Being present with Gratitude and have concern as we enter late fall into winter season is a bit of a dance, dare I say. It is a ‘both and ‘situation. The uncertainty of these times can be unsettling for many of us.
As I write this blog, the House of Representatives finally have moved to end the longest government shutdown in US history. I do not know of anyone that was not touched by the impact of this shutdown. Though it is now over the repercussions of this behavior will remain for a long time.
Gratitude for what is shifting and changing all around us may be difficult. And being in a place of gratitude of what we are blessed with in this life is a place to start. It can help to ground us to know what is next to navigate in our lives. In giving thanks and appreciation sets the tone in our thoughts and actions. Despite, or because of the challenges we face these days. It is important to keep hope alive as we move forward with each day.
Here is where Ayurveda can support both our mind and body in calming us in a balanced way. Food is a natural way for us to create this state of being.
Staying grounded in difficult times with nourishing food and spices
This is the season where Vata dosha (Air/ether qualities of light, dry, rough, mobile and hard) thrives so one easily can feel more anxious, restless, dealing with dry skin and constipation. As I shared in the last blog, seeking less intense movement, more rest with enough sleep, having warm soups, oatmeal and drinks aids in calming our nervous system.
Food is medicine in many traditional cultures and Ayurveda shares its wisdom in its traditions. Spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and, my favorite, cardamon are some of the medicinal spices that warm our body and help with the digestion of the heavier foods we eat in the fall. Cinnamon helps also to control our blood sugar and soothes our nerves with its aroma. Cardamon helps to reduce the acidity in coffee, and its aroma is calming to our nerves.
Having cooked root vegetables supports the grounding we need from gift of the earth. Fall and winter squash offer moisture the body craves this time of year. Pumpkin is always a favorite too.
Pulses and beans are simple, nutritious and inexpensive ways to add to a meal as well.
Recently, a friend shared a simple, delicious recipe for black bean burgers. I loved the recipe. Easy to prepare, I found it to be a delicious addition to healthy, inexpensive nonmeat choices we all need. Adding sauteed squash and greens with a small salad round out a balanced meal.
Get creative with your next meal! I found that I did not have the breadcrumbs to help bind the black beans for the recipe but did have blue cornmeal, so I added it instead. I preferred a white cheese that I had to the cheddar cheese the recipe called for. It was a delicious addition to the mixture. I had fun exploring other options.
I would love to hear about your favorite recipe for this time of year!
In good health and much gratitude,
Judith
