[ Staying Connected ]

 
 

[ Diagrams ]

 
 
 

[ Music ]

 
 
 

[ Quotes + Chants ]

AHAM BRAHMASMI

I am the Universe.

 

OM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA

The powerful mantra "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha" is used to inspire transformation. With roots in Hinduism, it is thought to call upon the energy of Ganesh —the elephant-headed deity who is widely revered as the remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings. Let's break down what each part of this mantra represents:

  • Om: Om, or aum, is the sound that represents the birth of the universe and the connection between all living beings.

  • Gam: Gam is the sound of the root chakra and it's thought to awaken energy at the base of the spine. According to Kundalini yoga, Ganesh resides in the first chakra, the root chakra, or Muladhara. Mula means "original," and adhara means "foundation," so the Muladhara chakra forms the root that supports our energy and action.

  • Ganapataye: Another name for Ganesh, the deity who removes obstacles. (For pronunciation, watch the video below.)

  • Namaha: A salutation, similar to namaste.

For a more detailed description of this mantra, [click here].

 

om tare tuttare ture soha

I prostrate to the Liberator, Mother of all the Victorious Ones.

This mantra to Green Tara liberates us from suffering, fear and disease, and aligns us with the righteous path in our very own hearts.
For a more detailed description of this mantra, [click here].

 

Musings from the moon

You’re beautiful.

Not like the ink on those glossy pages,
but like the most loved book on the shelf.

The one with the torn pages
and glassy eyed tales,
with honest words
spelling out your deepest chapters
and a spine that somehow
gathers them with unbreakable threads,
no matter how many fingers
have creased your pages.

You’re beautiful.

[And] it’s time now, dear one,
to put it down. To free yourself
from the illusion that you need
to be more to become yourself.

You. Are. Beautiful.

~ Combined excerpts from the book by Jenna Ramondo

 
 

[ Recipes ]

 
 

VEGAN MOUSSAKA
inspired by GOLUBKA KITCHEN

Since we had no vegans in the group, we did throw a little shredded cheese below the potato puree.

PEANUT BAKED TEMPEH
INSPIRED BY MINIMALIST BAKER

Sautee up your favorite veggies in sesame oil and spices to taste, serve over rice noodles.

GINGER ELIXIR
INSPIRED BY THE CHOPRA CENTER

We love to throw a little ground turmeric in it as well, for an added health boost ;)

 
 

LUIS’ WORLD FAMOUS PINEAPPLE CEVICHE

BASE: Fresh pineapple, cut into large chunks.
Sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Set aside to ‘marinate’ while preparing topping.

TOPPING:
1/2 large Red Onion, finely chopped
20 Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes (or similar), cut into quarters
1/4 cup Cilantro, finely chopped
Fresh squeezed orange, lemon and ginger juice to taste (usually 1-2 Tb each)
Grated zest of orange peel, salt + pepper to taste

SERVE with blue corn tortilla chips or similar. Enjoy!

 
 
 

QUINOA SUMMER SALAD

16oz Rainbow or Yellow Quinoa (also delicious with Israeli Couscous)

1 cup of the following ingredients*, finely chopped:
Dried Apricots, Parslet, Red Onion, Sliced Almonds, Feta Cheese

Toss all ingredients in bowl and drizzle with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt + pepper to taste. You may also use Newman’s Own Olive Oil + Vinegar dressing for an easy shortcut.

*The original recipe also calls for 1 cup crumbled pita chips. Adds a great crunch, if carb/gluten intake is not of concern.

 

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