating a dream come true for me - with Victor producing a series of videos suitable for 'Cyber Companion Self-Care practices - FREE!! 24-7!! in your pjs! Victor's snipped some cuttings of the vibrant water plants for each of us to take home and accompany us in breathing and moving with 'the garden'....How grateful am I??!!!
See http://youtu.be/YF4C_IznfXQ and know that more videos are on the way!
And if your unable to be outside, barefooted or lying on the earth to ground and heal yourself and your world, consider this: http://98.earthing.com
At this very auspicious Eight Days of Forgiveness Celebration* with Jains worldwide focused energetically on purifying, letting go of past mistakes and hurts and appreciating the path of Ahimsa (Reverance for All Life, I'm eager to share with you some of the compassion-inspired writings of a new friend.Paryushana can be translated as - coming close to ones self. Here is the first of a three-part series.
I am happy to introduce guest blogger Warren Grossman whose series of essays about his continual concerns resonated deeply with me (as did his powerful book)-- the title of the complilation Being Healing - magnetically attracted me - and with his permission, I share the title essay here with you.
I met this kindred spirit through my work with Earthing-- a delightful connection made through my enthusiastic sharing the Earthing products with members of my extended family of choice.
I was recently talking by phone with 'sister' Grace Ann (HorseSense at Work) from Los Cruces New Mexico. We were making plans to have a reunion at her folks' in S.Hills. During the conversation, she recognized that a book she bought - and not yet read -- resonated with the experience of grounding that I and her parents had been sharing with her -- Because Grace Ann - was truly listening - and IS my sister - she offered to bring the book to the 'burgh for me -- and so, my friends, keep following us here, for the documenting of the rest of the history-making. I am excitedly anticipating: many many blessings - and more gifts to come from all these connections - celebrating the inner healer more deeply and widely than ever -- so far!!
So enjoy the messages from Warren below -- and do share your comments with us on your experience of healing - being healing. He introduces his essays and philosophy like this:
I am concerned because I live in an irrelevant culture,
a culture lost in fantasies of commerce, fashion, and technology.
Irrelevant means out of touch with life, here and now.
Here on earth.
Now, while we are destroying the earth.
The compilation of essays titled Being Healing is about the embodiment of healing.
Healers might be parents, teachers, managers, neighbors, physicians,
nurses, ancillary medical professionals, or alternative healers
anyone who contributes love to those in need.
A healer's task is to become simpler and more loving.
This will facilitate others in becoming more whole.
That is what healing is,
whether in the form of conventional medicine
or the transfer of energy from one person to another.
He says that these essays are organized around the profound or maybe simple experience of realizing that
I am part of nature
I can love
I can help to improve the lives of others
'Resonate with you? I'm eager to hear your comments.
Being Healing
I was mistaken,
For more than a decade, I had committed myself to being a healer.
I learned how to access natures energy,
to divert it through my heart,
and to choose to love my patients
in the manner that would heal their symptoms.
I was mistaken.
My calling was never to do healing.
My calling was to cultivate the use of my heart,
and then I could be healing.
The phrase be healing is grammatically incorrect.
Our language expresses our culture.
Our culture cannot have words for an idea it lacks.
Improving ourselves, becoming healing, results from
loving more,
being sensitive to nature,
and forgiving when angered or frightened.
Without applying ourselves to these three challenges,
no technique, theory, or good intentions will evoke healing.
When we actively commit
to loving, forgiving, and honoring nature
we improve.
Then, the object of our attention will experience healing,
for we have become a healthier social environment for that person,
Introducing guest blogger,with a transcription of a talk by Pujya Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, my mentor for over forty years. He is the spiritual leader of seekers of peace world wide, who embrace Ahimsa, a main tenant of the ancient Jain tradition; a message most relevant for our times. Some Jains conclude the celebration Thursday evening. I'll participate at the Hindu-Jain Temple in Murraysville PA.
“As we meditate we come to know ourselves. We discover the sacred beauty of life.”
Ahinsa is not a philosophy. Ahinsa is not a religion. Ahinsa is a feeling of life. Many people say, “Ahinsa means don’t hurt anybody. Don’t kill.” That is one meaning, but it is secondary. The first meaning is: “Don’t hurt yourself.” When you hurt some body, you are already violent inside; you lose the feeling of amity. Ahinsa is the road from enmity to amity. From hostility to love! Ahinsa is a subtle thing. It cannot be grasped unless we go deep into ourselves. As we meditate we come to know ourselves. We discover the sacred beauty of life. Unless we have that experience, we may use the word Ahinsa, but it will only be lip service. It will just come from language; it will not emanate from experience. To practice Ahinsa, one has to remove the veil of ignorance about oneself. One has to experience life.
Once we have the experience, we make an inner commitment to practice Ahinsa in three areas: with our actions; with our words; and with our thoughts.
Every night we review our day and ask, “Did I harm myself? Did I have any negative thoughts and feelings toward anybody? Did I criticize anybody? Did I judge anybody?” As we develop the tenderness in ourselves, we see the tenderness in others and become more compassionate toward others. Oncewe see the sacred beauty of life in ourselves, we see that sacred beauty in others. We do not see that person as a man or a woman or a person from a certain sect orreligion. All these obstacles evaporate. Unless we see beyond the barriers, there won’t be peace in the world.
