The Adventures of Juicy Sati

(I don't know that I have any "regular" readers.  But pretending that I do, I'm sorry for my absence.  Writing comes for me in tidal fashion, ebbing and flowing all on its own.  I can hope to become more regular with it, but history has taught me that I shouldn't make too many promises.)

Another experiment in self-healing was briefly chronicled here:  Juicy Sati!  I wanted to create a separate outlet to write about my experiences in Juice Feasting for a few reasons.  One, I didn't want this blog to be overwhelmed.  And two, it was highly experimental as you may read. I suggest starting with the earliest post and moving upward in blogflow.

I found that juicefeasting.com was a very good resource as far as getting a background in cleansing, healing, and lots of cutting-edge nutrition.  I definitely want to do an extended juice feast at some point, but for now... I'm back to chewing!   

I will be posting more Ayurvedic tips on juicing and raw foods lifestyle in the very near future.

Spring Equinox Detox

Spring Equinox and the Full Moon of March make this an especially potent season for detoxification. This is a great time of year to give up all that isn't serving us and move forward in 2008 with a purified body and mind. The waning moon and the shift in seasons will synergistically help to facilitate removal of stagnation from the deepest levels; both physical and emotional. Sounds great, right?

The downside to all this purification is that many people will feel sick, moody, and emotionally unstable as these toxins make their way out. Spring allergies will begin to peak if there is excess Kapha or mucous in the body. The energy of spring, especially in conjunction with Daylight Savings can also leave us feeling exhausted, especially if we are feeling unprepared.

In order to maintain wellness during this time it is great to find foods that comfort us without being a digestive burden. Reducing heavy winter foods will help. You can also start incorporating more green leafy vegetables, wheatgrass, edible flowers such as nasturtium, and simple sprouts such as alfalfa and sunflower. Sea vegetables such as hijiki and arame are mineral rich and also very purifying. Citrus fruits are still somewhat seasonal and other goodies such as asparagus are just coming in to their prime!

Adding a few more spices and fresh herbs will detoxify while increasing prana. Here is a great recipe from my childhood that is stimulating, soothing, delicious, and in my opinion, perfect for Spring:



Yogi Tea

2 Quarts Filtered Water
8 Organic Cinnamon Sticks
1 Tbl. Cardamom Seeds
1 Tbl. Crushed Pippali (Indian long pepper) or 1/2 Tbl. black peppercorns

Boil ingredients for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature and simmer for 30 minutes. Cover the pot if you don't want it to evaporate ;) (Some simmer it for longer to get a more syrupy consistency.)

Turn the heat off and grate 1 1/2 inches of Ginger into the tea.

Strain and serve with fresh almond milk, agave, or raw local honey (which is also GREAT for spring allergies, if you are in to it). You can also add black tea if you want more of a Chai experience.

Store remaining tea in a glass jar and keep refrigerated.


* If you aren't up for all this cookery, you can usually buy Yogi Tea India Spice in teabags at your local natural grocer. But I don't think it is nearly as good as the old school Sikh's used to make!

Good Simple Fast Food

Lately, I just want to come home and eat simple food. I don't want a recipe, or anything remotely sultry or sexy to eat, I just want the basics: brown rice & vegetables. So, here are a few simple tricks that I use when I'm tired but I know that I need real food.

Vata Churna is one of my favorite spice blends. A churna is basically any ground mixture of spices. Vata churna in particular is good for people of Vata constitution but is also good to eat during the vata (cold, dry, windy, rough) times of the year to help keep us in balance. When we are feeling cold, not getting enough rest, feeling high anxiety, stiffness in the body or exhaustion in the mind vata churna may be a good addition to the diet. There are as many different recipes for churnas and masalas as there are mothers in India, but this is a good one: Cinnamon, Ginger, Asofoteida, Ajwan, Fennel, Lemon Peel, Bay Leaf, Cardamon, Cumin, Turmeric, Clove and Sea Salt. This Churna helps balance excess Vata. Use it to increase your digestive fire and promote a healthy digestion. Once your Vata Dosha is in balance again, start using your predominant Dosha churna. You can buy another variety at the Maharishi Ayurveda Online Store.

I like to pan-fry some extra-firm tofu with coconut oil and vata churna. It's quick, simple, and makes me feel contented in the most wholesome way. You can also just sprinkle it over food you have already cooked.

Another idea for Ayurvedic fast food comes from AyurFoods who has assembled easy-to-make packages of two staples of Indian cuisine: Khichadi and Upama. Since they are Ayurvedically balanced with all of the six tastes, they are both nutritious and satisfying. With some sautéed vegetables, cilantro, or coconut chutney you could even serve them to health-conscious company.

