My favorite language is the language of the human celestial experience!
Remember that balancing is always about re-balancing.
When we take a Yoga practice it is not necessary to come away knowing anything.
It is truly wonderful to come away just feeling that you are in a state of awareness!
T h e m e t h o d s o f Y o g a a r e in and of themselves a perfect f o u n d a t i o n for s e t t i n g t h e g r o u n d w o r k f o r b e i n g i n t h e N o w !
Panj Shabd - The Five Sacred Seed Sounds
Kundalini Yogis meditate on the Sikh mantra "Satnam" whose resonance is complete absorption.
Satnam is the state of bowing into Truth, Vibrating Reality! Its inner action is the "Truth which sets the ego free." These seed sounds have multiple meanings, references and translations. Here are a few :
Sa
Sanskrit refering to air, wind, knowledge, also a bird. Sa is of Vishnu or Siva, Lakshmi or Gauri and is knowledge itself. Vidya which aligns with the harmony of the universe.
Ta
In Sanskrit refers to a "boundary fence of bamboo." Also, of the past and the act of singing.
Na
Goodness. Positively, explicitly. Na means no, none, nothing. It is also a noisy streaming forth, with
Ma
In Sanskrit is prosperity, a place of honor. Mother. A name of Lakshmi. Also referring to time, a magical formula, and even the moon.
On the definition of Satnam:
Sacred sounds have a taught definition or translation where necessary, and an inner meaning which often comes through practice and meditation. For Satnam this is what I have experienced:
Flow beyond the boundaries of your ego until ultimately you merge into the universe.
Sunday is Pitta Dosha, governed by the Sun. The fiery energy dominates. Take advantage of the increased energy to be outside, ridding, hiking, gardening, dancing, or doing yoga practice. Be careful not to overload on foods and drinks that are heating in nature, like spicy sauce or red meat.
Monday is Kapha & Vata Dosha, governed by the Moon. Celebrate the cooling, soothing and nourishing properties of this day. It's a perfect day for a lighter diet, and to get the week going with gentle movement & exercise. Don't overdo projects and energy after your weekend. Monday is a better day to restore, rest, and meditate, Ayurveda teaches.
Tuesday is Pitta Dosha, governed by Mars. The red planet invokes fire and courage. This is the right time for more challenging tasks, or conversations that require your courage and strength. Do take care not to escalate things on this day and watch your own emotional state so that the fired-up energy does not work to aggravate relationships.
Wednesday is all three Doshas, governed by Mercury. The planet with the biggest variation in temperature (from -280 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit) rules over this day where it's best to work on the scope of your self with things like learning, reading, journaling and taking time to check-in with your week's goals! A lot may be going on, so be conscious of staying open and enjoy the opportunities that unfold.
Thursday is Kapha Dosha, governed by Jupiter. This planet is so big its shadow is visible from the Earth, so we can use this day to ground in knowledge, nourishment and happiness. It's a good time to get real work done, take stronger exercise, and cook a wonderful meal at home. But since Kapha is naturally heavy, be aware of balance and include more dynamic movement and yoga practices.
Friday is Kapha & Vatta, governed by Venus. Named for the Roman goddess of love and beauty, on this day fully enjoy art and music. Things like a long nature walk, creative cooking, meeting up with a friend are best. Don't dull your senses! Watch out for too much TV or any other vices that bring you down.
Saturday is Vatta, governed by Saturn. This day is associated with the light and airy elements. Bask in flowing creativity and enthusiasm and enjoy your ideas and passions. Don't skip meals on this day, or eat at odd hours. Vata needs grounding and benefits from a well-structured routine.
VEGETARIAN RECIPES
Cauliflower with Ginger and Lime!
A delicious meal and a new, sharper flavor, that works well with other comforting, buttery foods at the table! This takes some preparation but will open up your mind to new meals that you have not thought of before.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons - Coconut or olive oil -
1 large Cauliflower - broken into bits sized florets
1 inch piece of ginger - peeled ( more if you love the taste )
10 fresh curry leaves!
4 - 6 tablespoons of water
Juice of 2 limes
1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 - 2 teaspoons of salt
Optional - Indian green chiles - finely chopped
Optional - 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
Instructions:
Put the oil into a large frying pan over medium heat. When hot add the curry leaves and when they begin to crisp add the cauliflower too.
Fry the cauliflower for about 6 - 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Grate the ginger and squeeze the juice into the pan with your hands or through a fine muslin cloth. Add some of the pulp too. Add the chiles if you using them. Stirring occasionally, the cauliflower will start to caramelize and lots of lovely flavor will come out.
When it is a nice color add about 4 tablespoons of water, stir, then cover and leave to steam for about 5 minutes. Then add the lime juice, salt, cumin and the coriander if you are using that too. This will give it a beautiful, Indian flavor! Stir for about 6 more minutes, until the water has evaporated and the cauliflower is tender.
Serve hot or let it cool and the flavor will deepen. Serve with rice.
Cauliflower Korma with Almonds & Raisins!
This is the most incredible meal but all of the steps are simple and its easy if you follow the instructions.
Ingredients
Large Cauliflower
Olive or other organic cooking oil.
Salt
1 large yellow onion - sliced
1 inch piece of ginger - grated
3 cloves of garlic - crushed
1 cup of ground almonds
1 /2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cardamom
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup plain, organic Greek yogurt
A handful of flaked almonds
A handful of raisins
red chili - optional
garam masala - optional
Instructions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking pan with foil.
Break the cauliflower into bite sized florets and place in a bowl. Pour the oil over the florets then sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt. Mix this with your hands so everything is well coated. Roast for 30 - 40 minutes, checking every 10 minutes to see if it needs stirred or covered.
While this is roasting put 3 tablespoons of oil into a pan over medium heat. Add the onions when hot. Cook for about 12 minutes until soft and browning and then add the garlic and ginger and cook for a few more minutes! Stir as needed.
Then, to the pan, add the black pepper and cardamom, almonds and salt and optional ground red chili ( I go really light on it but you can add to taste. ) And garam masala for an incredible flavor! Stir fry for another few minutes.
Then add the honey and yogurt. Turn down the heat and cook for about 10 minutes more until the sauce is a rich gold.
When the cauliflower is tender, remove from the oven and tip it into the sauce. Let it pour in, cover everything well, and check the seasoning, as you may wish to add more salt. Let it simmer on a low heat as you finish the recipe, stirring as needed.
Last, in a small frying pan over medium heat, stir fry the raisins and almond flakes until the almonds turn golden and then remove from heat.
Put it all together in a bowl, adding the almonds and raisins on top. Let it cool for 5 minutes and enjoy!
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