We may talk about peace; but inside we go on creating separation. Some say, “My religion is best; itis the only true religion. And, if you don’t start to practice my religion, you will go to hell.” Such dogmatism and bigotry is also a form of violence. When we practice Ahinsa,we try to understand what others are saying, what they are conveying, what they arefeeling. We listen beyond the words. Once you start practicing, your life becomes an inspiration. Wherever you go your eyes will speak; your feelings will speak; your words will speak; your actions will speak. And people will be changed. Not by your words, but by what they see. When we experience the sacred beauty of life, we experience peace. We inspire peace. Then, there will be peace. There will be peace.
Ahinsa and a meditative mind go hand in hand. Meditation is seeing things as they are. And when you see, you feel and you experience. A child is not thinking; it is experiencing. That is why it does not think that you are old or young, beautiful or ugly. It does not discriminate. It sees life. It connects with life. In meditation we get in touch with life; its depth, its joy, its beauty, its ecstasy. This is our source. But when we think, the mind either worries about the future or has regrets about the past. So, the present slips through our fingers. In meditation, we just feel and live. We are in tune with the experience of life. Life is the experience. Life is not permanent. Life is change. Whatever action comes, it comes from our source. That source we experience and expand in meditation. We tune in. We connect to ourselves, our body, our cells, our vibrations. And we progressively evolve in this change.
If we look at a ray of the sun, one ray, it is white and bright. But if it enters a prism, it becomes like a rainbow. The ray shows only one color, but now in the prism it appears in seven colors. What happened? It isa connection. The drop of water is hanging on the leaf. The sun ray touches it and you see the rainbow in thesmall drop of water You don’t see color in the rain, but there in that small drop it sparkles like a rainbow. The connection makes the change. When we meditate and have pure awareness, we see our own light. We see our own rainbow.
As meditators, we let the addiction to control melt away. We do not live in the future or in the regretful past, but in the pleasant present. Every moment life isvpulsating and moving. We connect each day with oursource and feel the dawn of life. If Ahinsa and a meditative state go hand in hand, then Ahinsa also opens us to the humanity within us and in others. One evening Tagore was writing at a table near the window in the light of his table lamp. He wrote for an hour and a half and it was getting late; he became tired and turned off the lamp to go to sleep. To his surprise, Tagore saw that the room was flooded with moonlight. The moonlight had been in his room for hours, but he had not noticed. Only when he switched off the table lamp, did he see. And he writes, “My table lamp ego did not allow the God-like moon to flood into my life.” As long as we have the small ego lamp, we don’t see the flood of cool, natural light; our ego looks only for that which confirms our beliefs and ideas. “Oh, he speaks of something different from my religion, my belief, my ideas, and my dreams...I don’t want to hear that.” But if you turn off the ego, you realize the very presence of God within you. Once this door opens, you become open. You can listen to others and learn. Everywhere you can see many viewpoints.
In the partnership of love and marriage, you don’t treat your partner as an object of pleasure. Your partner is a partner sharing love; is a partner sharing feeling; is a partner sharing your divinity. And when you look into his or her eyes, you realize that you don’t want to hurt your partner with criticism, finding fault, or blaming the family, You want to understand. When people are not aware of who they are, they go on criticizing, pinching, nagging each other. They do it in the name of perfection, in the name of improvement, in the name of caring, in the name of helping. But violence is present because there is no understanding. No reverence. No love. When we have negativity and hate, do we feel joy? Do we feel love? Do we feel pleasantness? Do our eyes smile? Do our limbs dance? No! Negativity stifles, constricts and confines.
In one Indian town, a woman came to see me. She told me that her mother was sick and wanted me to come and bless her. But I saw that this woman was very old so I asked, “You have a mother?” Yes,” she said. I was curious and asked, “How old are you?” She answered, “I am ninety.” Ninety? I was surprised. A ninety-year old daughter comes to take me to her mother? I asked, “How old is your mother?” “She’s one hundred and ten,” the woman told me. So, I went there. I saw. The mother’s skin was so soft and tender. I touched her and it was like touching the holiest, highest, purest soul. So peaceful! I asked, “What is the secret of your longevity?” And she said, “I love everyone. I don’t hate anybody. When anything happens I tell myself it is my karma. Nobody is responsible for my pain. I am responsible for my pain.”
When we feel the divinity, we can feel the cool, refreshing light of love and joy. We understand our humanity; we understand neighbors, family, people, and the world in which we are living.
Great news! Due to iffy weather Thursday the 25th - we postponed this introduction to Qigong - Chinese Yoga standing exercises - and I have another opportunity to share it with you in the most uplifting environment - The weather promises to be beautiful Saturday the 27th. Hara breathing......mindful walking.......centering and grounding with gentle standing stretches and balances practiced for thousands of years in China and Korea to promote radiant health and spiritual development.
Even if you are not in the 'burgh, you can see a glimpse of the garden as well as my demo of The Tai Ji Dance of the Five Elements (the moving meditative form we practiced last Saturday)
How cool is this - 24-7 cyber-chi with me in the comfort of your own home/garden -- even in your pj's!!
Also: Those bringing a container will receive a clipping of a luscious water plant from Victor's Koi Pond -- you will have a wonderful vital momento to keep the garden experience alive with you at home!
(sorry I've been technically challenged to actually place the videos on this blog entry. When you can take fifteen minutes or less - do watch -- I designed it so that with even two minutes of your time - you can benefit with some centering and grounding for yourself - on call!!
