Peaceful Daily Blog

The Anastasia Phenomenon

If you haven’t already, you may very well want to check out the Ringing Cedars Series. Also known as the Anastasia Books, the 9-book series follows the teachings and insights of Anastasia, a recluse discovered in 1992 living in the wilds of the Siberian wilderness subsisting only on food gathered with help from wild animals. 

Real or conjured, Anastasia and her teachings are becoming nothing short of a phenomenon. Anastasia-themed discussion groups, festivals, and workshops can be found throughout the world. Anastasia-centered eco-villages and pocket communities are developing as a way to co-create the world she envisions and inspires. Anastasia-inspired elementary schools are forming that incorporate her many teachings around children and education

Published privately by the author (and Anastasia’s discover) Vladimir Megre, the Anastasia books have sold 10 million copies worldwide with translations in 20 languages. The series is available through the Ringing Cedars Press as well as any major book store.

Peace,

Annie

 

 

Snake Bites

I was listening to Wayne Dwyer.

He had this amazing analogy I would love to share.

Nobody has ever died of a snake bite.  Sure the bit hurt but it is over in a minute.  It is the venom that runs through the blood that kills.

Anger, resentment, and blame is that venom.

The antidote: Love

Namaste,

Krissy

Miso Healthy Part II: Favorite Recipes

There are a number of simple ways to incorporate miso into your regular diet, thereby reaping the rewards of its many, many health benefits with minimal effort.  For a super tasty and quick sandwich spread, try mixing a teaspoon of sweet white miso with mayonnaise (I love Vegenaise, a delicious, non-dairy alternative). To add flavor to side dishes, mix a tablespoon of miso with just enough hot water to make it creamy, then drizzle over cooked vegetables or rice. For a nutritional punch, try adding a teaspoon of miso to store bought salad dressing and drizzle over fresh greens. Better yet, make your own salad dressing by combining a half cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar, 4 crushed garlic cloves, and a tablespoon of miso. Left over salad dressing can be stored in a covered jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Though it requires a bit more time and planning, homemade miso soup is wonderful, healthy, and pleasing to both palate and soul. Start by preparing a stock to use as the miso soup base. To make my favorite stock, combine a handful of dried mushrooms, a strip of kombu (dried sea vegetable), one  bunch of scallions, a sliced carrot, a dash of both dark sesame oil and rice wine (mirin), tamari to taste, and 6 cups of cold, filtered water. Pressed for time? Simply combine a few strips of kombu and a handful of chopped veggies with 6 cups of cold, filtered water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and store stock in a covered jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When the miso soup craving hits, pour some heated stock into a mug, add a tablespoon of miso, then stir until dissolved. (Important note: miso is a live food and cooking it or adding it to stock that is too hot will kill the beneficial microorganisms).  Top off miso soup with a few drops of dark sesame oil and tamari along with a handful of chopped scallions. 

For more recipes, check out South River Miso Company's online recipe collection or pick up a used copy of the classic, The Book of Miso, by William Shurtleff and Akiko Aoyagi. 

Peace,

Annie

Forgive, forgive, forgive and then please forget

What I learned from Thai Kick-boxing.

What possessed me ?  I still have no idea.  I decided to do something I normally would not do.  Try something taht scared me.

 

I signed up for a Thai kick boxing trial class at a pretty serious Dojo. 

 

I walked in and every one was in matching outfits, except for the color belts that they wore.  Everyone was wearing the same expression of determination and intense focus.  I was afraid.

 

The gentleman, Oscar, who was getting me started  asked me a series of questions which I assume I answered.  I was so intimated I didn’t really hear him.  He ended his welcome with, “Any questions?”

 

I blurted out, much louder then intended, “Is anyone going to hit me.  I do not want to be hit.  I am actually opposed to hitting.”    Truthfully I sounded more like I said I am opposed to spitting because I was licking the sweat off my upper lip as I blurted all that out.

 

He assured me that no one was going to hit me.  And the class began.

 

It was harder and at the same time easier then I expected.  All the faces that looked like they were ready to kick my A**, were actually the faces of confidence and support.  As we individually tried to perfect the moves taught to us, we moved as a symbiotic organism. 

 

Before the class ended with bows and encouragement, there was one finally test of strength.  We were to get in a push-up position and just before we hit the  90 degree angle we were told to stop and hold that position for a minute.  The catch was that if any of us released before that minute was up, the timer started over.  I did not want to be that one person.  I looked around and saw everyone’s calm reserve, including those I thought would struggle.  Everyone made it, everyone worked together.  Everyone new that the mind would give up before the body-so keep your mind strong.

 

Will I go back?  I am not sure.  It is a commitment.  But I did take away a couple of things-I can do things I thought I couldn’t do.  I can work alone and collectively at the same time.  And shaking up what you “normally” do is good not only for the body but for mind and spirit as well.

 

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do what you are afraid to do.”

