Richness of Now
There is no time other than now. We are not, contrary to what we think, “going” anywhere. It will never be more rich in some other moment than in this one. Although we may imagine that some future moment will be more pleasant, or less, than this one, we can’t really know. But whatever the future brings, it will not be what you expect, or what you think, and when it comes, it will be NOW too. It too will be a moment that can be very easily missed, just as easily missed as this one.
- Jon Kabat-Zinn, Arriving at your own Door: 108 Lessons in Mindfulness
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This website supports a growing cultural shift towards slowing down. On this site we discuss how we have lost connection to most aspects of our life and to the natural world and rhythms around us, and how we can reconnect – how we can live a connected life. The Slow Movement is a worldwide movement to recapture Meaningful Connection this state of connectedness. The movement is gaining momentum, as more and more people recognise their discomfort at the fast pace and disconnected nature of their lives.
Mango Greenie
This morning’s breakfast greenie was delicious…
- 1 ripe mango
- small handful of mint leaves
- large handful of pennywort leaves
- small handful of parsley
- small handful of spinach
- 1/2 scoop of chia seeds
- 2 + cups water & ice
Cheers!
Pennywort anyone?
One night last week I was at a Vietnamese restaurant at the Eden Center and came across a green drink called nuoc rau ma (with the word “Pennywort” next to it)… Since we like to try green drinks, we were kind of excited. How could I have not seen this before? The waitress couldn’t explain what it was in english, so we ordered and then Googled it. Fortunately I came across this great post by Wandering Chopsticks explaining the drink, the plant and how to make a pitcher of the juice. The drink at the restaurant was ok but way too sugary for my taste, so I got motivated to find some pennywort and make my own!
Of course, there was a market right next door to the restaurant, so we picked up a big round bag of the stuff. The next day I made fresh mint & pennywort tea (pouring steaming water over fresh, clean mint & pennywort leaves, letting it steep and then straining. I made so much that I put the rest in the fridge and had it as iced tea the next day - it darkened overnight and had a richer flavor. I also took a big bunch of the well-washed leaves and added them to some smoothies this past weekend. I’m loving the taste and will add them to a big green smoothie tomorrow too (the bag of pennywort I purchased was huge!). Given this will be a big salad week for me, I’ll be adding them to my mixed greens too.
A bit more info about pennywort…
Also known as “gotu kola”, it is mildly antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, a circulatory stimulant, a diuretic and more. When eaten raw it is thought to help maintain youthfulness and was known to be part of Li Ching-Yun’s diet, who purportedly lived to be 256 years old. A decoction of juice from the leaves is thought to relieve hypertension. This juice is also used as a general tonic for good health. A poultice of the leaves can be used to treat open sores.
The Edible Library also has a fun blog post about making fresh, raw juice from the leaves. Enjoy!
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One of my favorite books is by Candace Pert called Molecules of the Mind. She writes that most people think the mind holds emotional memory. Actually it’s the cells and organs. The Chinese have always known this. Deepak Chopra said “the issues are in the tissues.” If your body is subconsciously harboring emotional trauma, daily affirmations won’t matter. Old wounds are stored at a molecular level and are going to get triggered without warning unless their negative energy is properly released.
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Some people would say you shouldn’t strive for personal happiness until you’ve taken care of everyone in the world who is starving or doesn’t have adequate medical care,” says Howard Cutler, MD, coauthor with the Dalai Lama of The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World. “The Dalai Lama believes you should pursue both simultaneously. For one thing, there is clear research showing that happy people tend to be more open to helping others. They also make better spouses and parents.” And in one famous study, nuns whose autobiographies expressed positive emotions (such as gratitude and optimism) lived seven to 10-and-a-half years longer than other nuns. So, for any die-hard pessimist who still needs persuading, just think of how much more you can help the world if you allow a little happiness into your life.
fun badges!!
Our amazing Shiny Heart Ventures intern just turned out a few fun badges for us… aren’t they fun? Smaller sizes coming too…
Snag them at will!!
CODE SNIPPET: <a href=”http://bit.ly/ctfocS”><img src=”http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4777558871_fecb60015a_o.png” alt=”Thankfulfor - online gratitude journal” /></a>
CODE SNIPPET: <a href=”http://bit.ly/ctfocS”><img src=”http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4777566711_bdbea2d089_o.png” alt=”Thankfulfor - online gratitude journal” /></a>
CODE SNIPPET: <a href=http://bit.ly/c6SVBd”><img src=”http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4778192604_0b34db7a07_o.png” alt=”ShinyMaineLobster - delivered direct to your door” /></a>
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