Seasons of life

I am taking a break from blogging, who knows when or if I will feel the need to start up again. I am taking my time, and truly nourishing my spirit. I have rekindled my love affair with yoga, my daughter and myself..... So, until next time....
For Birthing From Within childbirth preparation classes, placenta services and labor doula services, please check out my website here
Thanks for your support on my ever expanding journey :)

Roasted sweet potato salad

I love the creaminess of sweet potatoes and they are pack with more flavor and nutrients than the regular ones!

Ingredients:

3 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed

oil

scallions

cilantro

walnuts

1/4 of a red bell pepper (chopped)

apple cider vinegar

tamari

chili powder

cumin

Directions:

Coat the sweet potatoes with oil and season generously with salt, cumin and chili powder. Roast til soft. Once soft season lightly with apple cider vinegar and tamari to soak up some flavor.

In a bowl add chopped cilantro, chopped walnuts, scallions and red bell pepper and sweet potatoes. Enjoy :)

Baby blues or depression?

Having a baby is meant to be one of the happiest days of a woman's life. In our culture we see women on t.v. and in movies toting their sleeping newborns around and doing everything that they did pre-baby. When our bundle arrives we wonder why no one told us that newborn babies need way more attention than we ever expected. Is it our expectations that were wrong, or is it us we may wonder?
After the birth of a baby most moms experience emotional ups and downs. This may be in part from hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, an unfulfilling birth experience, lack of support or relationship stresses. About 80% of women experience something referred to as the Baby Blues. This generally occurs about a week after birth, and symptoms include crying easily, feeling overwhelmed, loss of control, exhaustion, feeling anxious or sad or and perhaps a lack of confidence about being a parent. The baby blues are temporary, and usually cure themselves with time, healing and support.Here is a site that differentiates between normal baby blues and postpartum depression.

I have heard many mothers express their surprise about crying "over nothing" after their baby was born. And I wondered if there is more that could be done to prepare couples for the arrival of their newborn!?

In Birthing From Within preparation classes we do a lot to educate and normalize the changes that come up in this adjustment period. The couples do a Postpartum Adjustment Plan worksheet together, and need to brainstorm. Who knows if it really works or not, but I feel that the awareness that things are going to change, and that they may need two heads to figure it out, is a good stepping stone either way!

Recipe of the day!

I have realized that it can take me some time to write a blog post. Days pass, moods change and what I sometimes plan to write about is no longer pertinent in the moment that I actually have time to write it. My plate is continuously overflowing. So I have decided to empty it here..... and offer a recipe of the day every Tuesday.
Healthy eating has been a part of my life for years now. My love affair with food started with a position as a server at L'Ecole. Part of the French Culinary Institute in New York City, this restaurant boasts a 4-5 course meal cooked by students of culinary arts. Food had to be cooked in order to learn, so it was not uncommon to end my shift with a chocolate creme brulee or my favorite tart au citron! As a mom, I need to come up with new ideas and love affairs for my palette. And they need to be fast, fresh and healthy.
So, here it goes :)

Red cabbage salad with lime vinaigrette

Ingredients:

1/2 head of shredded cabbage

2 shredded carrots or sweet potatoes

4 chopped scallions

handful of sunflower seeds

handful of cashews

6 cleaned and chopped mushrooms

Dressing:

Juice of 2 limes

3 cloves of garlic (crushed in garlic press)

3 chunks of fresh ginger (crushed in garlic press)

safflower oil (read below)

chopped cilantro

salt to taste

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.

In a smaller bowl add all of the dressing ingredients and stir. I use about 5 tablespoons of oil, I kind of wing this part though, adding less oil than lime juice. Keep tasting your dressing until you find a nice balance, not too sour, a nice citrus kick is what you're after.

Recipes for a good morning :)

Most mornings I awake and my house could use a lot of cleaning up. Its small, and full of big pre-bachelor furniture, making it cramped and appearing even smaller. For mornings that I dont want to make any more messes, I usually opt for a smoothie. They are quick, healthy, and only need one dish making it fast and easy to clean up.   



For my smoothie I use 1 banana, frozen berries, 1/2 cup of yogurt and orange juice.
 I add a tablespoon of each Hempseed oil (full of omega 3's) and Green vibrance powder (loaded up with raw greens).



Veda loves cholate milk, what 4 year old doesn't! So for her smoothie, I use 2 bananas,
1/2 cup chocolate almond milk and 1/2 cup plain almond milk and 2 tablespoons of almond butter.

Here is Veda enjoying her "chocolate milk smoothie" as she calls it.
And playing with the play dough that we also made this morning :)

Playdhough recipe:

1 cup water (today we juiced 1 beet for color, and added that to the water)

1/2 cup salt

2 teaspoons cream of tartar (found in the spice section)

food coloring, if you have it... or beet juice

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup flour

Instructions:

Combine first 4 ingredients in a sauce pan over low heat. 

