Nanci

Photo by Karen Wise
 
 

There is something quite comforting knowing that everything in the universe has its place in time – that nature has intended for a reason.

A simple moment – when I walk to my local farmers market in the summer months there is nothing like seeing the picture-perfect pints of bright strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberry’s. They are captivating the senses and sending delicious energy through the body. But when that’s not available at your winter farmers market, don’t fret. There is always something delicious and nutritious in season and readily available, no matter where you live or what time of year.

Eating what’s in season is what our bodies have adapted to for generations. What’s happening in nature at this very moment has the nutrients and immunity properties needed to survive. Eating in season can be an eye-opening experience that can satisfy the senses and bring explosions of new flavours and textures into your life.

Here are a few reasons why I am inspired to visit my local farmers market – I hope they inspire you.

Flavor

Produce that has been able to fully ripen in the sunshine tastes wonderful! Nothing says optimal flavour like crisp, fragrant, juicy and colourful. Those fresh-picked heirloom tomatoes can taste like candy. They can even be eaten like an apple.

Nutrition

Plants get their nourishment from the sun and soil they grow in. Seasonal produce is picked when it has fully developed, leaving it packed with nutrients at it’s peak. They are fresher and contain more vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants and fiber that will help maintain a healthier you. Compared to eating items that are grown in unnatural conditions or travel miles to get to your grocery store, in-season foods are always at their best.

Environment

Seasonal produce can grow with little human assistance, using the sun and soil as much as possible. For example; pesticide, herbicide and genetically modification. We know the harmful effects these toxic products have on our body. Seasonal food is more likely to be produced locally, reducing our toxic load on the environment via “food transport”.

Economy

Not only are you helping the environment, but also you are helping yourself save money. Seasonal food is much easier and cheaper for the farmer to produce and who would rather sell the produce for a lower price, than not at all. Additionally, local and seasonal food is always cheaper than food grown in hothouses and needs to travel hundreds of miles to get to your local grocery store. Usually the price is about double for items that are not currently being harvested.

Community

Support the local farmers and local industry. Getting to know where your food is coming from, who is growing your food and how they do it makes you feel more connected to the whole process. Farmers markets showcase community and encourage us to make a difference in the world regarding our recent food practices and environment. Let’s do our part and support sustainability in our communities.

Home Cooking

Eating seasonally forces us to cook more – and there is nothing you could do better for your body. When you are in the kitchen you are in control. That be of which cooking oil you choose, the amount of sugar added and you are consciously making healthier choices for your body. Don’t forget to add a very important ingredient into your food, love. By adding this energy into your cooking you are nourishing your friends, kids and family with this special ingredient and creating a gratifying experience.

Creativity and Variety

I love getting creative at the market! There is always something new popping up every week. Take the chance to buy something you have never seen or heard of before, take it home and try something new! Not only is creativity good for the brain but variety is good for the body. My teacher once said that on average we eat the same 15 foods, well this stuck with me! By changing our menu to what’s available we are also avoiding food intolerances and allergies.

Organic/Pesticide free

When food is grown outside of its natural season it needs assistance and as mentioned before this is where all the toxic ingredients come into play. By choosing local, seasonal food you are avoiding these harmful toxins. Many farmers cannot afford to go through the organic certification process, meaning they cannot label their foods as organic but still follow natural and healthy growing practices. So no need to be as careful shopping at the market for “organics” than you do at the grocery store.

Support of Seasonal Needs on The Body

The natural cycle of produce is perfectly designed to support our health.

In Spring, focus on leafy greens as they help us alkalize and detox after a long winter of heavier foods. They also represent the new growth of the season – important in our Mind-Body connection. In the summer, we need cooling foods and to stay hydrated. Berries, mint, cucumber and watermelon do the trick. For fall, turn towards more warming foods such as carrot, sweet potatoes, onion and garlic. Come winter, turn even more exclusively toward warming foods. All animal foods fall into the warming category; fish, chicken, beef and lamb. Warming spices include ginger, peppercorns and mustard seeds.

