Inviting more relaxation into your life…

"Sometimes
the most​​ productive
thing you can do is - 
​relax"

Mark Black

Have you noticed how time seems to speed up during all of the excitement of festivities and celebrations at this time of year?

​When we become busier than usual, making the time for relaxation can be essential for our wellbeing. Even the thought of the word 'relaxation' can prompt us to take a deep breath and exhale. Just a few minutes a day spent in nature can help quieten a busy mind, release tension and enable our energy to flow more freely. ​

The daily practice of tuning into our bodies and slowing down helps us to restore and re-balance, often making us more productive in the long run. Meditation and relaxation form a vital part of a healthy Ayurvedic lifestyle routine. This helps to keep us in tune with what our bodies need and to maintain a sense of clarity and ease - all of which can be compromised when we become overly busy.

Benefit to the Dosha’s when spending time in nature:

Vata – nourishes and grounds the lightness and movement of the air elements. Walking barefoot on grass or feeling the sand beneath your toes helps to ground Vata dosha. (a reminder that windy weather can aggravate Vata dosha).

​Pitta – being near water helps to soothe and cool the heat of the fire element. Walking by a river or lake helps you to cool down and restore a sense of calmness.

​Kapha – walking in fresh air helps to lighten and stimulate the heavier qualities of the earth and water elements.  ​If you feel sluggish or lethargic this can help you to feel more energised.

You don't have to travel far to connect to a beautiful spot in nature. You'll discover that your own garden or backyard can provide a place to unwind and sit quietly for a while.

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​One of the many beautiful spots
to sit and contemplate
whilst on a recent
​meditation training retreat​ at
The Yarra Valley Living Centre.

​These beautiful words were discovered on a weekend
riverside walk.
A wonderful reminder of the benefits of being near a river.

'People who live in cities...need access to the river, to draw its nurturing spirit into their hearts.
Spending time by a river teaches us many things. One of them the flow of life...'
                                - Thomas Moore

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From My Kitchen...

Decadent Red Velvet Delights

These decadent truffles are made with the richness of cacao and the goodness of beetroot which provides a rich nutritional boost, vibrant colour and amazing taste!
​

Ingredients: 
(use organic where possible)
1 medium raw beetroot peeled and cut into quarters
1 1/2 cups of desiccated coconut
10 pitted medjool dates
1/2 cup raw macadamias or raw cashews
2 generous tblspns of cacao
1/2 tspn natural vanilla extract
Dash of maple syrup
pinch of rock salt
extra cacao to roll in

Method:
Place all ingredients into your food processor and blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth.

Place in a bowl in the fridge to firm for about 20 minutes.

Use your hands to shape into truffle sized balls then roll in the extra cacao for coating. ​Best served chilled.

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From the garden...

In my previous Nourish Note the photo of the raspberry bush looked very different - just completely bare sticks! Now there is an abundance of leaves and fruit. What a pleasure to start the day picking fresh juicy raspberries straight from the garden to the kitchen table.

Benefits of Raspberries:

• Helps to nourish the blood
• Good for Vata and Kapha dosha. Pitta can eat occasionally
• Taste: Sweet, sour and astringent

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Ayurveda and Relaxation Workshop

Would you like to learn more about the benefits of Ayurvedic Relaxation and meditation with strategies to support your wellbeing throughout the year?

Come along and join me at my next workshop:
​
Ayurveda and Relaxation
Saturday 10th February 2018
10am - 1pm
$75 (includes morning tea)
The Purple Dragonfly
Warrandyte
Bookings essential call: 03 9844 5294

Wishing you joy, health and happiness for the New Year!

The information in Nourish Notes is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat diagnose, prescribe or heal any health condition or to replace standard medical treatment or advice.