Monday, April 25, 2011

More Healthy Spring Soup, For You?




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.

span >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 http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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


Sunday, April 17, 2011

The Birth of the Spiritual Leader Who Gave Us Ahimsa


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.



Mahavir taught that “all breathing, existing, living, sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away.” This is the only moral or spiritual principle that we need to know. If we live by this principle, we will be at peace with ourselves and the world will be at peace. Whatever our religious tradition may be, let us celebrate Mahavir Jayanti 2011 by recommitting ourselves to a simple but profound idea that all may embrace: Ahimsa.
span style="color:#009900;">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 http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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


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Rites of Spring

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.



Buon apetito! L’Chaim! In Joy!



Your Singing Soup-maker, Sharda



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 http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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, April 15, 2011

The Cancer Project / Easter and Passover Menu




I apologize for missing the mark of this entry --- It got left as a draft -- and I hope the menu ideas are still useful to you!
The Cancer Project / Easter and Passover Menu

I was blessed to be invited to a Pittsburgh Vegan Passover Sedar - First night -- hosted by my favorite Hebrew Healing Chant visionary - David Goldstein. His menu was quite extraordinary -- with a full meal he and Jeffrey prepared -- in addition to entries most of the guests brought -- it was like a huge thanksgiving meal!!


I brought my version of Laura Pole's " Laura's Luscious Lentil Pate" - like a vegan chopped liver -- our first course - followed by a unique Parting of the Red Sea Golden and Red roasted beet soup, several salads followed -- my favorite being David's endive, mangoe and avacado -- with a prepared dressing that was not only new to me -- but that I later found on sale at the EEFC -- food coop!! Saving $1 per bottle!!


I'm keeping it as a secret ingredients -- with the hopes of tempting you to join me at The Spencer Hotel in Chautauqua Ny Memorial Day week-end for a unique Wellness Getaway - where we'll serve this salad and lots more great yummy healthy meals -- and some of my healing soups.


David also prepared a Jambalaya and whipped sweets with toasted walnut garnish, other guests brought spinach strawberry sesame salad and curried carrots, and dessert of cooling coconut ice creams. What a special evening !

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 http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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, April 11, 2011

Great Vegan Cheese Sauce FYI



Welcome Spring Cheesy Broccali Soup I’m excited to share the Wayfare new ‘not cheese’ sauce product in this version of Creamy Broccali Soup. I’ve made the consistency feel rich and creamy in the past version presented to Gilda’s Club members for my Mindful Eating Workshop, using much higher caloric raw cashews. Happily, our EEFCoop is now featuring buy 2 get one free on this “I can’t say it’s cheese” sauce by Wayfare.


Details on the sauce ingredients – like all their products, whole grain oatmeal is the main thing(!) with coconut and sunflower oil, sesame, pimentos, nutritional yeast, sea salt, calcium carbonate and onion powder – I’m so impressed -- let me know how you enjoy it. (And don’t forget to use the coupons I’ve provided in past notes/newsletter/or even print off my blog entry from March 14 and purchase more of the Wayfare goodies for low-fat, low-sodium, high fiber and calcium rich vegan dairy alternatives.)


Soup ingredients start with the Miracle Mineral Broth with my additions for upping the healing power with both dried shitake and pears (for the lungs). I also used Trader Joe’s organic broccali florets, heads , slaw and baby broccali. Yukon gold potatoes and sweets , fresh basil, fresh cracked lemon pepper, yellow onions, sea salt and a blessed pinch of cayenne complete the simple and quick ingredients in this one. I’ve garnished with some Spring pea sprouts, baby broccali, dried shallots and paprika.


I’m rethinking the plan for the month of May – Firstly, the kitchen will be closed the first week (there are 4 weeks to follow) I’ll be on retreat in Ann Arbor the last April week-end. We’ll be holding a special Friday Evening chanting for healing ourselves, healing the world– from the ancient Jain tradition guided by Meditation Master, Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu. Stay tuned!




For more great spring recipes and menus - do click on the PCRM banner above - we're just in the midst of the 21 day kick-off and you can still register.




Buon apetito! L’Chaim, In Joy!! Your singing-soup-maker, Sharda
Many Species - One Planet - One Future I See You ~ Namaste ~ Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature, This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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

Sunday, April 3, 2011

21 DayKick Start: Free Vegan transition support


Register today and you will see how easy it is to improve your diet, empowering yourself and support the planet in 21 days.

My first Vegan Healing soup for April is Greens 'n Beans in Garlic Broth . I agree with Smith Farm’s Laura Pole, that your body will thank you for this gorgeous tonic after the heavier foods of winter. Just adding some crusty bread and/or a fresh salad will make a satisfying light meal, welcoming Spring. Thanks to both the auther and to Laura for conveying this original copyrighted recipe of Myra Kornfield, author of The Healthy Hedonist. Besides heads of garlic, the broth includes leek greens, lentils, fresh sage and thyme, bay, sea salt and water.


The soup has olive oil, leeks, carrots , arugula, escarole, swiss chard, romaine, sea salt, brown rice vinegar and cracked pepper-lemon-garlic. For most folks, I added great northern beans (dried - soaked overnight) for added nutrients, for others, chickpeas. After re-heating, you may want to add more cracked pepper, a drizzle of good olive oil, lemon juice and even some vegan parmesean/ nutritional yeast/Daiya shredded mozzarella. I gifted you with some tasty yellow onions sauteed in olive oil for garnish.


Chanting Ingredients: Include the usual along with The Immortal Song – by my teacher, Jain Master Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu


May the sacred stream of amity flow forever in my heart

May the universe prosper; such is my cherished desire.

May my heart sing with ecstasy at the sight of the virtuous,

And may my life be an offering at their feet.

May my heart bleed at the sight of the wretched, the cruel and the poor.

And may tears of compassion flow from my eyes.

May I always be there to show the path to the pathless wanderers of life; Yet , if they should not hearken to me, may I abide patiently.

May the spirit of good will enter into all our hearts,

May we all sing together the immortal song of brotherhood, the immortal song of sisterhood, the immortal song.


Namaste!


Buon Apetito! L’Chaim! In Joy! From your Singing-Soup Maker, Sharda

;">Many Species - One Planet - One Future I See You ~ Namaste ~ Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature, This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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