Building a lifestyle around seasonal food facilitates the body’s natural healing process.

Harmony

Living in tune with nature is a gratifying and rewarding experience. You connect with the earth, the moon and create a deeper understanding of our environment. Following these practices we can live in balance with our surroundings rather than confusing them with living in conflict with nature. Embrace the natural rhythm of nature. Trust and respect our food, as it is nourishing and good for us.

Wednesday Wellness wisdom from Meghan Trompetter, Nutritionist & Guide for Breathe in Life

It’s no secret. Nature is the ultimate medicine. The indigenous cultures have known this all along. We are now slowly also remembering. As we immerse ourselves in nature, magical self-transformation seems to automatically run it’s course. The same can same can be said for yoga; it’s transformational power can be also immense. So, what happens when we take the time to combine the two; Nature & Yoga, and dive into a deep exploration of both the wild and remote locations of our beautiful planet while we simultaneously engage in our internal exploration?

As a avid farmer, yogi, surfer, explorer, bio-hacker, lifestyle consultant; nothing serves me more than allowing nature’s messages and lessons to become clear and concise. As we begin to truly connect with our surroundings, something incredible begins to alter our state of being. Worries that seemed so important, so relevant; begin to melt away. Our human senses light up; allowing us to feel, see, smell, hear, and perceive on a much deeper level. A web of waves we’ve named “connection” or “unity” takes hold, and guides us. Time becomes irrelevant. Words become irrelevant. In these moments, we allow ourselves to simple be.

We all have a personal quest, a purpose. Unfortunately, many of us have become numb to the pull of our internal compass, conditioned to follow. Why? I’ve been wrong many times before, but I believe the two causes are Fear, and Comfort. They coincide and collaborate. If we dive into the science; we see evidence that a primitive part of our brain called the “amygdala”; is the reason we fear things outside of our control, and the reason we latch onto comfort. For centuries, this served our species; allowing us to gain strength in numbers and keeping us safe from natural predators and enemies. Fast-forward to 2016, where civilisation has completely transformed the way we experience life. Yet, most of us still feel the impulse of surrender, or amenity, contentment.

If and when… we allow ourselves to adopt the practice of yoga and embrace the ruggedness on the nature, as our inspiration and our discomfort; we grant ourselves the gift of self-transformation & personal growth, reconnecting with Nature’s spirit!

Here is a short list; 5 ways to maximise our self-transformation, when exploring some of the Earth’s most remote and untouched marvels.

1- Create Space for Silence in the Morning

By beginning our day with an allocated period of silence, we create less impact and influence on our environment. This can be a beautiful gift to those around you and yourself. This also allows us the chance to enter a state of reflection and connection to your immediate surroundings.

2- Carry a Journal

It is in the moments of silence, where we allow ourselves to simply “be” and “hold space” that inspiration is welcomed to work its magic. Think of inspiration as an awesome radio signal, and you are the antenna. How clean & clear is your reception?

3- Be Mindful of Your First Meal of the Day

This seems difficult for most of us to grasp because there are so many different opinions and diets claiming to be “the one”. I recommend learning more about your body, by studying your heritage & genetics, the origin of the foods you consume, how your body reacts to those foods, and what nutritional combinations give you optimal performance; physically and mentally. This is no easy task. This may take years to master. I recommend looking into the Bulletproof Diet by Dave Asprey, and the Primal Blueprint 101 by Mark Sisson if interested. These are two incredible individuals, and now friends of mine, whom have devoted their lives to pursue the study of maximum human health and performance.

4- Meditate by Visualising and Emitting: Love, Gratitude, and Forgiveness

My friend and founder of Mindvalley; Vishen Lakhiani gave me this tool, which changed my life forever. I’ve modified his version of visualising 6 phases, and chopped it down to 3 phases for the first 90 days of practice. By taking a few minutes out of our day (before / during / after your yoga practice would be best) to vibrate and emit these 3 feelings (one at a time), we create the breading ground for a transformational shift; allowing us to see the positive side of situations, and to be more welcoming to whatever the journey sends our way.