Macrobiotic proponents often season food with a mixture of toasted ground sesame and sea salt called Gomasio. I enjoy the potent flavor and rich nuttiness it lends to anything you put it on. An instant meal-makeover.

Finally I want to mention Udo's Choice Wholesome Fast Food Powder. It's not a seasoning exactly, but when you are looking to get a lot of nutrition in a short period of time without added sugar or empty calories this is really great stuff. "A tasty blend of natural source fibres with added nutrients to cleanse the entire digestive tract, improve the absorption of nutrients and aid the removal of cholesterol and toxins resulting in improved over-all colon health." It's easy to sprinkle a tablespoon into a smoothie, or mix it with brown rice and wrap in a sheet of nori for an afternoon snack.

Here's to simple pleasures!

Thankful for a Lil' Turkey

When J and I lived in Three Rivers turkeys were a regular part of the week. They frequently roamed the wild grasses and old oak groves surrounding our home in their turkey gaggles. Once, when I was half asleep, I thought that a peacock had just walked by our little glass house and I jumped up to see it. In reality it was a beautiful turkey and her turkey chicks wandering the yard. I watched these chicks grow during the months we spent there. The ride to town almost always included driving past the resident 11 turkeys of the neighborhood...

...and one day this baby turkey was separated from his flock:



Now, let me first say that this is an extremely irresponsible thing to do. Touching a baby bird of any kind is a bad idea unless the mother has been killed or there is no possible way for her to find her chick. And if you happen to drive a baby turkey into a massive spiderweb, where it gets caught at dusk in the wilderness, and then you must touch it to release it, the likelihood of the mother coming back for it is slim. She does not want to risk spreading whatever disease we may have to the rest of her babies. So of course this story ends in tears... (and yet, when put into perspective with the state of modern turkey-farming practices, these tears are much sweeter.)

I learned so much about the beauty of the turkey from living out among them. They are noble, communal creatures; true birds of the Earth. My baby turkey cried for hours for her family, cried until she fell over in exhaustion, and then awoke to cry some more. Without her community she felt lost. In Ted Andrews' book Animal Speak, he writes that turkeys "find strength in numbers and thus reflect the energy of sharing." Turkeys have "a long history of association with spirituality and the honoring of the Earth Mother" and are a "symbol of all the blessings that the Earth contains, along with the ability to use them to their greatest advantage." "The growth on a male turkey's forehead is "linked to the ancient idea of the third eye...and higher vision."

This Thanksgiving may we all learn from the turkey not by eating her, but by emulating some of her most noble and spiritual qualities. May we all be as open to sharing what we have with those who have less and to finding strength in our communities. May we be blessed with the type of vision that shows us more than our limited minds can possibly fathom.

May we truly honor and celebrate the life energies of the Turkey!



If you want to show 'em the love in a more tangible way please support Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-a-Turkey Project!

The Vegan MoFo Questionairre

1. Favorite non-dairy milk?
fresh almond milk with a hint of vanilla bean. mmm.

2. What are the top 3 dishes/recipes you are planning to cook?
artichoke and caper pasta sauce, sweet potato pancakes, thai pumpkin croquettes

3. Topping of choice for popcorn?
pink salt, earth balance, olive oil

4. Most disastrous recipe/meal failure?
brown rice noodles that get too soggy

5. Favorite pickled item?
un-dyed pickled ginger, macrobiotic pickled cucumbers from M Café

6. How do you organize your recipes?
on my computer

7. Compost, trash, or garbage disposal?
i dream of compost

8. If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 foods...what would they be (don't worry about how you'll cook them)?
i believe in using what's on hand so i'm hoping it's an island with coconuts, tiny bananas and papayas ;)

9. Fondest food memory from your childhood?
my grandma's miso soup

10. Favorite vegan ice cream?
green tea, ginger, raw gratitude

11. Most loved kitchen appliance?
what would i do without my stove? blender? coffee grinder? i was so excited to get a mandoline, but i've rarely used it since we got it!

12. Spice/herb you would die without?
cinnamon, kafir lime leaves

13. Cookbook you have owned for the longest time?
laurel's kitchen cookbook

14. Favorite flavor of jam/jelly?
seedless black raspberry

15. Favorite vegan recipe to serve to an omni friend?
my husband's cookies!

16. Seitan, tofu, or tempeh?
tofu seitan

17. Favorite meal to cook (or time of day to cook)?
if i don't have work, a luxurious brunch

18. What is sitting on top of your refrigerator?
lunchbox, jars.

19. Name 3 items in your freezer without looking.
ice, frozen berries, acai

20. What's on your grocery list?
whatever looks fresh; sometimes i dream of camping in the produce aisle.

21. Favorite grocery store?
erewhon on beverly, la

22. Name a recipe you'd love to veganize, but haven't yet.
cat food. meatloaf.

23. Food blog you read the most (besides Isa's because I know you check it everyday). Or maybe the top 3?
fat-free vegan kitchen, fran's house of ayurveda