From the Wellness Calender for the 'burgh: Self-Care Summer Saturdays with BodyArts Therapeutics:
The first one is a collaboration with Patty Lemar at The Waldorf School on S. Winebiddle Street Saturday August 6th from 9 am - 5 pm
We've planned a fun day filled with fresh discovery of: local, organic foods, simple cooking, restorative yoga, connecting with one another, reconnecting with ourselves and our earth. Lunch and healthy high tea plus a resource packet are included in the package.
The second one, is scheduled for September 10th 9:15am - 4:00 pm
in Monroeville's Green Wholistic Awareness Center on Cedar's Campus.
I'll introduce my YeSSS Method of Restorative Yoga in a two hour morning session. Each participant will have prescriptive suggestions on how to feel better using this system - taking home some simple, easy to use techniques for first-aid bothered by pain, stiffness or fatigue.
Mid-day we'll enjoy a plant-based locally produced organic lunch with introduction to mindful eating practices.
After enjoying a mindful walk on the property - complete with permaculture project, I'll guide a standing and seated series of Chinese Yoga (qigong) and Hara breathing. My new signature serenading will accompany both the morning and afternoon sessions and if we're lucky the Gong may even be sounded by my colleague, Kundalini Yogi, Satyajeet Singh.
Please note: At each of these events, I will introduce participants to the two extraodinary technologies I've been sharing in BodyArts Therapeutics that are having a profound impact on almost everyone who's experienced them. I will have some on-hand for purchase.
To register for the Saturday Self-Care Samplers go to meet-up open yoga
September 10th at The Holistic Awareness Center Monroeville
Reserve by September 2nd for special discount
Please Keep hydrating! I love fresh lemon or lime halves squeezed in my water - and coconut water for instant refreshment - how about you?
Get Grounded, Centered and Joyful with Fresh Air QiGong and
The Tai Ji Dance of the Five Elements
Summer seemed to be flyin' by and I felt the urgency to plan a couple of reunions in Pittsburgh for Tai Ji Players who enjoyed times past with me in Fox Chapel, Oakmont, Verona, Berkeley Springs, SouthSide Slopes and Aspinwall wonderful community park settings, and for new-comers who'd like to put their toe (and then both feet!) on the earth with us.
I had a very unique invitation to be hosted at the Feng Shui Garden Sanctuary of special friends of the arts, the children, the earth; who are heart-centered community-builders and meditators. (I could really go on!)
So if you are nearby, you are invited to go barefoot and get grounded in my playshops in the 'burgh and I encourage those who are elsewhere in the world to do the same in your own yard/cement porch. Simply lying on the grass - or sitting and reading - barefooted are effective practices - if you can stay there at least forty minutes (the recommended time researchers have stated)
In Victor and Vincenne's feng shui garden, Saturday Aug. 20 and Thursday Aug. 25th 9:30 am I'll be guiding some specific favorite centering and grounding simple exercises - from qigong and energy medicine and sharing The Tai Ji Dance of the Five Elements that has served me well for more than thirty years.
Breathing in the natural beauty, love and light the guided standing barefoot practice will surely be inspired and inspiring - with dear friend Victor Beltran posed behind the video camera. So stay tuned for a few video productions I will finally have to share - and geography - space and time will not again be limiting the opportunities to share the practice!!
The old people came literally to love the soil. They sat on the ground with the feeling of being close to a mothering power. It was good for the skin to touch the Earth, and the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with their bare feet on the sacred Earth. The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing.
Ota Kte (Luther Standing Bear)
Lakota Sioux writer, educator, and tribal leader
Well, what a wonderful suprise vacation I'm beginning tomorrow! Invited to share the driving to Lenox, MA for a few days of R and R at Kripalu Institute - a breathtaking natural setting in the Berkshires - where I can practice what I preach... Great timing really, as I'm planning special events every Saturday in the 'burgh - Self-Care Summer Saturdays in the City........rich with the bounty of summer vitality - in a splendid variety of venues for my BodyArts fans.
I am deepening my personal practice at Kripalu communing with the trees and earth sparked this week having taken in Warren Grossman's book as well as his set of essays.
No doubt the upcoming August BodyArts workshops I'll lead will be sparkling with some fresh jewels from these gifts.
The first Self-Care Saturday in August is a collaboration with Patty Lemar--another passionate foodie who loves sharing and encouraging others with easy prep yummy gluten and casein-free organic foods. We'll all prepare lunch together and even a healthy high tea. We're even including exploring the East Liberty Farmers' Market and there will be some special grounding outside of The Waldorf School -
The second week-end's natural setting will give us the opportunity to be inside a Green space - and outside mindful walking enjoying the unique new permaculture project . Both this August 13th and August 27th - similar programs -different venues offer a great way to 'put your toe in the water' and get an introduction to BodyArts Therapeutics with the creator of The YeSSS Method of Restorative Yoga plus Chinese Yoga (qi - pronounced 'chee' - gong) and The Tai Ji Dance of the Five Elements. Also included is a guided mindful eating practice and a Wellness Resource packet.
During the floor work, using special props, each participant receives prescriptive suggestions on how to feel better using this system - taking home some simple, easy to use techniques for first-aid if bothered by pain, stiffness or fatigue.