5- If You’re Scared of Doing It.. Do It Scared

We’ve put ourselves out there! We’ve made it this far… We’ve travelled to, or on-route to a beautiful remote location… At some point you’ll be faced with a challenge that scares the shit out of you. This is your moment! Remember why you came here. You came on this transformational journey to conquer fear and seek discomfort. As a reminder… When this question is asked to most while on their deathbed: “What is your biggest regret?”, over 90% of answers relates to “Not taking a risk when they had the chance”. DON’T LET THIS BE YOU! Live in the truest sense of the word.

My intention for this post is to give you a poke in the ass to seek out your next adventure. If you’re looking for the perfect transformational travel experience, check out our 10-day journey thru Iceland with Breathe in Life; in April-May 2017. Here is a direct link to reserve your spot. You can also message me directly at [email protected]. I love discussing and interacting with my readers! You can also sign up to my bi-monthly newsletter for updates and my organic farm project in Nicaragua here!

Ingredients

• 2 green zuchinis
• 2 yellow zuchinis
• 1 large carrot
• 2 corn cobs (kernels only)
• 200 g fresh peas or sugar peas
• 1 large handful of mixed herbs, such as coriander, flat-leaf parsley, rosemary, oregano, thyme

  CURRIED COCONUT SAUCE

• 1 small banana shallot
• 1 small clove of garlic
• 3 cm piece of ginger
• ½ a fresh green chilli
• 5 cm piece of turmeric , or 2 tesapoons ground turmeric
• 1 lime , plus extra to serve
• 200 ml coconut milk
• 300 ml coconut water
• 100 g unsweetened desiccated coconut
• 1 teaspoon medium-hot curry powder

Method

1. First make the sauce. Peel and roughly chop the shallot, garlic and ginger, and roughly chop the chilli. Juice the turmeric, if using fresh. Zest and juice the lime.
2. Blitz all the sauce ingredients, except one tablespoon of desiccated coconut, in a food processor until combined. Season to taste – the sauce should be smooth and creamy.
3. Using a julienne peeler or spiraliser, cut the courgettes and carrot into long noodles. Place in a bowl with the rest of the vegetables, slicing the mangetout diagonally (if using).
4. Pour over the sauce and mix well. Pick, finely chop and sprinkle over the herbs and reserved tablespoon of desiccated coconut .
5. Leave to marinate for 30 minutes, until the ‘noodles’ have softened slightly, then serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.

Recipe by Jamie Oliver

Full Moon in Capricorn July 2015

“Things could get interesting, to say the least, with Mars (in Cancer) inciting the fierce protective edge of the Cancer (Sun). Keep in mind this is an atmosphere ripe for outbursts that are highly emotional AND highly subjective.

Emotions could hit extremes of both highs and lows, and everything in between, with quick, inexplicably loony shifts.

This is a tricky one, because the charged emotions can show you what’s bothering you — in a dramatic punchy way that leads to action.“

-Written by Molly Hall. Visit MysticMamma.com for full report.

Photo by spacewatchtower.blogspot.com

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Monthly Horoscope

Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)

Although your heart is drawn toward your family life, the Capricorn Full Moon highlights your 10th House of Career. You might feel as if everyone is depending on you at work and you don’t want to let anyone down. Meanwhile, those you love at home also require your undivided attention. Luckily, your newfound spiritual approach to problems enables you to advance professionally while still attending to your emotional needs. It’s impossible to go wrong if you keep a firm grip on your integrity.

Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)

The hardworking Capricorn Full Moon brightens your 9th House of Big Ideas, complicating your goals for the future. Although you have thought long and hard about your goals, insecurities may kick in, causing you to doubt yourself all over again. Keep an open mind about your plans, even if you attempt to stick to your current agenda. Fortunately, you can dream your way right around any roadblocks, real or imagined. Extending your imagination into the vast realm of possibilities is a powerful way to expand your horizons.