24. Favorite vegan candy/chocolate?
raw cacao powder mixed with coconut butter and agave nectar, "i am joy" at gratitude

25. Most extravagant food item purchased lately?
hmm... udo's choice: pet essentials for dogs (vegetarian)

26. If you could eat dinner at a vegan cookbook author's home, who would it be?
sarma melngailis, eric lechasseur

Love Your Liver

Summer is coming to an end. Those fiery sunlit days filled with road-trips, picnics, cool dips in the river and endless afternoons are becoming shorter as each sun sets. As the fire of summer slowly yields to the cooling winds of autumn, doshic imbalance and accumulation of toxins/ama can begin to surface more dramatically. If we don’t prepare our bodies for the season to come we put ourselves at the mercy of the elements, which however benevolent can only act upon us in accord with their own nature. For those following an Ayurvedic lifestyle, this junction of seasons is a special time of cleansing and renewal.
One organ deserving of extra attention at this time of year is the liver. As a Pitta organ, the liver has the task of interrogating everything that makes it past the first stages of digestion. It is an organ of sharp metabolic discrimination, ridding the body of the harmful environmental toxins found in every aspect of modern living: preservatives, synthetic chemicals, pesticides, hormones and other pathogens. Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs (both recreational and pharmaceutical) can place a heavy burden on the liver as well. The liver is a powerhouse organ that purifies the blood, stores vitamins, produces bile, stores glycogen, and synthesizes protein.

It is also the main hub of fat metabolism in the body. If you are familiar with the film Supersize Me, you may recall the part of the film when Morgan Spurlock’s doctor refers to his fast-food-abused liver as paté! This film highlights just how important the liver is to our overall health as well as showing the damage we can incur by eating a diet filled with molecularly damaged fats, hormone-laced meats, and sugar-filled everything (a Pitta, Kapha & ama nightmare!)

Since ancient times traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda have understood the importance of a well-functioning liver to good health. Special attention to keeping the liver cleansed and cool is essential for those who are Pitta predominant and those with a Kapha constitution may also want to purify the liver of any excess congestion on a regular basis.

Ayurvedic wisdom suggests that every aspect of our lifestyle either supports or destroys health. In fact, Ayurvedic sages even went so far as to say that the primary cause of disease is pradnyaparada or crimes against our own inner wisdom. This bold statement acknowledges the inherent wisdom within each human being and the opportunity we have to choose a path to health or disease. Keeping the liver healthy, just as in keeping the body healthy, first requires simple inner-wisdom: eating whole foods in harmony with our constitution, drinking hydrating amounts of water, and learning how to process our emotions. Anger and frustration in particular are considered closely related to the imbalanced fiery aspects of the liver. The Yoga tradition offers many tools and techniques for processing and dissipating negative emotions in healthy ways. Regular yoga practice, when approached with healing intent, can recalibrate all the systems of the body; a well rounded and especially a Pitta-pacifying practice can have beneficial effects on all aspects of digestion and metabolism including liver health. A few asanas that directly affect the liver are janu shirshasana or head-to-knee pose, and ardha matsyendrasana- seated spinal twist. A Yoga and Ayurveda Therapist can help you to tailor a unique lifestyle program that integrates these two synergistic disciplines.

Most profoundly and luckily for those who are already imbalanced, there are Ayurvedic herbs that clinical studies have shown to be amazing liver tonics and regenerators. Two of these are offered in pure form by Nature’s Formulary: Phyllanthus and Picrorrhiza (commonly known as Kutki/Katuka). Phyllanthus is regarded by many Ayurvedic physicians as one of the best herbs for the liver and has shown promise in dramatic liver regeneration even among those with Hepatitis B. Picrorrhiza is also an Ayurvedic bitter tonic that reduces Pitta and Kapha, aids in detoxification, counters inflammation, and restores healthy liver function. When used in combination these healing herbs have a synergistic effect that lays a strong foundation for liver health, and thus overall health of the body and mind.

*Published in Ayurvedic Insight Fall 2007

Summer Lovin'

Here is a letter to the editor that I recently sent to the Kaweah Commonwealth in response to an editorial about keeping cool in Three Rivers in the Summertime.