Stir with a wooden spoon until salt disolves.

Once warmed up stir in the oil and flour slowly.

Keep stirring til the mixture starts looking dry and pulls

away from the sides of the pan. Remove from the heat at this

point and pinch a piece of dough between 2 fingers. If it is not

sticky, its done! Otherwise continue stiring over heat!

Recipe adapted from this book!

Open House!

We would like to thank everyone who showed their support by participating in the Secret Lotus Yoga and Healing Arts Open House! We are so pleased to provide a space in Myrtle Beach where people can share, expand and nurture themselves and the hearts of others through yoga, reiki, massage, childbirth education and doula services. Stay tuned for all upcoming events by "liking" the FaceBook page here.



I could seriously live in this room





A mix of warm and cool colors bring energy and relaxation :)





Jewelry by Bodhi Tree Birth and Om Sweet Om



Although I have not practiced Ashtanga in quite some time, I was very influenced by the three series as they were simultaneously demonstrated by four people. The look of gratitude on all of the Yogis faces mixed with an energy of great determination, ignited a spark that has been deep within me. For too long now, I have given up my practice. For no good reason really. Maybe lack of inspiration, or perhaps I am just too comfortable living what I already know. Regardless of what I have been doing (or not doing) in the past, I feel that I am participating in this venture for a much greater reason. I have been nurturing my mind and the spirits of others for so long now, that it is time to find some balance in this equation. And re-commence on a path of my own healing as well. It is not very often that one can feel so close to God, but while sharing energy in that divine space, and listening to the sacred chants.... I am sure there was a presence there greater than us all.

Todd Geiser, Karley Lott, Danny Huddle, Lyndsay Bahn-Trimble and Maribeth MacKenzie

Lyndsay and Todd

Todd Geiser, Karley Lott, Danny Huddle and Maribeth MacKenzie

Recipe for eggplant meatless balls:

(completely winging it here!)

• Roast chopped eggplant, red onion and garlic with oil, salt and italian seasoning til tender.
• Remove and pulse in food processor in small batches.
• Transfer to a large bowl.
• When all eggplant is finished, add chopped fresh basil, matzo meal, 1 egg* and shredded parmesean cheese* (*optional) consistency should easily stick together
• Season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper
• Oil a baking dish, roll into balls and bake on 375 for about 25 minutes
• ENJOY!

 

A walk down memory lane

While flipping through Barbara Harpers, Gentle Birth Choices, I came upon a great passage that disclosed many answers to common misconceptions about the safety of  babies being born in water. There are certainly too many topics to mention here, but we can skim the question most commonly asked:  "How does the baby breath during a waterbirth?" To really answer this question, one must understand that a newborn in utero only has contact with the mothers amniotic fluid, and ocean-like atmosphere and has no need to breath. The human body amazes me everyday. And learning that a baby actually "breaths" by taking the oxygenated air through the umbilical cord harmoniously shared by this perfect partnership.... WHOA! Try explaining that to my 4 year old who wants to know what bellybuttons are for! The temperature of the water is so close to that of the maternal temperature that it prevents any detection of change within the newborn. It is not until the newborn infants skin, especially around the nose and mouth, makes contact with the air, that the baby will take its first breath.

I took this picture with Barbara Harper in January of 2009, at a Waterbirth International workshop. It was the first birth related workshop that I had ever attended. Coming across this picture, taken what feels like forever ago, made me really realize that this journey is a life long one that I am blessed to embark upon. And again, I am sending gratitude to all of those who I have met and helped to guide me along the way!

(For more info check out the Waterbirth International website)

Cleanse Day 1

Day One of my fast and this was breakfast! Juice of apple, kale, spinach, cucumber, beet, ginger, garlic, celery and carrot! I decided that to only juice would be too stressful for me. I run around with a toddler and go to the pool for most of the day. I need to pack a lunch for these outings or I would lose it, and binge on junk food! So I am doing a combination of raw food and juice.

 

So this is what I packed for lunch today:

A kale salad with shredded beets, scallions, summer squash,cherry tomatoes, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. A homemade dressing of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and pressed garlic! Yum!

 

I would love for you all to share some raw recipe ideas or links here!

I will keep you updated as I go :)

The spice of life

I can not believe how fast this past month has gone by. I have not even visited my own blog! Life has been nothing short of chaos, and I am beginning to feel that the storm is passing. With the death of my computer, returning to work, and the emergent renovations at our apartment that left us to co-habitate with friends and family, I certainly feel that, at times I lost my direction. Along with other things, like my keys, and sanity.
Throughout this ordeal I have wondered what the purpose of all of this would be. What would I learn when I came out of it? I over-pondered this question until I gave myself numerous headaches. And just like so many things in life, I could not come up with an answer, just had to wait for time to tell.
I feel that I have certainly gained a new appreciation of family time, routine, ritual, and wholesome family dinners! And working at the health food store has rekindled my love for healthy eating. With only 1 day left before we move back into our place (YAY!) I am full of excitement and ambition. As soon as I have ridden out this wave, I plan on doing a 60 day juice/raw food fast to give back to my body. As a way of showing thanks, and renewal!