Gemini Horoscope(May 21 – June 20)

Your thinking is out of whack while the ambitious Capricorn Full Moon illuminates your 8th House of Intimacy, yet your feelings are revealing something significant about a current relationship. It might seem prudent to exercise self-control, but narrowing your focus won’t prevent your emotions from influencing your decisions. You could waste endless energy trying to find the logic in an illogical situation. Follow your heart now; you may need to throw caution to the wind before you can sprout wings and fly.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)

The earthy Capricorn Full Moon in your 7th House of Partners pulls directly opposite the watery Cancer Sun, stirring tidal forces from the depths of your subconscious. Your unacknowledged needs come precariously close to the shores of awareness, impacting your most important relationships. Luckily, you can create a safe harbor in your imagination that allows you to share your dreams and fears without worry. Rather than isolating yourself, consciously move closer to those who will support you through times of change.

Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)

The Capricorn Full Moon shines in your 6th House of Habits, encouraging you to stick to your daily routine in spite of your desire to while away the time daydreaming. Pressing responsibilities may stymie your attempts to dive into the luxurious and nurturing backwaters of your own fantasies. Ironically, you will feel more emotionally satisfied if you have something tangible to show for your efforts. Just don’t get so swept up in a whirlwind of productivity that you forget to honor your unexpressed dreams, too.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

The goal-oriented Capricorn Full Moon spotlights your 5th House of Self-Expression, urging you to exercise good judgment if you want to reach your desired destination. Fortunately, suppressing your feelings isn’t anything new to you since you understand the impracticality of emotions. But self-restraint isn’t always your most effective strategy. Push past your tendency to separate yourself from others by inquiring about their hopes and dreams. You may be pleasantly surprised by how easily a conversation unfolds once the words start flowing. Sharing your heart is the fastest way to true intimacy.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Although you want to take advantage of the opportunities right in front of you, the serious Capricorn Full Moon impacts your 4th House of Roots, anchoring your feelings to the past. Unfortunately, you could anticipate the future with such enthusiasm that you miss the most important piece of the puzzle. You can imagine the amazing potential but still have a tough time making room for new plans. The key to resolving your current conflict is not about doing anything in the real world; it’s about changing your frame of reference. Sometimes living in the present moment is enough.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Taking an extreme all-or-nothing approach to fulfilling your needs can turn love into a complicated jumble of feelings at this Full Moon. It’s not easy to stay comfortable in the middle of the emotional spectrum, especially when your fantasies are so vivid. Nevertheless, the calculating Capricorn Full Moon casts its light in your 3rd House of Communication, prompting you to consider the consequences of your message before telling anyone what’s on your mind. Establishing a healthy balance between expression and restraint may be enough to put you on the path to relationship success.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

You might be concerned if you don’t see an easy way to balance your income with your expenditures. Separating your financial worries from deeper issues about self-worth isn’t only a matter of numbers, especially while the responsible Capricorn Moon accentuates your 2nd House of Personal Resources. Instead of misdirecting your attention to what’s lacking in your life, concentrate on all the positive growth. Counting your blessings is a simple yet magical way to raise your self-esteem and, surprisingly, also your bottom line.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Your strength is being tested as you ride the powerful emotional waves of the Capricorn Full Moon. Your life is even more complicated with surreal Neptune’s presence making it nearly impossible to separate reality from fantasy. Balancing your feelings with the demands of the outer world is both challenging and invigorating. However, committing to a path of resistance will eventually exhaust you. Instead, dig deep and find the courage to push away from the safety of familiar territory. There’s so much to gain if you let go of your need for certainty and embrace the unknown.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Sneaking away for some personal time could become your obsession while the Capricorn Full Moon lights up your 12th House of Escape. Unfortunately, current obligations may still require you to adhere to your regular routine. But don’t work yourself into a state of anxiety trying to complete everything. Just do whatever is feasible while allowing time for short breaks on a regular basis. Ultimately, the most strategic practice is to continue seeking the right balance between responsibility and recreation.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Your commitments seem all-consuming but you also recognize your need to rest. The steady Capricorn Moon recharges your 11th House of Social Networking, offering you the opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of friends and relatives. But you must stay vigilant and keep things in proper perspective while nebulous Neptune is also floating around in the picture. Swimming in your imagination can be tricky business when you don’t know which side of the truth you are on.