And although not a full day immersion, the Return Mountain: Return to the Garden two hour events also in the 'burgh, promises Getting Grounded, Centered and Joyful with Fresh Air QiGong and The TaiJi Dance of the Five Elements in the pristine Feng Shui garden complete with waterfall Koi fish pond, and delightful hospitality by the visionary artist who designed it. Those who dare go barefooted will experience a new dimension in literally re-connecting to nature...those who re not, I promise alternative direct connections...(ya just gotta be there!) (August 20 and 25)
Each of these Self-Care Saturdays are recommended for seasoned practitioners as well as new-comers.
Stay tuned for reports of my adventures in paradise (Kripalu) and later on from participants in these guided Self-care explorations Celebrating the Inner Healer - the oneness of nature. And do tell of yours!!
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread,
places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal
You might think that as a raw food author and chef that she would think she had "tasted it all". But much to her delight,Nomi Shannon was tantalized by many of the recipes she discovered in inviting contributions from her universe. Adding several new spices, oils, and flavors to her own recipes, she said 'I was like a little kid in a candy shop!My already yummy marinara sauce became ambrosial by adding a few drops of essential oil of basil!)'
Try these recipes yourself and *dazzle* your taste buds.
Cantaloupe Cactus Cooler
(by Cecilia Kinzie, from her chapter in What do Raw Fooders Eat?)
Carefully remove spines from the nopal cactus and chop
into pieces.Add all ingredients to the blender except for
the lime. Taste for desired sweetness and top off with a
squeeze of lime.
Luscious mango-cucumber soup with fresh citrus oil
(by Amy Bacheller)
Yield: 4 cups, 4 servings
Time: 30 minutes
2 mangos peeled and cut in chunks
2 cucumbers peeled and cut in chunks
2 Tablespoons Olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
¼ cup coconut water, filtered water or orange juice
¼ teaspoon Himalyan salt
¼ cup mint leaves
2-4 drops 'Citrus Fresh' Young Living Essential Oils
¼ cup sprigs of mint for garnish
Blend all but last two ingredients until smooth and creamy,
adding more liquid if needed. Add Citrus Fresh essential
oil to taste and blend briefly.
Garnish with mint leaves and serve. This yummy soup can be
stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up
to five days.
Raw Coconut Yogurt
(by Amy Bacheller)
3 cups Thai young coconut meat (approx. four coconuts)
½ cup Thai young coconut water
¼ teaspoon Himalayan salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon probiotic powder (I use Ejuva)
2 drops Ginger Young Living Essential Oil
1 drop Nutmeg Young Living Essential Oil
Blend coconut meat and coconut water until smooth, creamy
and slightly warm, adding more water as needed. Add
remaining ingredients, blend briefly. Pour the mixture into
a covered quart glass container, leaving room for expansion.
Place in a warm area, covered with a cloth. Allow to rest
for about 12 hours, depending on the desired tartness.
Store in a covered glass container in the refrigerator for
up to one week.
Comments: Try flavoring with different Essential oils such
as Cinnamon or Clove. Sweeten with Young Living Stevia
extract. Mix the yogurt with fruit and top with granola
or chopped nuts.
Today, I am introducing as a guest blogger an old friend with a unique challenge. Please read her urgent Plea below and join her supporters in whatever way you are moved.
My Dear Friends,
Last year I was diagnosed with an extremely rare colorectal cancer. Sophisticated chemosensitivity testing indicated that I was unlikely to respond to conventional treatment.
Following the diagnosis, my journalistic research mind revved into high gear, and I sought out the top experts, scoured scientific papers and clinical studies and investigated every reasonable alternative therapy. There had to be a better way to beat the cancer and regain my health. And there is!
I’ve now found a solution, and am asking for your help to get me to where I know I need to go.
Photodynamic Therapy is a cancer treatment I actually reported on back in 1998. It’s been approved in the U.S. for a few cancers – unfortunately not for mine. You can watch that story here: youtube.com/user/territaylor1000
Since then, cutting edge advances in China have led to Sonophotodynamic Therapy, or SPDT. This technique photosensitizes cancer cells with non-toxic liquid chlorophyll and then eliminates them with light and sound waves. The success of SPDT in treating even very late stage cancers is unprecedented, and nothing short of phenomenal.
The bottom line is that SPDT affords me the greatest chance of a complete recovery, and I plan to travel to China on July 15th to begin treatment.
I’ve raised the lion’s share, but I still immediately need to raise a bare minimum of $20,000 to help pay for a five-week cycle of treatments. It’s awkward for me to reach out like this, but I have to!
Contributions can be made online at www.everribbon.com/r/territaylor, or by check made payable to “Terri Taylor Donations,” 211 S. Lang Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15208.
If you’ve already made a donation, know that I am tremendously grateful!
I’m excited about this journey -- both the prospect of getting well and my ability to share such a revolutionary advancement in health care with others.
I’ll be blogging from Renkang Hospital in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan, so please join my mailing list by clicking here:
http://eepurl.com/eAHXQ.
“Friend” me for mini-updates at http://www.facebook.com/territaylorcancernews.
And please note that my new email address is: territaylornews@gmail.com.
I deeply appreciate your support, and ask that you forward this urgent appeal along to others who may want to help and learn more.
