Let the Sun Shine Out

One of the beauties of the holiday season is that we celebrate light during the darkest time of the year. Often though, these celebrations serve as a distraction to keep us moving at our usual fast pace, avoiding the natural rhythm of winter.

Winter is a time for us to slow down and explore deeper aspects of who we are. While New Year resolutions can be the push we need to take care of ourselves, the commitment to the treadmill is often just another way to keep us running from our own inner sense of self.

The holiday season of lights is there to remind us that our inner light burns bright in the darkest of times. Bringing light into the darkness is the act of making the unconscious conscious.

If we light a torch in a dark room we can see clearly the contents of the room and which obstacles stand before us. Internally, as we direct our attention onto the light of consciousness, we gain a deeper perspective of the content of our mind.

Identifying and letting go of our limiting beliefs allows our entire self to become free to expand in new areas and to breathe in the greater experience of life. Even if we know this to be true, we may continue to avoid engaging such a process since a new state of uncertain possibilities tends to be more threatening than the familiar and comforting (however damaging) current beliefs.

The narrowness of our minds believes that we are not smart enough, don’t know enough, aren’t worthy enough, not good-looking enough, or that we are selfish. We spend our energy trying to cover up this dark truth in the hope that others won’t find out. We are scared of being exposed for what our narrow-mindedness has convinced us be the truth about ourselves.

In our culture it is very common to address isolated symptoms rather than address the underlying cause. By labeling people by their faults rather than their virtues we are able to temporarily boost the ego. We rationalize each situation without addressing the constant trigger that is our own limiting belief about ourselves.

Once we acknowledge that we have limiting beliefs, we free ourselves from thinking that we are these beliefs. Then we can feel far more comfortable slowing down and tuning into self. Such a realization invites a true sense of freedom. Not the freedom that comes from defending our belief systems, but the freedom that no conflict or idea can dissipate, and no schedule can bury.

As you make your New Year resolutions, make sure they serve the unlimited you. Rather than declaring yet another tiring war against your own body image or life situation, connect to motivation that it rooted in love.

For myself, when I exercise and eat healthy, I feel calmer, clearer, and lighter in both mind and body. Taking care of my body is a way of taking better care of my spirit.

Happy New Year. May the pure light shine within you, and guide your way on.

Food Focus: Salt

Salt is one of life’s most vital elements as it contains over 60 essential trace minerals. The energy of salt is grounding, it aids in stronger digestion, helps to detoxify poisons, and it stimulates the kidneys which create moisture that helps combat the dryness of winter.

If salt has so many benefits why has it been labeled one of the most dangerous foods of our times? One reason is because of the salt that has been studied in relationship to hypertension is low quality refined salt eaten in excess. Common table salt is stripped of most of its beneficial minerals and is adorned with anti-caking chemicals, free flowing agents, ammonium citrate, and so on.

One of the main misconceptions about sea salt is that it doesn’t contain essential iodine. Iodine is a mineral that supports thyroid and lymphatic system health. The amount of iodine that we need to consume over our life time to support proper functioning is properly met by consuming unrefined sea salt in moderation and adding seaweed to our diet.

To receive the benefits of salt, choose high quality sea salt crystals that are produced without much processing. Keep in mind that local sea salt might have added benefit since it is harvested in the same environment you live.

Recipe of the Month: Vegetarian Hearty Soups

Lentil Vegetable Soup

1 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. curry powder (or ground cumin)
1 carrot, diced
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed and drained
4 cups chicken/ vegetable broth or water
¼ tsp. pepper
Salt to taste
1 Tbs. lemon juice
Dash of Tabasco sauce

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and garlic and cook until tender.
Mix in curry powder and cook for 30 seconds, then add carrot & potato. Add lentils and broth/ water, salt and pepper.
Simmer; covered for 30 minutes.
Turn off heat. Puree and add lemon juice and Tabasco.


Gypsy soup

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
2 cloves chopped garlic
2 cups sweet potatoes -- chopped &
peeled (Or winter squash)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
3/4 cup chopped sweet peppers
1&1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can)
3 cups organic vegetable stock or water
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon salt
dash cinnamon
dash cayenne
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon tamari soy sauce

In a soup kettle or large saucepan, sauté onions, garlic, celery and sweet potatoes in olive oil for about five minutes.
Add seasonings (except tamari) and the stock or water.
Simmer, covered, fifteen minutes.
Add remaining vegetables and chickpeas.
Simmer another 10 minutes or so - until all the vegetables are as tender as you like them.

NOTES : The vegetables used in this soup are flexible. Any orange vegetable can be combined with green...for example, peas or green beans could replace the peppers.
Carrots can be used instead of, or in addition to the squash or sweet potatoes, etc.
(Moosewood Cookbook)