-Horoscope by tarot.com

Photo sourced from ayurvedaposters.com

A couple of weeks ago we introduced the Tri-Dosha in the article (list here), and briefly touched on the vulnerabilities of each of the three. Today I want to explore these weaknesses more in depth, so that we are able to better manage our bodies, minds and hearts. The presence of each element in the body brings with it both strengths and weaknesses, and today I want to explore these more in depth. Through awareness in or lives we find change and progress, and this is especially true with our bodies.

Vata

Being composed of air and space elements, Vata dominant people are vulnerable to these elements rising in their body and mind, causing them to go from being light, care free and creative to a state of instability, anxiety, weakness and fragility. Activities, environments, and foods that increase the air and space in their bodies will quickly cause this type of imbalance. For example, if a Vata person spends to much time in a cold, dry place they will develop a dry cough, dry skin or hoarseness of the voice. If they are constantly on the move, traveling or simply moving around to much in their daily lives, they will begin to feel unstable, anxious, and may develop insomnia. The extra space and lack of earth and water elements in their bones leave them are prone to breaks, arthritis, and cracking joints.

Pitha

Common Pitha ailments revolve around heat, often causing acidity, swelling and emotional disturance. Fire can be of service but can also turn quickly on it’s host. For example, in Ayurveda our digestive power, or ‘Agni’, is considered to be the source of all health and disease. With a weak digestive system our food is not properly digested and assimilated, causing it to sit to long in our system where toxins begin to form, causing all types of disease. In a Pitha person the digestive fire is very strong and their bowel movements are regular, a key to good health. In an environment with to much heat, or by eating to much sour or spicy foods, this advantage quickly transforms to heart burn, acid reflux, ulcers and diarrhea. Excess Pitha can also surface on the skin, showing in red, hot inflamed swellings, cysts or acne. They are commonly known for their ability to multi task and over accomplish, and at the same time for their tendency to become intolerant, angry, and obsessive.

Kapha

The earth and water of Kapha make for some of the most beautiful and desirable qualities in a person. They move from the heart and are deeply devoted, loyal, loving and sensitive. This grounded strength when in excess moves easily toward lethargy, depression, attachment, greed and weight gain. In the skin Kapha tends to surface in the form of large, cool, painful swellings and acne, often without puss. Excess water in the body can also lead to overly unctuous or lubricated joints, leaving Kapha persons bones strong but vulnerable to dislocations. Kapha aggravation or excess is often caused by taking to much sweets, oily/salty food or over sleeping. A lazy day of over eating can lead to a week of depression and hopelessness for a Kapha Dosha and they must be very diligent in managing their heavy hearts. Just as easily as they gain weight, they are able to lose it. By simply managing their diet and keeping regular, rigorous exercise they are able to avoid these issues and thrive.

Written by Jordan Ross Dore, Co-Founder of Breathe in Life

1. Saying Hello and Thank You (because why would you travel to ANY country without learning these two phrases in the local language)?

To say hello in Thai is ‘Sa Wat Dee’, and thank you is ‘Kob Khun’. If you are a lady you will add the word ‘ka’ to the end of all of your Thai phrases to indicate politeness, if you’re a guy you’ll add the word ‘krup’ to the end of yours.

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2. Why the Wai?

You may notice that people bring their hands to their face in what looks like a prayer when they greet or thank you – this is called a ‘Wai’. It’s respectful to reciprocate, and a safe place to hold your hands is just under your nose.

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3. Say no to pointing!

Pointing your fingers or hands at people or objects is not considered to be very polite in the Land of Smiles, but pointing your feet at anything is a major no no! More specifically, be sure to never point your toes at any Buddha statue/photo or any photo of the Royal family. You can avoid doing this by sitting cross legged or kneeling down in any temple setting.

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4. WHAT year is it?!

No my friends, you did not travel through time. The current year really IS 2560 in the Land of Smiles! While both calendar years are used here, Thailand operates on its’ own solar calendar which is thought to have begun in March 543BC (the time of the death of Buddha). You will see both 2560 and 2017 while you’re here, and it’s just fine for you to write 2017 on any document you may need to fill out upon your arrival/departure.