 

Namaste,
Krissy

Miso Healthy Part I: The Source

Years ago, I developed a cherished daily tradition of drinking miso soup. I took this miso soup tradition seriously, sipping it from a thermos during class, even traveling with it while on vacation. But, as happens with habits (particularly my habits), my beloved miso tradition gradually faded over time, and then disappeared from my life entirely.

This month I have decided to reacquaint myself with miso as part of my ‘Fermented Foods 2010!’ resolution.  Made from a fermenting process lasting anywhere from 1 to 3 years, miso is a high protein super food rich in natural carbohydrates, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, and a complete assortment of amino acids. Since miso is a living food, it also provides natural enzymes and beneficial microorganisms that aid in digestion and immune system functioning. All that and it’s delicious to boot.

I have tried many types of miso from many sources, becoming a bit of a miso snob in the process. My favorite source for miso is the South River Miso Company.  They have been making certified organic, unpasteurized miso by hand since 1979 (and their newsletter rocks, I actually look forward to reading it.)  Since my local natural food store doesn’t carry South Rive Miso, I order 1-2 jars of  miso each year through their website (note: they only ship miso during the cooler months in order to protect it from heat damage). For those with soy allergies/intolerances or those trying to minimize soy consumption, they offer soy-free varieties (hard to find, believe me) as well as gluten-free varieties. 

Coming soon, Miso Healthy Part II: Favorite Recipes

Peace,

Annie

Resolutions

As I do every year, I have made New Year's resolutions and broken most of them by now.   This year I will lose five pounds.  This year chocolate will not be in every one of my meals.  This year I will take a multivitamin everyday instead of one a month.  This year...

I usually tape them up on the fridge to remind myself of the issues I want to tackle.  By now I have taken down the piece of paper to make the fridge better serve as my daughter's art gallery.  Besides, my desire and motivation are fading.

I wonder why?

Perhaps it is because I don't really care about these resolutions.  Deep down my authentic self knows that these resolutions will not truly help me live to my highest potential.

The other day my husband sent me a link to a foreign commercial.  It was the most raw and honest commercial I have ever seen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvYb4BLIAQw&feature=related

After viewing it, moved and motivated, I made a new resolution.  I resolve to be more mindful of my "time"-be more mindful of my moments.  Instead of a list, I taped a picture of my family on the fridge, nestled  between a report card and a drawing of puppies.  I think this one I can keep because it speaks to the divinity inside of me.  This one will help me reach my highest and best.

Blessings.

Namaste, 

Krissy

To Haiti and her people

May spirit bless each and every one of you and your land.

With much love and prayer, 

Krissy

Some ideas to help can be found at the site below:

http://www.whatisleft.org/lookie_here/2010/01/six-ways-you-can-help-in-haiti.html

Time Banking

I’ve often wondered how much more efficient my life would be if I could just find a way to pool resources with other people. For instance, when I make soup, I make A LOT of soup, why not have a soup exchange with someone else who does the same? Or what if, while I’m at the farmer’s market, I pick up your produce and next week you get mine? Sounds good in the dream phase, but locating these people and their respective needs is another story all together.

Enter Time Banking. A simple exchange system wherein each member earns one Time Dollar for every hour spent helping another Time Bank member. Time Dollars are then 'spent' when a Time Bank member receives help from another member. For example, I plant trees for one member, another member builds me a chicken coop; I share my extra soup with one member, another member picks up my produce at the farmer's market. Everyone’s time is valued equally and hours earned and spent are tracked in a local database accessible by Time Bank members. You save money and forge relationships and strengthen your community, all while nurturing your soul in the process. How cool is that?

There are over 50 officially recognized Time Banks in the U.S.  To find one near you, visit the Time Banks Directory.  Can't locate one in your community? Check out www.timebanks.org for a start-up kit. 

Peace,

Annie

 

Be-ing

Today was so peaceful...so remarkably, surprisingly, and delightfully peaceful. The proverbial quiet after the storm of the holiday season which, in our family alone, is filled with 8 days of Chanukah, 2 days of Christmas, and 3 very important birthdays. As much as I adore the holidays, suffice it to say that I’m welcoming this new peace with REALLY open arms. 

Not wanting this sensation of peace and stillness to be threatened in any way, I made an effort not to read the newspaper, nor listen to talk radio, nor answer the phone...nor talk. nor listen, nor think...I wanted only to be. 

So I drove slowly to yoga, fell asleep during final resting pose, ate lunch on the grass, read to children under the covers, played hangman with children under the covers, thought about knitting, napped instead, woke up and put a fire in the fireplace, and (when I reluctantly allowed some thoughts to enter) reflected upon how glorious it is to have such a peaceful, lovely, and deliciously still day. A day without obligations, parties, appointments, baking, wrapping, giving, or receiving...

just be-ing...

and being thankful for being able to be.

Peace,

Annie