Dear Editor,

In response to your invitation for suggestions:

The ancient wisdom tradition of Ayurveda actually has a lot to say about keeping cool. Arising in one of the hottest climates in the world, this traditional Indian medical system is rooted in humoric theory- basically the idea that each of us have different proportions of the 5 elements in our constitution. As summertime is the natural time of year for the fire element to predominate, people with the most fire in their constitution can start to exhibit the negative aspects of fire more intensely. Anger, frustration, headaches, acidic digestion, infection, acne, and other conditions of inflammation may arise among many others. For someone with a very fiery constitution summertime can feel more like purgatory than a time of rest, relaxation, and play. The good news is that with a little extra attention and planning we can all move through a summer in Three Rivers feeling more temperate and refreshed. The key lies in using the cooling and soothing aspects of nature to support us.

A cooling summertime diet should be filled predominantly with fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and organic dairy. Cucumbers, melons, peaches, nectarines, grapes, and berries are all at their best this time of year for good reason. These juicy, watery and cooling fruits are among the best at keeping the body feeling cool and light. Lettuces, asparagus, and artichokes also inspire our inner coolness. Purifying the liver with bitter greens is a good practice for springtime in preparation for summer, but if you haven’t done it, begin adding a bit of arugula or dandelion greens to your salad. Avoiding pungent (ie. chilies, peppers, ginger, onion, garlic…) and overly sour tastes as well as all fried foods, processed salty foods, and canned tomato products also helps to decrease our internal heat. Coffee and caffeine in general are best minimized this time of year as both tend to increase acid in the body and in turn, heat. (So enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie, herbal tea, chai, mango lassi, or fresh sparkling lemonade at Nectar instead!)

A few other time-tested techniques for staying cool include: drinking fresh coconut water (the liquid inside of a young coconut); drinking more water in general; using cooling aromatherapy by taking time to smell the roses, lavender, jasmine or a bit of sandalwood oil; massaging coconut oil into the scalp or soles of the feet; keeping the body and especially the head out of direct mid-day sun; and of course taking a daily dip in the river.

If you still cannot seem to beat the feeling that your insides are melting it is time to come and see your local Yoga & Ayurveda Therapist (me!). Following a lifestyle program that addresses your particular tendency towards imbalance can have lasting healing effects that support your health year round.

The effect of incorporating even a few of these techniques into your daily routine can be profound. Remember, summertime is the best time of year to “chill out” and engage in activities that renew your spirit and put your mind at ease. This is one of the best ways to stay balanced this season.

In Love & Service,
Radiantfire

Three Birds of Tridosha

Dosha is the term Ayurveda uses to explain three primary energies that underlie biological function in the body. Each life form is composed of a different proportion of these doshas, which is what makes our needs for optimum health so unique. Each dosha in turn, is a combination of 2 of the 5 elements.

To get a very general understanding of which dosha may be predominant in you you can check out Deepak Chopra's Dosha Quiz.

Taking a peek into the natural world we can find the qualities of earth, water, fire, air and ether in abundance. Meditating on these qualities brings refinement in our understanding of Tridosha theory.



Vata [Air + Ether]
This is the principle of movement within nature. Vata dosha governs the movement of nutrients into and waste out of the body and provides the space for Pitta and Kapha doshas to work in. It also governs movements of the mind and impulses of the nervous system. The qualities of air and ether are inherent in Vata dosha: rough, dry, irregular, cool, subtle, light,and mobile. In nature we can find qualities of this dosha in the rough bark of a birch tree and in its tiny shimmering leaves. We can see the flitting movements of the hummingbird and its delicate features and natural affinity with air and movement... In the human body Vata manifests as leanness of frame, internal and external dryness, irregular features, small eyes, and a lightly-developed musculature. In the mental/emotional realm Vata appears positively as intelligence, shrewdness, and a healthy ability to change when the wind blows. Negatively vata shows up as anxiety, worry, fear, and a tendency to live too much in the mind and not enough in the body and heart. Dry skin, constipation, feelings of being overwhelmed, an overactive or spacey mind, and an inability to sit still are all sure signs of an imbalance of Vata dosha.



Pitta [Fire + Water]
This is the principle of transformation or thermogenesis. Pitta dosha transforms and converts the food we eat, it is responsible for digestion both gross and subtle and the processing of physical, mental, and emotional input. Pitta is hot, sharp, oily, penetrating and light (and is generally acidic and enzymatic). In nature Pitta can be seen in the pointed spines of a pine tree or in its towering pinnacle; it is responsible for the sharp vision of the hawk and the fiery essence of this natural hunter. In the human body Pitta reveals itself in a well-balanced musculature, strong digestion, penetrating and light-colored eyes, freckles, warm and lustrous skin. Well balanced, it is the fiery power of digestion and the mental ability to discriminate and illumine (fire element). People with a predominance of Pitta dosha tend to be very ambitious, clear thinking, efficient, and pointed in their actions and words. An excess or imbalance of Pitta dosha manifests as anger, frustration, abusiveness, loose bowels, impatience and all types of inflamation.