There’s so much more to see and so much more to learn! Be kind and be smiley and enjoy your time in this truly incredible country! I think you’re going to love it here.

Blog by Niki Young (A friend of Breathe in life and fellow travel obsessed adventurer. Follow her to hear about her incredible journeys around Thailand and beyond.)

Humans have been lacto-fermenting vegetables — combining them with salt and submerging them in their own brine to ferment — for thousands of years. It’s a fundamentally simple process (salt + veggies + time) and is responsible for plenty of familiar foods like kimchi and sauerkraut.

Still, the thought of leaving food on the counter for a couple of weeks or more can make it intimidating, especially for beginners. A simple formula and the right tools can make the process nearly foolproof, so it’s easy to create your own probiotic-rich fermented veggies at home in just three steps: chop, salt, and wait.

Chop

To ferment (nearly) any vegetable in a quart mason jar, start by thinly slicing or finely chopping it. As a general rule, broccoli, leafy greens like kale, and veggies with a higher water content (zucchini, for example) ferment less well. Radishes, cabbages, carrots, turnips, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and parsnips all do great in ferments. Beets work best used sparingly.

Consider adding freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, green onions, or your favorite dried spices. Use a kitchen scale to weigh your chopped produce and record the weight in grams. Aim for around 750 grams of chopped veggies to fill a quart mason jar.

Salt

Next, we salt! Fermentation makes some minerals in sea salt more bioavailable, so fine-grain sea salt is a great choice. Calculate 1.5 percent of the weight of your chopped vegetables and add that much salt to the vegetables in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl. Use your clean hands to massage the salt into the veggies for a few minutes.

This is very much like massaging kale for a salad. You’ll begin to notice the salt drawing the liquid out of your vegetables. Once you notice a layer of water in the bottom of your bowl, you’re ready to pack the mixture into a jar. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature if there isn’t sufficient liquid initially.

Pack

One handful at a time, pack the mixture tightly into the jar, pressing it down with your fist until the liquid rises above the vegetables. (It’s OK if it goes back down again when you take your fist away.) Repeat that process until the jar is full just to its shoulder, the curved part below the rim.

Secure the top of the jar with an airlock designed for a quart mason jar. My favorite is the Kraut Source because it’s stainless steel. A quick Google search will reveal that there are various types of mason jar airlocks and even ways to craft them yourself. An airlock is an additional investment, albeit a worthy one, that pretty much eliminates the potential for mold and the need to be as
meticulous about keeping the contents of your jar submerged below brine.

Wait

You can begin tasting your creation after three days, but expect for it to take at least two weeks to be sufficiently sour. It’s likely to be more active, possibly bubbling, around days three through five. It’s done when it tastes more sour than salty. Cover with two-piece mason jar lid, label, and place in the fridge for long-term storage.

Get started with the recipe for pink salt kraut from my new small-batch preserving cookbook, Beyond Canning. It’s a straightforward basic kraut recipe made with mineral-rich Himalayan pink salt.

Pink Salt Kraut

Some folks swear by Himalayan pink salt for all of their ferments. It has a reputation for being pure, mineral rich, and beneficial in a number of ways. I won’t argue with any of that.

There’s one big reason I don’t ferment with it on a regular basis and didn’t make it a requirement for the ferments in my book: it’s significantly more costly than sea salt.

Seeking out fine-grain Himalayan pink salt in the bulk bins and buying a few tablespoons, however, is an easy and affordable way to experiment with this high-quality salt in ferments.

Because I was interested in exploring the salt, I chose a completely straightforward sauerkraut recipe. It’s funny that changing just one variable (salt) made me aware of all the other variables — place, time of year, amount of rain, and so on — that have the potential to influence the final result of a ferment. I’m sure you’ll have fun comparing the flavor of this kraut to the other krauts that come out of your kitchen.

