The Summer Season (Pitta season)

 We are now officially traveling through the summer season(Pitta), which means we have transitioned from the spring (Kapha) season which saw many a cold, sinus, and allergy challenge. Each seasonal change not only presents itself externally, but internally as well. Our bodies are in sync with the earths seasonal cycles, so the  heat is beginning to build and dry the heavier, stickier qualities of Kapha which melt away. On saying that, we are all unique in our constitutions, so those with more Pitta dosha (Fire element) can become somewhat, to terribly overheated if not kept in check. Here are a few recommendations to cool the fires of Pitta this season.

If eating spicy foods this summer, and enjoying a few cocktails, please counter these heat aggravating choices by using some cilantro on the side, and a simple little raw salad.

• Ghee used on rice or quinoa, over lightly steamed or sauteed vegetables. (Ghee is cooling in nature)
• Pure, filtered water (cool to room temp) adding a few sprigs of mint (or cilantro) with cucumber 
• Top your dishes with cilantro as garnish. This is balancing if there is a little more spice (heat) in your meal. Mint is also a wonderful cooling garnish.
• Avoid tomatoes, and othere acidic type foods such as coffee, alcohol, and other hot drinks.
• Aloe vera gel blended with mint and honeydew for a super summer beverage
• Steam or sautee some bitter greens ( kale, dandelion, spinach). Bitter greens are cooling for the blood.
• Be sure to include some quiet/meditative time in your day. This calm will help to bring the fire of Pitta down.
• Avoid excessive sun. 15-30 minutes should do it. Beyond that, you may feel the effects negatively, not only externally but internally also! Your beautiful skin will thank you for taking care not to mistreat it!

Enjoy the long, and hopefully sunny days of the summer.. be thankful for the life you live.. do one brave thing everyday, and love much..

Om. Shanti.

A Look At Who YOU Are

Ancient sciences throughout the world use plants, herbs, and minerals in which the earth has provided to remedy illness and prevent disease. These are still here for us to use, but have been sadly overlooked as modern day pharmaceuticals have become big business and have become a mask to the root of disease instead of the remover or healer. It is because we have become detached from nature and its love.We have simply forgotten that we are also a part of nature all around us. 

It does take change for our bodies to once again become in tune with where it should be, and this is a challenge for many. Ayurveda simply suggests making ONE small change at a time, that change becoming rooted in your daily life, therefore becoming a part of who you are. As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I always begin a clients road to wellness with food.In Ayurveda, the act of eating is a divine sacrament to your very being, forming and building the structure of your body and mind like devotees build a place of worship and contemplation. Food then, is something much more powerful than mere nourishment, it forms the essence of your very being. It becomes who you are. We've all heard: "You are what you eat." It is true.YOU ARE FOOD. Any Ayurvedic program will most times begin by offering a food program It is where it all begins simply because all disease moves outside of the site of the colon (all that is not taken into the system, but becomes toxic) and moves out into the body creating "dis-ease". Usually, one change in dietary routine and content is given so as not to overwhelm the person. Then, other routines and suggestions are made outside of food. It is amazing that once each change is implemented and accepted, how going back to old routines becomes almost unthinkable. I can speak from experience since my lifestyle is such. Each and every action I take for my well being everyday (which is to say that every routine I have adopted into my life) is something that I cannot go  too long without. Even if it is one change which takes you one month to "get", it is absolutely okay!!  Ayurveda brings us to examine ourselves beyond food and taking herbs.We all have different time frames for change, but whenever you are ready, it is YOUR time to discover yourself on a  deeper level.  Om. Shanti.

Spring retreat cancelled... :(

Due to a few complications, the retreat has been cancelled for the spring. Stay tuned for another fall retreat!!!

Spring Retreat again in Ojai this May!

March Cooking Class! ...India's Layers of Flavors

Cooking With Love... February classes

It's almost autumn, and time to get re-aquainted with the rhythms of the season, and get your doshic (energetic) imbalance in check! The best way to approach this is by committing to a three month program. This keeps you on track and accountable, as well as offering your first herbal preparations to support your changes, and a cooking class which is beyond invaluable!!  Check out the Three Month program on the Consultations page, and make this seasonal decision for yourself. Namaste.