Much Love,
Terri
Terri Taylor Reporter / Producer Skype: territaylor
I can't say enough about the valuable resources of The Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine - founded by Dr. Neal Barnard. The link these recipes can be found on is his Cancer Project division - and you can even view a video of Marilu Henner's recommended Ginger Jalapeno Summer Slaw there. Do click on the title of this blog entry to see the great menu, recipes and photos. I'd love to hear what you try - and what where your biggest hits.
What are you serving/being served on the 4th?? I'm gonna also prepare some burgers -taken from The New York Times Veggie Burgers - and I bought a prepared barbeque sauce by Annie that sounded healthy and good - to marinate some tempeh which should grill nicely.
Here's the Engine 2 Burger recipe - which was inspired by the Esselstyns -- who - by the way are also featured at the NAVS Summerfest in Johnstown PA - Tuesday through Saturday - July 5th -9th. Rip, professional athlete-turned-firefighter and son of surgeon and researcher Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr, MD --Rip sprung into action after learning that some of his fellow Engine 2 firefighters were having serious health problems. Everyone who followed his plant-based Engine 2 Diet lost weight, lowered their cholesterol and improved their overall health -- so with these amazing results - why not prepare this great burger recipe - baked not fried -- or even saute on medium heat in a sprayed nonstick skillet for 5 miknutes on each side until both sides are browned.
Perhaps Patty Lemer and I will guide our Wellness workshop participants in making this great burger at our August 6th special event in the 'burgh.
Pre-heat oven to 450 F Process the first seven ingredients using an immersion or regular blender or food processor. Remove contents into a large bowl, and stir in oats. Form into patties, place on sprayed baking sheet (I use canola) and bake for 8 minutes. Turn oven up to broil and cook for 2 more minutes until the tops are nicely browned. Toast the buns and pile on your favorite toppings.
Buon Appetito!
Yield 8 patties
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can tomatoes with zesty mild chilies, drained
1 garlic clove, minced or pressed, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 green onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup parsley or cilantro
2 cups quick rolled oats
8 whole grain sprouted buns
Plus great fresh veggie toppings and multiple healthy condiment choices.
Directions:
Place ingredients in blender (or a Vitamix).
Turn on low speed and slowly increase to high to blend as little time as possible so that the mixture stays cold.
Eat immediately or freeze. How simple is that!!
This next recipe is thanks to Jason Wyrick found in 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart: Boost Metabolism, Lower Cholesterol, and Dramatically Improve Your Health by Neal Barnard, M.D. my hero!
And for all you lucky Pittsburghers, Dr. Neal is making a special appearance at our Homewood Carnegie Library -- before he travels to the NAVS Summerfest in Johnstown to be honored and to speak there. Don't miss this FREE introduction to this latest book of his - on July 7th - Thursday 7 pm. The library is at 7101 Hamilton Avenue
15208.
Mango Lime Sorbet
This dessert is a silky smooth sorbet inspired by the lush flavors of Thailand. Mangoes and limes create a refreshing combination of sweet and tart. The beautifully bright color of the mango is an indication of its richness in antioxidants, vitamins, and disease–fighting phytochemicals.
Ingredients
Makes 6 servings
2 cups pureed partially frozen mango
1/2 cup agave nectar
Juice of 2 limes
Directions
This recipe works best if the mango is frozen, and then allowed to thaw for about 15 minutes. Once it has partially thawed, puree the mango along with the agave and lime juice. Pour the puree into a shallow glass or metal bowl and then place it in the freezer. After 30 minutes, stir the puree, then repeat every 15 minutes thereafter until you are ready to serve.
To make it simpler, use store-bought frozen mango to avoid peeling and deseeding several fresh mangoes. (note: I love Trader Joe's frozen chunks)
Also note: The freezing process accentuates tartness and reduces the sweet flavor. That means the puree should be slightly less tart and slightly sweeter than you expect the final product to be.
Third and probably my all time favorite has NO added sweetener:
Simple Mango-Cantelope Sorbet
Just two ingredients! Peal and Slice 3 mangos ( or as above, use two packages of Trader Joe's frozen chunks) Peal and chunk 1 small cantelope or 1/2 of a large one. As with the previous recipe, puree and pour into a shallow glass or metal bowl and then place it in the freezer. After 30 minutes, stir the puree, then repeat every 15 minutes thereafter until you are ready to serve.
How would your life be different if inflammation, pain and fatigue were not issues???
I'm dedicating this post to sharing initial feedback on the use of these amazing grounding products I've been distributing for the past few months. Friends, yoga students, chiropractors, doctors, therapists and other health care practitioners are checking out the Earthing products for their own use, and for patients, clients, and family members.
In my initial email with heads up to a handful of friends and colleagues, interest prompted some to go to Amazon to purchase the book Earthing for more info -- Please know - with each product purchased - the book is included -- and you can get a free quick glimpse of more info on the research website: Earthinginstitute.net
Because I had such dramatic change overnight - I am STILL carrying the grounding pads and sheets in my trunk - for easy local distribution -- and am now an official affiliate - so you can also order online by clicking on 'Are You Grounded?' - see this heading at the column on the right. My referrals get FREE SHIPPING - saving the $10.50 I personally paid.
