Winter Spice & Dragon's Breath

The Winter season has arrived. For a moment we thought we might get to sneak through the season like you guys down south.  Well...it wasn't in the cards, and the white stuff has finally arrived.  Today as we look out the window, the winter storm has taken a break, and the sun has started to shine on the snow.  The birds feed on the seed that Brian has put out for them, and then they scatter when startled - take a break and return when the coast is clear. There is an ebb and flow to their movements.  We need to blend with what nature is demonstrating. The weather is all over the place, the birds are all over the place...guess what...we're all over the place.  

Paula, Catherine, Meg, Mikahail

So...with that in mind we need to balance our outside by staying warm (with proper gear), and just as importantly balance our inside warmth(by hitting the kitchen).  Using warming spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Cardamom, Chili Peppers & Garlic) to stoke our inner flame - our digestive fire. 

 Often we neglect our inner furnace...we eat old food, left-overs, and processed foods.  These are items that will suppress your inner heat and create  toxic dampness...not what we want to encourage during the winter. 

Brian - explaining the chanting process

We have been embracing all that goes along with hibernating...warm soup and stews, kitchen experiments, snuggie blankets, good books, movies and all the other gentle activities that come with Winter.  Huh...when I list them...winter doesn't seem that bad. 

Sarah, Paula, Catherine, Meg

Mikhail

Two Generations of Spice Grinders!

 Avocado-Cashew Alfredo with Winter Spice

We enjoy our first Spice Grind of the season with a lovely group. Chanting, roasting and grinding spices to create a Masala that would bring balance to our plate during this cold weather.  I created a dish...Zucchini Noodle with Avocado-Cashew Alfredo with Winter Spice Masala toped with Tomato. (Recipe to come!)  

We also touched lightly on the need for a Dinacharya - a daily routine. Creating a daily routine is important for your bodies inner balance.  Most of our daily life is random, but every morning we have the potential of carving out a pocket of time that can set the bar for our mind, body and spirit. Here is a list created by Banyan Botanicals. https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/uploads/Elements_of_Ayurveda_Daily_Routine_Guide.pdf Hang it in your bathroom as a reminder of what your are striving for.  

Mikhail's Dragons Breath

Don't panic - pick one or two practices that resonate with you and DO THEM!  Do them everyday until they become a habit.  Give your body and nervous system something it can count on everyday. 

Mikhail created our culinary treat for today...Mikhail's Dragons Breath!






This will improve your digestive fire and warm you to your toes!! You can get the recipe here http://naomikenealysbonusdays.blogspot.com/p/mikhails-dragons-breath.html



Blessings to All!
Warm snow flake kisses!
Namaste`
Naomi, Brian & Mikhail