Day 3: Get your OM on, then hop with John

Why the talk about meditation?  What is it anyways?

Kathy says, “Meditation is good for you physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  By making a regular practice of it, you can expect:

*Improvement in concentration and artistic abilities
*Improvement in performance levels in sports
*Increased ability to learn and communicate
*Profound relaxation
*A change in metabolism due to the lowering of biochemical by-products of stress
*Lowered heart rate and blood pressure
*Greater ease of respiration
*A feeling of being 'in tune' with your higher nature
*Greater insight and inspiration
*A more grounded approach and response to life’s challenges”

So really, why not try it? 

Making time for yourself “won’t make you a bad daughter or wife or mother; it will make you a less resentful, more confident, interesting, beautiful, patient, tolerant and fun person to be around.  Your bright, shining light will give everyone else around you the permission and inspiration to shine more brightly.  Love yourself enough to do whatever it takes to be the best you you can be.” –Skinny Bitch

Setting aside even one minute a day to breathe and close your eyes to embrace the quiet is a great start.  Close your eyes and count out ten breaths, focusing on the inhalations and exhalations.  That’s one minute.  As you get more comfortable, you can move to 5 minutes, playing soothing music.  Then eventually, maybe even 20.

According to Freston, “The best time is to sit with your eyes closed in the morning before you get going with your day.  This way, the rest of your day will be seeded for calm, centered, and inspired focus.”

And now for the food.  So far, we’ve had some delicious, hot and spicy meals.  In the interest of balance, it’s time to cool down a bit with a refreshing salad that’s easy to take with you on a busy day.

Today’s recipe, Hoppin’ John Salad, was introduced to me by the 21 Day Vegan Kickstart.  It’s one of my favorites!  A printable version, along with nutrition information, can be found here: Hoppin' John Salad.

Hoppin' John Salad
Makes about 10 1/2-cup servings
2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, or 1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas, drained
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup finely sliced green onions
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 tomato, diced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil (I used pumpkin seed oil, thinking of my cleansing girls in Croatia!)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 - 2 garlic cloves, crushed

*(optional) I’m adding corn– ¼ cup, ½ of a yellow bell pepper, diced, and ½ cucumber, diced

Combine black-eyed peas, rice, green onions, celery, tomato, and parsley in a mixing bowl. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, oil, salt, and garlic and pour over the salad. Toss gently. Chill 1 to 2 hours if time permits.

If you don’t have all of the ingredients, just play around with similar ones.  I’ve made many variations of this depending on what’s on hand.  Always Delicious!