Makes 1 scant quart

Ingredients

• 800 grams green cabbage, shredded

• 12 grams Himalayan pink salt

Preparation

1. In a large nonreactive bowl (stainless steel works well), combine the cabbage and salt.

2. Use your hands to stir them together, then work the salt into the cabbage for about 2 minutes. If you’ve ever massaged kale for a salad, that’s the motion you want to employ here. In slightly less technical terms, it’s basically smooshing.

3. Use your hands to pack the mixture tightly into a quart mason jar, a handful at a time.

4. Once all the mixture is packed into the jar, push it down with your fist, the back of a wooden spoon, or both, a few times. Now it should be just covered with its own brine.

5. Secure the airlock on top of the jar and allow to ferment for up to 2 weeks. You may begin tasting for doneness after 3 days.

6. Cover, label, and refrigerate for long-term storage.

Article by BIL guide and nutritionist Meghan Trompetter

Arambol is easily one of the most vibrant, culturally diverse places we have found anywhere in the world. It seems that all of the world’s most eccentric and creative people have found each other in this small town on the northern coast of Goa and devloped an incredible community of teachers, students and artists. Everything, everyone, everywhere is flowing hand in hand in the same direction. It’s all about art, yoga, music, healthy food, love, harmony and surrender. This is the Goa you have been hearing about.

What to Do?

So many options. Places like The Love Temple, Blue Pyramid and Magic Park are always running a very, very wide variety of classes, workshops, lectures, dances, trances, healing ceremonies, meditations and other expressive events. At Love Temple there is a big chalk board outside you can check out when you arrive to see what is running for that week and pencil in what jumps out at you.

There is one very unique thing about Arambol, each evening around sunset everyone gathers on the beach for a huge drum circle. Many musicians join and for a few hours you can kick up some sand and dance the sun away, a seriously amazing way to get the juices flowing for the evening. During the circle all sorts of other cool things are going on as well. Acro Yoga jams, free Tai Chi sessions, ecstatic dance, meditations, musicians busking, you name it. There is also a huge gypsy night market along the beach with dozens of stalls selling all sorts of amazing hand made goodies; everything from jewelry and clothing to instruments and home made natural foods.

Arambol Night Market

On the Saturday night in Arambol we head to Anjuna for the huge Arambol night market. This is like the beach gypsy market but much much bigger and very well organized. Artists from all over the world sell amazing, high quality one of a kind creations. There is also a really awesome food court with dishes from all over the world and a big concert running all night. This is definitely one of the highlights of our stay in Arambol.

Time with Amit

In our time here we are fortunate to attend a 4 day course with our favorite teacher in India, Amit Raina of the Kashmir Shaivism School of Yoga. Amit comes from a long lineage of spiritual teachers but also has a background in engineering. After completing his education he built a successful business before being called to follow the higher path of his ancestors. He left his home and spent 6 years as a Sadhu (Indian holy man) on the banks of the river Ganges. When he felt his work was complete there he came back to the city where he studied with B.K.S Iyengar for seven years. Amit’s mixed background of spiritual influence as well as real world experience has brought him to be a very grounded, humble teacher. He will be taking us through philosophy teachings as well as alignment based Iyengar Yoga workshops.

Where to Eat

Arambol has some of the best options we have found in all of India for creative, living, organic foods. Many conscious people have settled here and are always bringing the latest health foods and trends to Arambol. You can find it all here; raw, vegan, gluten free options as well as kombucha, loads of super foods and of course incredible traditional Indian dishes. Our favorite restaurants include Magic Park, Lamuella, Cheeky Monkey, Shantaram and Harimba.

Visit to Sweet Lake

Just on the next beach over there is a cool little hang out spot called Sweet Lake. Named for it’s fresh water, it’s just a hundred or so meters from the sea and is a perfect spot to relax and have a swim. Here you can paraglide as well, as seen in the photo above, which gives an amazing view of this very unique and beautiful beach!