Kapha [Earth + Water]
This is the principle of cohesion within nature. Earth and Water are the most dense of the five elements. When combined we can see the natural logic of Kapha as responsible for the structure and lubrication of the body. Kapha is heavy, slow, cool, oily, liquid, dense, thick, static and cloudy. It manifests as protective tissues and fluids in the body (from sinovial fluids to fatty tissues, saliva and the mucous membranes that protect the stomach etc...) In nature Kapha qualities can be seen in the smoothness and thickness of Magnolia leaves and in the grace and largesse of a Swan on water. Kapha bodies are round, thick-skinned and full with large eyes and lips and short joints and general stockiness. When in balance Kapha is patient, loving, supportive, strong, and stabilizing. Out of balance Kapha is stagnant, depressed, unmotivated, dull, and lethargic with slow digestion, weight gain, and toxicity.

Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are present and work together in each individual life-form. Their proper functioning creates harmony while their imbalance leads to disease. Refinement and nourishment of these energies leads to transcendence. Getting to understand the primary energies at work within our bodies helps us to understand what environments, foods, and impressions lead to our disharmony (unhappiness) and which will bring us true freedom, fulfillment and joy.

*Note: It is common for people with a little bit of understanding of the doshas to call themselves "X DOSHA". This often leads to a lot of confusion and misapplication of the Ayurvedic principles. Most people are a combination of predominating principles/ doshas. You can also feel predominantly one dosha by nature (prakriti) but have an imbalance that is of that or a different dosha (vikriti). Play with it, meditate on it, study it and see what aspects of Ayurvedic living are truly supportive of your wellbeing!

To eat or not to eat...FAST is the Question!

Fasting is something most people approach hesitantly, for eating is one of our greatest pleasures. In our culture, to begin this sort of self-inflicted deprivation is nearly unheard of except in the most sincere spiritual aspirants or those afflicted by more serious physical ailments. Often the only time that we abstain from food is when the body takes charge and forces this purification through general nausea or the flu.

Yet, throughout history fasting has been a part of many spiritual traditions. It seems to be universally accepted (except by the American Medical Association, of course) that fasting cleanses the body and mind and opens us up to the higher powers of spirit. Only after fasting have I felt certain qualities of silence within my mind and in those periods realized what a huge impact food has on my thoughts and emotions. Fasting is not just physical, it is a holistic practice that allows us to experience the more subtle energies of nature within and outside of ourselves. In the Sanatana Dharma tradition it is not uncommon for people to pick one day of the week and fast on that day 'religiously'. Yogis believe that this develops discipline and courage; it is also considered a form of spiritual austerity or tapas.

In the language of practicality, snacking and overeating can lead to a build up of undigested material or AMA (ironically also the abbreviation for the pharmaceutical ruled association previously mentioned) in the digestive system. Fasting gives the digestive system a (much needed) break, and since Ayurveda believes that poor digestion is the root of the disease process, many forms of fasting are recommended depending on the dosha and the disease.

Building your own fasting ritual can become a beautiful part of a seasonal routine and when done correctly, under the guidance of a knowlegable practitioner, can work wonders for a myriad of health issues.

There are many different types of fasting: fruit fasts, juice fasts, soup fasts, liquid fasts, water fasts... and also many different time periods appropriate for each individual, dosha, and circumstance.

In general:
Kapha types generally do well with regular fasting for longer periods of time.
Pitta people tend to need less (since their digestive fire is naturally high) and do well with minimal fasting on fruits or juices.
Vata types can handle only short, gentle fasting (a few meals of light broth, lots of liquids, ginger tea etc..)

Again, these are very rough guidelines.

Finding a personal relationship to fasting is key, but truly the most important aspect of the fasting ritual is HOW you break the fast. It is so important that we consider the first few days after a fast a time of heightened awareness; an extension of the fast that is equally important.

The building of the digestive fire is not so different from how one would build a camp fire: it is methodical and done with an awareness of the state of the flame in every moment. Each piece of kindling is vital and throwing a huge log (or say, a hot dog) onto the fire is going to put a small fire out quickly (leading to less metaphorical stomach pains, noises, gas, and general discomfort).

Consider trying a mini-fast to test the waters: eating one meal of only room temperature fruit or having an entire day of light vegetable soups. Making sure you get plenty of water between meals is the key to avoiding hunger pangs and properly flushing the toxins from the body.

The Sensualist's Diet

When the average American woman thinks about being 'more disciplined' it is generally with the blandest of tastes in her mouth. Fat-free, carb-free, sugar-free, taste-free diets are the cure du jour for our bipolar indulgences. Most of us have yet to develop a truly sustainable and healthy relationship to food. While we long for more romance in our lives, we don't realize that romance itself requires a well-balanced outlook. We know that eating an entire box of chocolate does not make anyone feel sexy- yet we feed our addictions and fuel our whims while trying to burn off our sins with hours of fruitless and irregular workouts. It's enough to make anyone a little crazy, overweight, confused, and ultimately dejected.