I was amazed at how fast and deep I slept the first nite and how my lifelong chronic jaw clenching - did not exist! My first thing out of bed routine has been to stretch out my back and neck with the large exercise ball -- and I felt no need -- no stiffness - aches/pains - this has been my consistent morning experience -- except twice -- when I realized the plug came loose from the wall!!! I'm hoping to see even more health benefits for my thyroid - over time. When I showed up to the chiropractor - because the interval walking technique I was experimenting with on the treadmill - threw out my hip and knee - Dr. Don said "Do you know you haven't been here for 8 weeks - Your energy is better"
Dr. Don, my trusted chiropractor, being a long-distance bike-rider who doesn't wind down to sleep after these trips - promptly invested in the queen-sized half-sheet - and reported after his first 100 mile ride -- he indeed went to sleep easily - and had no discomfort - and for the two weeks he'd been using it - his chronic knee that tends to buckle - had not done that once. See his report in his own words in the video above.
During my yoga classes I have shared the grounding products for students with problems in knees, feet, back and neck - just resting with the pad/belt for 15-20 minutes, everyone reports improvement - minimized discomfort - The therapeutic effect is said to take 20 -40 minutes - and the longer - more frequently we ground ourselves, the longer lasting the results.
Can't get your bare feet on the ground/beach on a daily basis? Please - don't hesitate to check out these simple, easy to use Earthing products!! On my recent trips to Ann Arbor and NYC some friends purchased the pads and some yoga students in the 'burgh, the queen-sized sheets-- Stay tuned and I'll keep reporting what they are saying.
How would your life be different if inflammation, pain or fatigue were not issues???
If you're in the 'burgh, contact me and I'll arrange delivery - if that's not convenient, click on "Are You Grounded?" at the right hand column list of Wellness Resources and get FREE SHIPPING.
I am introducing Guest Blogger, Gregory Nicosia, Past President of ACEP: Association of Comprehensive Energy Psychology, that just wrapped up their annual conference in Reston, VA. Enjoy his article below as well as the 7 mininute video clip.
Are you grounded? I'm eager to get your reports of how grounding is changing your life -- so do share your comments! Stay tuned for some testimonials we've been collecting.
Earthing: The Original Energy Medicine
Our recent International conference, Portals to a Transformed World: Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Practice was truly inspiring. For many years, I began the courses I taught by stating that Energy Psychology is a doorway into other dimensions of reality in which thought and intention are the key players. We pass through these portals to a transformed world every time we walk the walk of our field, making the path by increasing the unity in our life experience and in the experience of others.The ancient wisdom tells us that we need to restore our connection to the natural world that sustains our life energy, our health and wellbeing.
As we experience the increasing shift in the energies of the earth it has become clear that there is a new solution to the health crisis in the U.S. and the “civilized” world.In the U.S. the number one cause of death and disability is chronic disease that accounts for 75% of the nation’s the $2.5 trillion annual health care costs. The most common chronic diseases are: heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoporosis and diabetes. Then comes: Alzheimer disease, asthma, bowel disorders, cystic fibrosis, lupus, meningitis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and arthritis. Diabetes alone accounts for 10% of all health care dollars spent, with age-related osteoporosis affecting about 28 million Americans.There has been an exponentials increase in these diseases in the last 50 years in the U.S. while no such change has occurred in third world countries. This paradox can be explained by our relationship with the natural world. For millions of years mankind developed as a grounded electromagnetic operating system. We walked in contact with the earth barefoot or in animal skin.
We slept on the ground. We were synched to the earth’s energies.
Today our civilized lifestyle has disconnected us from our grounding life energy.
Our shoes, with soles made of plastic or rubber, our contemporary homes and buildings electrically insulate us cutting us off from a vital ‘‘nutrient’’ in the form of high energy state electrons from the earth.
THE SOLUTION is to reconnect with the earth and its life giving, healing energies. Go barefoot in the grass.The restorative effects of being grounded are dose dependent, which means that the longer you’re grounded the bigger the benefit. And therein lies the rub, the objection: “Oh no! Going barefoot, sleeping on the ground, that is totally out of the question, totally impractical for a modern, civilized man!
The Ancient Solution was known to kings who unlike the yogis did not want to sleep on the dirty ground and so instead slept upon sheets within which were woven copper wires that were bundled together and set into the earth. These sheets were said to be their secret to health and longevity. You can do what the Ancients did and sleep on agrounded bed sheet.
At last year’s ISSSEEM conference James Oschman, a friend and biophysicist, excitedly informed us that his research showed that that grounding the body produces a relaxation of the internal organs and a reduction in both inflammation and stress as well as a normalization of the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. Connecting the human body to the earth during sleep normalizes circadian cortisol profiles and reduces or eliminates various subjectively reported symptoms, including sleep dysfunction, pain and stress. Earthing neutralized the free radicals in our bodies.
I began to recommend earthing at night to my patients suffering chronic debilitating diseases that were not responding to traditional medical treatment.
Earthing resulted in some rapid and astounding changes in reported level of pain and energy as well as dramatic changes in blood serum values measuring inflammation and accompanying measurable physical improvement.
My experiences with Earthing are supported by a new series of well designed double-blind physiologic studies showing measurable changes in a variety of stress-related parameters when people are conductively connected to the earth.