We are stoked to hit Arambol with our group members this February on our 20 Day South India Tour! For details visit breatheinlife.com

Photo: @amanyara_resort

Upon returning to my glass casita following a day of beachside workouts, acupressure facials, and fresh local cuisine, I took a moment of reprieve to soak it all in. I stood overlooking the ocean’s rocky coastline set against a lush, green nature reserve, suddenly struck by the idea that this landscape—even more than the itinerary that preceded it—was the ultimate luxury.

My four-day trip to Amanyara in Turks and Caicos with my husband, Jason, and new baby daughter, Ellie, was a much-needed break from the hustle-and-bustle of the everyday. The resort’s wellness programs were designed to help me move, relax, and recharge surrounded by water, wildlife, fresh air, and everything else I’d come to miss while in NYC. With 31 properties spread across 20 countries, Aman is the proud poster child of luxe vacationing grounded in a sustainable ethos.

During my brief stay, I trained with a boxing champion, meditated along white sandy beaches, and indulged in bespoke spa treatments. Each of these offerings was informed by the surrounding community. Skin serums were infused with local coconut oil and sea salt, float therapies took a cue from the swells of the Caribbean, and meals featured produce from an aquaponic vegetable garden just a stone’s throw away. By allowing nature to take center stage, Amanyara turned the surrounding wildlife into the centerpiece of our vacation.

Photo: @jasonwachob

“Our environmental programs offer something for all ages and center around the discovery and conservation of the surrounding indigenous wildlife, from guided hikes and snorkeling expeditions to our Adopt-a-Coral program and the chance to participate in the Amanyara Sea Turtle Initiative,” says Amanyara resort manager Serge Ditesheim.

This immersive mentality pervades their dozens of locations worldwide, each one inextricably linked to the land. Whether it’s by inviting guests to release new members of a native species on the verge of extinction in Bali or explore a surrounding UNESCO World Heritage site in China, Aman is incredible at pinpointing unique, transformative experiences to be had outdoors. “Each Aman has its own identity, experience, and feel, and each is unique in what they offer their guests,” Ditesheim explains. “All of this, however, is intrinsically linked to and influenced by the location of the hotels.”

When I think of what luxury means to me, it’s not a high-thread-count sheet, an Italian handbag, or even a great bottle of wine. It’s the opportunity to practice physical and mental well-being in a beautiful space that motivates and grounds me. In this sense, wellness is a connecting thread between two seemingly different realms: luxury and sustainability.

Photo: @jasonwachob

At the end of the day, striving to be “well” means living in harmony with yourself and your surroundings. Eco-resorts like Aman offer guests the opportunity to do so with a side of pampering—and guests are signing on. Wellness travel is expected to eclipse $563 billion in earnings this year, and 66 percent of travelers are now saying they’re willing to pay more to ensure their trips are as sustainable as possible. The marriage of travel, wellness, and green is a profitable one. The wellness travel industry grew 6.8 percent between 2013 and 2015, and it shows no sign of slowing.

Aman has paved the way for other luxury sites to treat guests to nature in a way that feels respectful and mindful of culture. From The Sanctuary at Two Rivers, offering yogis a retreat in a 100 percent off-the-grid, solar-powered facility, to Maderas Village in Nicaragua, pairing surf and water-sport offerings beside an open-air village that’s constructed of local, naturally fallen timber, there are now a handful of resorts around the world introducing wellness lovers to new landscapes without harming them. And this emphasis on eco-luxury isn’t relegated to faraway beaches. In our own backyard, 1Hotels Brooklyn is turning Brooklyn Bridge Park into a playground for wellness-hungry visitors and New Yorkers treating themselves to a staycation. Crafted using repurposed material and dotted with plant species indigenous to the area, the hotel’s furniture, food, and décor are almost exclusively sourced from the surrounding neighborhood.

“I wanted to use a hotel as a platform to teach people how to live a green life and live well while still having a luxury experience,” founder Barry Sternlicht told mbg back in April. “I want people to realize that in today’s world of gadgets and gizmos, nature is the greatest luxury of all.”

Start your next eco-friendly vacay off right with this primer on sustainable airfare.

Blog by Colleen Wachob. Colleen is a founding partner and the chief brand officer at mindbodygreen.com