French women on the other hand, stereotypically embody romantic living as easily as they breathe while exuding self-discipline. And if we had to pinpoint the axis upon which this indulgent, lithe, mysterious woman exists...what would we find? Perhaps a sense of equilibrium in the truest sense, an enjoyment and absorption in each moment as beyond ordinary... After reading French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guillano I am convinced that her description of "living like a French woman" means living from a higher state of consciousness by filling our lives with freshness, delight, and more than a little self-romancing.

This is essentially what Ayurvedic living is all about.

When we are fully absorbed in experience even the smallest things bring us satisfaction. Bringing romance into our lives really reads as living more sensually (with all of our senses) and more fully. Just as we feel romanced by the complete attention of a lover, our lives can become filled with that same ecstasy when we give them the same attention. When the bulk of our actions become conscious and connected to our true and deepest desires (as opposed to the less healthy desires born of old habits & stress), every day can be filled with cosmic champagne and roses.

One of my favorite indulgences is great croissant and now that I live in the city again I've found some of the best pastry that I've ever had. I don't deny myself the pleasure! (Though I certainly won't eat a mediocre croissant...) I do try and fill up on lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains as well... and I take my sweet time and enjoy every last bit of what I am tasting, because when rushed I know I won't feel satisfied, no matter how delicious it is! I also often chase all that white flour from my system with a triphala tonic before bed.

Since discovering raw cacao powder my relationship with chocolate has changed dramatically. I can now make my own raw vegan truffles at home with coconut butter, agave and cacao. Since agave is absorbed more slowly than sugar I never feel that peak and crash that eating a traditional truffle would give me. Learning more about raw cacao has also made me much more excited to eat it. With an ORAC antioxidant rating of 900+, raw cacao powder beats out acai (around 200) and blueberry (less than 100). It is mineral rich, energizing and tastes amazing. David Wolfe has even devoted an entire book to the magical powers of raw cacao: Naked Chocolate.

Some other ideas for balanced sensual living include:
-Check out Slow Food USA (and encourage more Veg-friendly SLOW events!)
-Get to know your local food sources by finding a farmer's market near you.
-Invite a friend over for an evening of cooking adventure and if you are so inclined pick up a bottle of Frey Vineyards Biodynamic Organic Wine. (You could also try my personal favorite Guerzoni Mosto D'Uva, a biodynamic reduced grape juice...
-Don't forget the flowers!

Enjoy!

The Sweetest Element

I sit by the east bank of the Kaweah mulling over words. In the land that is called Three Rivers I can't help but contemplate the significance of a drought. The river sings a low earthy song that is punctuated by the melodies of waterfowl and other bright birds. The clouds have not been generous, the ice melt not plentiful. The three sacred rivers wind through my life like a soothing friend, ready to give comfort from the blistering heat, to wash away every emotional distress as a mother would. But as spring leads into summer, these winding forks of the Kaweah will course through the earth as tiny veins, ribbons of cool replenishment, beautiful and dangerous.

The river serves as a striking allegory if we choose to see it in that light. Political pundits worth their salt seem to agree that in the next hundred twenty years 'wars for oil' will give way to 'wars for water'. Just as access to water was vital to civilization hundreds and thousands of years ago, in modern times it becomes more sweet in relation to its scarcity; as vital resources become polluted, as we begin to feel the effects of destroying the atmosphere and the historic heat waves that are sweeping the globe... we regain our respect for the elements that are essential to our existence. Just as salt once carried a price as high as rubies to the desert nomads.. we begin to understand water as our true life-blood. Neither Sprite nor Coca-cola will do. Sometimes we have to learn lessons the hard way.

Ancient civilizations in India worshiped their rivers. Anthropomorphized, those rivers became goddesses in the Hindu pantheon. This was the extent to which water was seen as central to life, worthy of worship and praise.

The earth's surface is 71% water, nearly the same proportion as the water inside our bodies at birth. This correlation may serve as an oft unheeded omen: as the waters that cover this planet become more toxic and scarce, so do the waters inside our bodies become more dry and polluted (the effects of chemicals, synthetics, pharmaceuticals and other rogue particles in our environment, food and water supply).

In the language of Ayurveda we speak of water as the element Aap, one of the five fundamental building blocks of nature or Mahabhutas. Aap is the cohesive and binding force: humble, protective, and nourishing. In one Ayurvedic text it says that Aap "governs a substance's ability to change shape without separating or losing it's integrity".