This means that the electrical rhythms and high energy state electrons conducted over the surface of the earth can have beneficial effects on human physiology and health when the body is in contact with the earth. More specifically, Pawel and Karol Sokal have recently shown that Earthing for a single night reduced the primary indicators of osteoporosis as shown by a statistically significant reduction in blood levels and renal excretion of both calcium and phosphorus during a single 7- or 8-hour night of sleeping grounded. Earthing during rest and physical activity has a direct, beneficial effect on the regulation of blood glucose and thyroid function as documented by a significant decrease of free tri-iodothyronine and an increase of free thyroxin and thyroid stimulating hormone. which affect almost every physiologic process in the body, including growth and development, metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate.
These studies further demonstrated that Earthing the human body during rest has a significant beneficial effect on lowering the serum concentrations of minerals: (iron, ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and magnesium) and electrolytes in the blood serum. And finally,a significant beneficial effect on the immune system’s response, by earthing the human body during rest,is demonstrated by increases in gamma globulin concentration following vaccination.
Could earthing be the most important health discovery ever? Clinton Ober seems to think so and his book Earthinghas rapidly become a best seller. My personal and professional experience with earthing have been so positive that I gave my children, siblings, in-laws and dear friends earthing products to use. And I recommend that you get grounded too and enjoy the benefits of the earth’s energy.
For more information and to order Earthing products see “List of Wellness Resources from Sharda” in the right hand column – Click on “Are you Grounded?"
See also, http://www.earthinginstitute.net for many research articles and great blog.
Meat-Out "Tuesday" - I'm offering a fresh green raw soup - served at room temp. - as the final delivery for the season. Just in time for our heat-wave-- I wisely planned this blender quick and vital soup. Depending on who's talking, raw foods offer special benefits -- the ratio of of raw-cooked will vary greatly - depending on who's system you buy into - and how your digestions responds. It's known that digestive enzymes are generally more prevalent in chewing the raw foods -- What is the ratio on your plate?? How about fermented foods to aid digestion and alkalinity. Check out the Zukay line of dressings -- an easy way to include this digestive support.
Inspired by my New Mexican friend, Aruna - I've included Baby spinach, green zucchini, jicame, parsnip, fermented red beets( from a great new Canadian company the EEFCoop is carrying - New Deep Root Organic Coop - beets are spiced with aniseed, tarragon, whole pepper, ginger, nutmeg, clove, with water, green cabbage and lactic starters - non-dairy), baby yellow and red peppers, dried shallots, Braggs, garlic powder, sea salt, herbs of provence, cayenne, dried ginger,tahini sauce ( sesame seed, water, garlic, lemon juice and salt)
Acknowledgements to Debby Wasserman – a heroine I’ve admired for over thirty years – author of Simply Vegan . This recipe wasalso recommended on PCRM website – Healthy Eating for Life – for cancer – by Vesanto Melina RD.
My adds: local purple potato, sweet potato, cayenne ,dried ginger and turmeric.Special garnish/snack: toasted red kale – baked with a light spray of canola oil and sea salt. And last but not least, my standard Healing chants.
The Bad news:Weekly soup subscriptions will not be available as of June – I may possibly resume in September. The last delivery will be a raw veggie soup
The Good news: Available throughout the Summer:
$10 Special requests for Quarts of Magic Mineral Healing brothor Veg Broth (with chickpea protein) and for
Pints of Luscious Lentil Pate orCarrot Tahini Miso Pate,
Greens and beans or tempeh waldorf salad.
Buon Apetito, L'Chaim and InJoy your yummy plant-based farm to table goodies this week - and keep me posted on your delightful finds at your favorite Farmer's Markets this abundant summer season. We're getting our first CSA delivery this week -- how about you? I'm always interested in hearing what creative simply easy dishes you're preparing from the CSA basket, too!
Spring celebrations continue with more local ramps and red and green asparagus, from the EEFood Coop of Pittsburgh. I’m excited to see how you like this recipe – new for you and me – again suggested at PCRM’s website http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/soups.html with credit to Foods That Fight Pain, by Neal Barnard, M.D.
Of course, I added my own touches, like the ramps, turmeric, cayenne and dried ginger, and instead of rice milk, I’ve used both fresh coconut milk and Trader Joe’s mixed grain milk – for some protein. Additional ingredients include: Golden potatoes, fresh basil and parsley, shredded napa cabbage, cracked lemon pepper and sea salt.I was fortunate to join David Goldstein for Saturday morning Forays in the Forest – Hebrew chanting – celebrating New Life Now, in Schenley Park, so I pass along to you the very green vibrations I gathered there. Go to http://www.hebrewchant.com for more info.
Also, note, the forest foto above is from David's back yard!Buon Apetito! L’Chaim! In Joy!Your Singing Soup-maker, Sharda
Notes to my soup subscribers and wannabees: Week of May 9, 2011
Spring Miso
I’m so happy to have spotted the ramps at the EEFCo-op to especially welcome Spring in the ‘burgh with you! This recipe called for garlic – and I used both ramps and garlic. Thanks to PCRM –Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine – list of soups and recipes – for including this version by Barbara Bloomfield – author of Soup’s On.I would never have thought to garnish a Miso soup with nutritional yeast – were it not for her! That’s what’s packed in the baggie for you to try – it’s kinda cheesy flavor, and before all the soy cheese alternatives and Daiya’s grated tapioca –based cheese alternatives – this was the gold standard to make a cheesey sauce. I love it for the B vitamans. I used to use it as a breading for sauteed tofu in days gone by when I didn’t know any better and loved being the Tofu Queen of Pgh. (My thyroid has taught me otherwise.)
