Ayurveda Recipes: Buckwheat Bran Muffin With Applesauce & Walnuts

Sweet and warming, these muffins will satisfy your tummy without burdening digestion. The sour burst of cranberry and crunch of walnut add taste and texture. They feel light in your stomach in comparison to the heavy, dull sensation of a processed version. The high fibre content in this recipe will support healthy elimination and leave you feeling energetic and full all morning. Warming cinnamon, cardamom and ginger will stimulate digestive strength and burn digestive toxins.
Ingredients
1/2 c MAPLE SYRUP
1/4 c WALNUTS
1 tbsp BUTTER (UNSALTED)
3 whole EGGS
1 tbsp BAKING SODA
2 tsp CARDAMOM
2 oz CRANBERRY
1 tsp CINNAMON
1 tsp BAKING POWDER
1 c TAPIOCA
1 tsp GINGER (DRIED)
1 c BUCKWHEAT
1/2 c ALMOND MILK
1/2 c APPLE
1/2 c RICE BRAN
Instructions
Ingredient Notes:
Use tapioca and buckwheat flour
Use applesauce in place of cooked apples
Use stablizied rice bran
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare 12-16 muffin cups by gently greasing with butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine buckwheat flour, tapioca flour, rice bran, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom (dry ingredients).
3. In another bowl, whisk almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, applesauce (wet ingredients).
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and combine until smooth. Finally, add cranberries and walnuts.
5. Neatly spoon mixture into muffin cups. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean (no batter).
6. Let cool in tray for 10 minutes before serving.

Breaking Free: Overcoming Negative Thought Patterns

Quote of the day…

“You cannot control the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

Jon Kabat-Zinn

Negative thoughts can cast a long shadow, impacting our mood, behavior, and overall well-being. But the good news is, you don’t have to be a prisoner to these thoughts. By understanding how they work and implementing some practical strategies, you can break free and cultivate a more positive mindset.

1. Recognize the Patterns:

The first step is to become aware of your inner dialogue. Pay close attention to your thoughts throughout the day. Are you frequently criticizing yourself? Do you tend to focus on the negative aspects of situations? Identifying these patterns is crucial for taking control.

2. Challenge the Narratives:

Once you’ve recognized a negative thought, challenge its validity. Ask yourself:

  • Is there any evidence to support this thought?
  • Am I making assumptions?
  • Is this thought truly helpful or is it just creating unnecessary stress?

Replacing negative, inaccurate thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones can significantly improve your outlook.

3. Embrace Mindfulness and Meditation:

Mindfulness involves being present in the moment, observing your thoughts without judgment. By focusing on the present, you can interrupt the cycle of ruminating on past mistakes or worrying about the future. Meditation can help calm the mind, allowing you to gain a more objective perspective on your thoughts.

4. Reframe Your Perspective:

Instead of dwelling on the negative, try reframing situations. Look for the silver lining, focus on what you can control, and view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

5. Cultivate a Positive Environment:

Your surroundings play a crucial role in shaping your thoughts. Surround yourself with positive influences – people who uplift you, activities that bring you joy, and environments that promote peace and relaxation.

6. Take Action:

Feeling stuck can fuel negative thinking. Taking small, consistent steps towards your goals, even if they seem insignificant, can build momentum and boost your confidence.

7. Seek Professional Support:

If negative thoughts are persistent and significantly impacting your life, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide guidance and support in developing healthier thought patterns.

Breaking free from negative thought patterns takes time and effort, but it’s a worthwhile investment. By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a more positive and fulfilling life.

Noose Pose (Pasasana)

What is Noose Pose?
Noose pose, or Pasasana in Sanskrit, is an intermediate twist. From a squatting position, the practitioner twists to the side and binds their arms around their legs. It’s a deeper twist than matsyendrasana and brings even greater flexibility to the spine and shoulders.
Instructions
Begin in a squat with the feet together.Exhale and twist to the right.Tuck the left upper arm outside of the right thigh and bend the elbow, reaching the forearm around the legs.Reach the right arm behind the torso. Clasp the hands. Gaze to the right.Breathe while holding the pose.Exhale and untwist. Change sides.