In the human body this element binds nutrients and oxygen in the blood, binds nutrients to saliva and digestive fluids, surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord as Cerebrospinal fluid, protects the mucous membranes, lubricates joints, and gives us the ability to taste. Beyond just being water as H2O, Aap is a set of principles, one of the five guiding intelligences of life. And when we listen to the intelligence within us even the greatest things are possible.


Here are three exercises for increasing your water intelligence:

1. Increase the amount of pure water in our bodies by drinking it. Start out with one extra glass in the early morning and one in the late evening. Increase as you begin to feel the difference. Decrease caffeine, which dehydrates the body. Notice that more water in your body makes you feel more vibrant without the caffeine. Your mood changes as you add another glass. When you reach 8 glasses a day you might be able to fly, or at least feel like you could. It is a true refreshing experience. You may even choose to start focusing on foods that are more water dense ie. fruits and vegetables, soups, juices...

2. Observe water in nature. I spent three of the best days of my life gazing at the Ganges as she passed through Rishikesh, the ancient abode of the yogis. With each passing hour my mind became a little more clear, emotions smoothed themselves out, and a deep watery happiness began to pervade my mind. Some things we have to practice to fully understand. This is probably one of them. When you take the time to absorb yourself in the natural world, a certain wisdom unveils itself. Ask deep and eternal questions. This is no time to be caught in the drone of everyday thinking. Meditate, you never know what can happen until you try.

3. Begin massaging some oil into the body every day. Soothe your nervous system, increase circulation, balance the lymphatic system and keep the moisture in. Try the simple Ayurvedic self-massage technique of Abhyanga by using some pure sesame oil and massaging the whole body: from the soles of the feet to the top of the head for energizing; and from the head to the feet for grounding and calming. Use long strokes over the limbs, circles over joints and make sure you don't miss anything. Leave the oil on the body and rest for 10 minutes before taking a hot shower and rubbing the oil off the body with water. The steam and heat from the shower will open the pores and facilitate the removal of toxins. Try not to use soap if you can.

Spring Cleaning

I'm starting to settle in to a more rural life in Three Rivers. Riding my bicycle through the winding streets this morning was pure bliss. Coasting downhill with the breeze in my face, I closed my eyes in sheer reverie for a breath so delicious that I have no doubt someone in a stuffy PR firm is trying desperately to market it. Even my digestion has improved in the two short weeks since I arrived. I've been on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster but also completely fascinated by mother nature and the tides of change that push and pull at me with magnetic force in this place.

I've also started to feel that voice, deep in my bones, whispering, coaxing: it's time to write, you have something to say.

It's spring and now that I'm relatively stationary in body and mind, it's time to unload. The season of cleansing and renewal is upon me; it may sound crazy but I have a real desire to eat grass (!), the beautiful green buttery blades of grass that have been growing noticeably longer with each passing day. The murmur of the river has awakened a higher reasoning power within this heavy winter body. I crave the fruits of nature and a lighter vehicle for play.

There may be no better time than spring to heed the maxim of eating seasonally. Did you know that spring is the perfect season to experiment with a RAW vegan diet? It just makes so much sense. The first thing that nature provides us with, the first shoots of life, light leafy greens and herbs, bitters and tart flowers; it's all masterfully designed so that we can begin reducing that winter burden, detoxifying the tissues, re-calibrating our digestive systems, and doing a little "spring cleaning". While high-fashion magazines and the culture of consumption would have us believe that our body weight should remain steady, most women will notice that their bodies change, at least a bit, from season to season. And some may notice that when they keep eating the same dense wintertime foods such as sweets, dairy, heavy carbohydrates and proteins, spring can become a time of pure misery as allergies begin to flare and winter weight becomes less than cozy. We want to fly in spring but our winter bodies keep us tied to earth.

In this Kapha (water+earth) season of heavy wetness we want to purify as much as we can. In fact, many Ayurvedic practioners recommend a specific cleansing routine and re-calibration at the junction of every season.

Even those who are already eating a vegan diet should begin to cut back on winter staples such as faux meats, root vegetables, fried foods, and other hearty fare. Increasing lettuces, watery vegetables, light grains such as quinoa and millet and favoring seeds such as pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower over heavier nuts is wise. Whole grain noodles are also great. And don't forget to devour whatever local early season fruits you can get your hands on. Whole vegetable juices will also hasten your spring cleaning.

The lightness of body that comes from this transition into spring is about more than regaining bikini weight. Toxins are notoriously good at hiding in the lipid (read:fatty)tissues of the body, so using this time to clean the tissues of the body is wonderful even if you aren't interested in losing weight. The wetness and increased oiliness that has been created in the body will actually HELP to facilitate proper detoxification of tissues (have you ever heard of ringing out a DRY sponge?). In Ayurvedic teachings it is said that Oil is Love, and the classic detoxification program Pancha Karma is in-part devoted to the use of oil to facilitate removal of toxins. So a little bit of high quality oil (cold pressed, unrefined) is necessary for our health even in this period of detoxification.