A reminder about re-heating Miso soup – be careful not to boil/microwave – just re-heat gently – so the enzymes remain potent.Here’s the rest of the ingredients: Unlike my winter miso soup, when I used Chickpea – I went with the soy –rice red miso this time – as no one has requested soyfree soups this month. Celery, green onion, Savoy cabbage, toasted sesame oil and sweet potatoes round out this unique healing soup.
Back to my weekly Soup Notes -- to inspire us all, and to further inform my local soup subscribers...This week I've created the Triple Healing Bean Soup - with Gujarati Jain origins, I have elaborated and changed an ingredient or two.
The ingredients begin with mung, adziki and black beans - soaked overnite along with wild rice. Adding more healing properties to the powerhouse proteins, is the dried Chinese yam, sweet potato, fresh shitake mushrooms, onions, leeks, parsnips and carrots sauteed in a scant bit of olive oil and coconut oil. I've used mostly traditional spices, cumin seeds and powder, coriander powder, tumeric, dried ginger, paprika, cayenne, plus cracked lemon-pepper, garlic and shallots. Packaged separately is some copped fresh cilantro to garnish, and the very green in the quart is chopped fresh spinach.
Stream of consciousness chanting accompanied the preparations and the final blessing was Om Shanti Om -- Peace --
Even though the 21-day kickstart is winding down, the resources are always available. And if you are interested in a week-end Spring-Summer transition healthy kickstart, consider joining me and three colleagues leading the Wellness Week-end Getaway in Chautauqua Memorial Day week-end.
I'm sharing this article in its entirety with you, introducing guest editor, Prof. Francione, FYI, Celebrating Earth Day as Every Day
Gary L. Francione
Professor, Rutgers University
Although many are aware of the Buddha or the deities of Hinduism, few of us know anything about Mahavir (599-527 BCE), whose birth the Jain community around the world will celebrate on April 16. This celebration is known as Mahavir Jayanti.
Jainism, along with Hinduism and Buddhism, are the three primary spiritual traditions of India, and archeological evidence indicates that although Mahavir was a contemporary of the Buddha, Jainism predated Mahavir by hundreds of years and, therefore, is the oldest religion in India.Mahavir is considered to be the last in a line of what the Jains call “Tirthankaras,” which literally means “maker of a ford” and refers to a human being who achieves omniscience and then teaches the path to liberation to others, thereby establishing a ford across the river of rebirth.A Tirthankara is also referred to as a “Jina,” which means “spiritual victor,” or as an “Arihant,” which means “destroyer of enemies.”A Jina or Arihant is a victor or destroyer in that he or she has conquered inner emotions and passions, and has complete equanimity that is characterized by an absence of attachment and aversion.
Mahavir was a social revolutionary.He rejected the caste system and the sexism that pervaded the society of his time (and that unfortunately persists), and promoted a radical social justice movement based on complete equality and equal inherent value. He did not limit this revolution to humans and was the first historical figure to regard all nonhuman animals as full members of the moral community.He was also the first historical figure to articulate the view that the planet itself, including air, water, and earth, consists of living systems.Mahavir was, indeed, the first ecologist.
The notion of revolution is often connected with violence, particularly in modern times.The central feature of Mahavir’s revolution, however, was Ahimsa, or nonviolence.Mahavir provided the most expansive concept of Ahimsa that the world has ever known not only by extending this notion to include all living beings, but by making clear that violence was not simply a matter of what we did, but what we thought and said.
Mahavir also taught us about two other central tenets of Jainism—Anekantavada, or the notion that truth is many sided, and Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness.The latter two principles cannot be understood except as aspects of Ahimsa.The doctrine of Anekantavada serves to promote social harmony and to reduce the violence that results from absolutist views of truth.The doctrine of Aparigraha recognizes that attachment to wealth and the accumulation of material things makes us more inclined to act in violent and destructive ways.
Celebrating the Inner Healer Notes to my soup subscribers
Week of April 18, 2011
Lemony Lentil with Spring Leeks & Spinach
Wow it really is Spring! I’m delighting in the many signs – trees and bulbs seemed to have burst open overnight and the greenest green grass shouting – bring me your bare feet and get grounded NOW!
I am still awaiting the ramps, and regret that I have none to share in the lentil soup this week. Instead, do enjoy the garlic, shallots, leeks and array of herbs: marjoram, sage, thyme, cumin. The yellow onion, young carrots and green lentils and spinach are further seasoned with a pinch of cayenne, sea salt, fresh cracked lemon pepper as well as fresh lemon zest and juice. I’ve garnished with carmalized shallots.
Chanting Ingredients include:
The Jain healing chants are especially meaningful this week with the April 16th celebration of the revered Bhagwan Mahavir’s birthday (Jayanti). Ahimsa – non-violence in thought, word and action – was the greatest gift he gave to humanity. While many are aware of the Buddha or the deities of Hinduism, few of us know anything about Mahavir (599-527 BCE) the last in a line of 24 Jain Prophets whose teachings of Ahimsa inspired Mahatma Gandhi ,Martin Luther King and other peace activists – his birthday energy supports our looking inward embracing the inner healer through inner peace.
Om Shanti Om, Navkar Mantra, The Forgiveness Prayer plus a new Russian Allelluia and Daisies lullaby rehearsed in my home with the Pgh Treshold Singers this week.