Love is the Best Medicine: How Healthy Relationships Boost Your Health

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and while chocolates and flowers are lovely, let’s not forget that love has a powerful impact that goes far beyond the romantic. Research shows that nurturing loving relationships can significantly boost your overall health and well-being.

Forget the “love potion” – true love is actually a powerful elixir for your mind and body!

10 Ways Love Keeps You Healthy:

  1. Longevity Boost: Feeling loved and connected can add years to your life! Studies show that people with strong social ties tend to live longer and healthier lives.
  2. Heart Health Hero: Love can keep your heart beating strong. Supportive relationships help regulate stress hormones, reducing the risk of heart disease.
  3. Blood Pressure Be Gone: Say goodbye to high blood pressure! Happy couples often have lower blood pressure levels, thanks to the stress-reducing power of love.
  4. Anxiety Eraser: Love can actually activate the brain’s reward centers, promoting feelings of calm and security.
  5. Stress Slayer: Sharing worries and joys with loved ones helps alleviate stress, both mentally and physically.
  6. Depression Deterrent: Feeling connected and loved combats loneliness and depression, boosting happiness and a sense of belonging.
  7. Immune System Supercharger: Love strengthens your immune system, making you less susceptible to illness and helping you recover faster.
  8. Pain Reliever: Believe it or not, love can actually help manage pain! Studies show that happy couples report less back pain and headaches.
  9. Gut Feeling Good: Love benefits your gut health too! Strong social connections support a healthy gut microbiome, essential for digestion and overall well-being.
  10. Sleep Soundly: Stress reduction thanks to loving relationships translates to better sleep quality. Happy couples tend to enjoy more restful sleep.

The Takeaway

Nurturing healthy relationships, whether romantic or platonic, is an investment in your overall well-being. So, this Valentine’s Day, remember to cherish your loved ones and cultivate meaningful connections. You’ll not only feel happier but also healthier!

Charging Crystals Under the Full Moon

Charging crystals under the full moon is a popular practice that combines the power of crystals with the energy of the celestial body. It’s a simple yet effective way to cleanse and energize your crystals, preparing them for use in healing, meditation, or other spiritual practices.

How to Charge Crystals Under the Full Moon

  1. Choose a Location: Find a safe and secluded spot where your crystals will be exposed to the full moon’s light. This could be a windowsill, your backyard, or a balcony.
  2. Prepare Your Crystals: Gently cleanse your crystals by smudging them with sage or placing them in a bowl of salt water.
  3. Place Your Crystals: Arrange your crystals in a single layer on a clean surface. You can place them directly on the ground or on a piece of cloth.
  4. Intend and Visualize: As you place your crystals, set your intention for charging. Visualize the moonlight infusing your crystals with its energy, cleansing and revitalizing them.
  5. Leave Them Overnight: Leave your crystals under the moonlight overnight. Ideally, you should leave them out for the entire duration of the full moon.
  6. Gather Your Crystals: In the morning, gently gather your crystals and thank them for their energy.

Tips for Charging Crystals Under the Full Moon

  • Choose the Right Night: The peak of the full moon’s energy is typically a few hours before and after it reaches its fullest point.
  • Consider the Crystal’s Properties: Some crystals may benefit more from being charged under the full moon than others.
  • Intention is Key: Setting a clear intention for your crystals can amplify their energy and effectiveness.
  • Gratitude: Express gratitude to the moon and the universe for their energy and support.

Charging your crystals under the full moon is a simple yet powerful practice that can enhance their energy and effectiveness. By combining the power of crystals with the natural energy of the moon, you can create a powerful tool for healing, meditation, and spiritual growth.

Additional Tips:

  • You can also charge your crystals by burying them in the earth or placing them in a stream or river.
  • Some people believe that certain crystals are more receptive to the moon’s energy than others.
  • Trust your intuition and experiment to find what works best for you and your crystals.

Remember, the most important aspect of charging crystals is your intention and your connection to the natural world. By approaching this practice with an open mind and a heart full of gratitude, you can unlock the full potential of your crystals.