When I was five years old, I walked the balance beam for the first time in gym class. As I found the stability, rather impressed with myself, I tried sticking my right leg out behind me. Next thing I knew, I had lost my footing and landed with all the weight of my body directly onto the beam – between my legs. I still remember the fiery, pulsing bite of the pain. I think my special place was bruised.
Too often, balancing through life seems just like that. And you have no choice but to get back up on the beam.
My solution for now? Back to cleansing! Instead of 3 weeks as before, I am extending to 6 weeks with the hope that these wonderful changes will become life-long habits instead of joining Sisyphus, constantly pushing the giant rock up the hill again and again.
I’m also looking for equilibrium in smaller, more mundane ways. A rough day is rewarded with an hour-long bath full of luxurious bubbles, soft music, and a book. Home late too many nights? Cancel the hair appointment to cook dinner and relax. One little change at a time as I’m teetering on the beam, finding grace and stepping carefully.
My cleanse rules are the same as before. I have given up gluten, alcohol, coffee, all animal products, and added sugar. This time, I am adding yoga classes 5-6 days a week. It’s only been about 1 ½ weeks and already I feel lighter, taller, and less achy. I’m still waiting on the incredible energy that I had last time, but I remember the first two weeks are a bit more challenging as the toxins are leaving the body. As always, I'm missing cheese, bread, and coffee the most!
I will check in as often as I can – I’ve missed this blog! I hope that you have, too.
Below you will find a really nice breakfast recipe to keep warm during these snowy winter months. It’s decadent and satisfies the grain cravings without actually using any grains!
I substituted almond milk for the soy and added the milk much sooner because I like thick, warm cereal. You can also add chopped nuts.
Rainbow chard on the side is a great compliment to get in some extra greens - kale, mustard greens, spinach, or swiss chard would work too.
Enjoy! It's delicious and soothing.
Hot Quinoa Cereal with Warm Spiced Soy Milk
Serves 3-4
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups filtered water
2 cups organic soy milk
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup maple syrup
1. Put the water and quinoa in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and the mixture thickens, about 20 minutes, adding more water if necessary (this is where I added the almond milk).
2. When the quinoa is almost done, put the soy milk ginger, and cinnamon in another small saucepan. Warm the mixture over low heat. (Instead, I added all into the main pan)
3. Divide the quinoa among 4 serving bowls. Pour the warm soy milk over each serving and drizzle with maple syrup or honey.
It tastes decadent, but is really a healthy start!
From Eat Taste Heal - An Ayurvedic Guidebook and Cookbook for Modern Living