The (Non)Dairy Veda

So, some friends of Ayurveda may have wondered by now... What's up with the vegan thing? Traditional Ayurveda arose in a culture where deep reverence was given to cows in part because of their contribution to human life in the form of cows milk. I also believe that there are many situations where raw organic milk (from cows who have been allowed to feed freely in green fields) can be a source of nourishment that certain body types thrive upon. In fact, milk procured in this way is said to nourish all the tissues of the body and to increase strength, immunity and contentment.

But the factory farm exploitation that most US dairy cows endure is cruel. Most yogis agree that the milk which comes from these cows is in no way beneficial to us, but is quite toxic. The growth hormones, antibiotics and unnatural diet that these cows are fed is not in harmony with nature. The energy behind factory milk (and even factory aka. BIG Organic) is one that is filled with fear and the memories of a truly sad existence; being robbed of one's children, artificially inseminated, milked by machines and so forth. This is a system that I choose not to be a part of.

Milk in its natural state is the essence of a mother's love for her child, it contains a very pure Satvic or life-supporting energy that is said to calm and quiet the mind, relax the body, and soothe the nervous system. About 3% of the milk that is purchased in the US today comes from raw organic pasture fed mothers. This is the only kind of dairy that we would want to put in our bodies.

The propaganda of the dairy industry also leads people to believe that they need much more milk in their diet than is really beneficial. In fact, in Ayurveda it is sometimes said that milk should be diluted with water in equal portions, mixed with warming spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clove, etc... taken warm and generally by itself. The enzymes that are needed to digest milk work best in warm conditions and many milk allergies have been alleviated by avoiding cold dairy products and favoring small amounts of raw warm dairy. Some Ayurvedic doctors recommend drinking up to a cup (8 oz) of cows milk in a day, which is a far cry from what the 'Got Milk?' commercials seem to be telling us.

As I mentioned in my first post, Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is unique. While some bodies really do thrive on a diet that includes dairy, others feel congested, sluggish, mucousy, or dull. Still, other people reject the use of dairy for ethical reasons, citing the exploitation of non-human animals as their primary reason, no matter how well loved and cared for these animals may be.

Choosing a balanced life without dairy can be a rewarding path but sometimes a nutritionally demanding one. An AyurVegan perspective seeks to allow health to flourish in the absence of milk, cheese, butter, and ghee. By tailoring our diets to acknowledge this omission, we can eat a vegan diet that is Ayurvedically appropriate and nutritionally rich... one that keeps the doshas in balance, the srotas clear, the nadis vibrant, and the mind at peace.

At least that's the idea.

Recipes will be purely vegan, whether or not you really are.

What is AyurVegan LOVE?

The term AyurVegan is a synthesis of Ayurvedic and Vegan Principles for living and eating.

Ayurveda [I-Your-VAY-DA] - the philosophy and practice of living in harmony with nature. When we live and eat seasonally and according to our own needs, moving with the rhythm of nature, our health and prosperity is supported. Ayurveda recognizes that each life form is unique and composed of its own special energetic structure. Likewise, each human body is unique and has different requirements for health. As a holistic system, Ayurveda cares for the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life. Arising in Vedic India, the Rishis and Sages who cognized this system were not just concerned with the health of the body, but the progression of the spirit and the purity of the mind and heart. Therefore, Ayurveda often recommends lifestyle practices that support the Yogic path. Such practices may include a vegetarian diet that supports the yogic precepts of ahimsa and daya, or non-violence and compassion. People often misunderstand Indian Food as supporting the Ayurvedic principles of health. This is not necessarily (or usually) the case. Ayurveda is a system that transcends any specific culture or religion. It is a universal paradigm that can be applied to any regional diet and lifestyle.

Vegan[ Vee-GUN-izm] - a philosophy and lifestyle that rejects the use of animal products of any kind including red meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, and in some cases honey. Ethical vegans also do not buy or wear leather, fur, pearls, silk or other goods that were procured at the expense of another beings life. Some people consume a vegan diet purely for the health benefits while others see veganism as a political act.

Love - The experience of deeply transformative wellbeing. Love is acting in alignment with our deepest values and desires. Love is local, seasonal, sustainability: greener than organic. Love sees a world in which dairy could be deep medicine, and vegan ethics and health are united as the same cause.

AyurVegan Love explores how a life filled with seasonal fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, sprouts, RAW foods, cooked foods, superfoods, love, water, compassion, and forgiveness... can change everything.