 A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables is what I always recommend for families. By juicing, you are further increasing your bodies ability to digest these nutrients and super fast! For instance, garlic a common  ingredient has been dubbed "the wonder drug among all herbs". Raw garlic juice is great source of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and vitamin B1. It is also very high in sulfur, a vital nutrient for healthy, radiant skin. During World War I, garlic was used as a natural antibiotic. Because of its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, drinking garlic juice or eating it raw can be effective in dealing with intestinal parasites.
And that is only garlic, imagine what properties a juice of carrot, apple, garlic, ginger and lemon would provide! Interested? Find juice recipes here. Also, for expecting moms, find out more about raw juice and pregnancy here.
I would love to hear how your ventures go!
Cheers!

Life, in a nutshell

With our recent move in walking distance to the beach, I was really in need of some self reflection. As with many of life’s changes, I was faced with a roller-coaster of emotions. I sought to find comfort in Mother Natures’ many resources.
I wandered around my new neighborhood for a bit, and found myself tucked away in the sand, in the exact place I frequented daily during my pregnancy with Veda. Over four years later here I am. Although in the exact same location, I am in a completely different place. Before the birth of my “little guru” I traveled to some of the most beautiful places. All on my own. I journeyed through countless cities and countries, full of curiosity and wonder. Although I felt a sense of euphoria a number of times, no matter how immense the beauty--- I felt alone an overwhelming amount of times. I was often inwardly ashamed of these feelings, thinking myself ungrateful.
It wasn’t until my “free” time was stripped from me (in the most loving manner), that I began to see quality time with oneself as a treasure to be uncovered often. ....
To be continued.....

The Birth House

I was surprised to find The Birth House by Ami McKay at my local library. I wasn't exactly looking for it, but upon finding a novel based on birth, I figured it would allocate a break from the usual brainy list of books that I forever have my nose in. Impossible to escape into a land of fantasy, due to the need to constantly take notes and highlight facts, these books leave little to the imagination. The Birth House offered an opportunity for me to delve into something deeper. A past, a connection to being a woman, and the journey that so many women before me took, so that we could freely chose today.

Surprisingly, events that this book are based off of took place nearly 90 years ago. I couldn't help but wonder how these customs affected my great-grandmothers, or their mothers, and so on, and in turn, subconsciously but directly affect women today. It is hard to reflect on a time when women had no choice about whom or when they would marry, how many children they would have and where they would birth those children.

We live in a time where lack of choice is not even fathomable, more so it is the over-pouring of options that I believe gets us into trouble. How can we even make a slight connection to what holds true in our heart, when we hardly take a moment to become fully aware of it with all of the distractions in our day to day existence? Our capabilities, true desires, where we have travelled from and where we long to go.These seeds of wisdom are buried beneath the snow, and the ever changing seasons of our busy lives.

I am sending my deepest gratitude to all of the women who have walked before me, will walk after me, and who are walking side by side. I look forward to honoring them all by learning and sharing their rituals, stories and wisdom!

I would highly recommend this book, even for someone who is not interested in birth. It is eloquent, and well written. I love that it offered a brief history of a time period that really changed birth in our culture. From home to hospital. Although I was upset when I finished it,(because I had nothing else to read while on vacation) I was pleasantly surprised by a list of further reading recommendations.

A seed can't stay a seed forever.....



Pam England, ME:), Virginia Bobro



My encouraging advisor, Susan and I



I dreamt I was a seed

Buried deep below

In the dark, dark earth.

My quest, unknown to me, was to grow.

Day by day, i nourished my core.

On the 21st day,

I thought I was dying

I found out later,

I was sprouting.

It ached inside while i tore.

If I had had any idea

How much pain it would bring

To reach the sunshine,

I may have forever remained a seed.

For even a seed hurts

On its journey to becoming a flower.



The journey is the reward! 

I spent a week surrounded by mountains, wise women and food that my taste buds delighted in. I met Pam England, who has a kind and uplifting spirit, and a refreshing sense of humor. I enthusiastically re-united with Virginia, who taught the Introductory training so well that I was forever hooked. And finally met my advisor Susan, who optimistically encouraged me to take this journey. A journey I had not felt I was ready for.

Appropriately titled

I started out on Wednesday ready to go, in some ways. I knew from my Introductory workshop that anything I had been avoiding, would not so soon be swept under the rug here. That is what Birthing From Within is about- the "From Within" part is the core. I learned storytelling, metaphor and much much more. But I mainly learned things that I could not discover on my own or in a book. I learned to step out on a limb, and was caught several times in a soft nest. Pure and safe from judgement. Thank you all, you have played an integral part of my growth. I enjoyed our time together more than words can ever explain.

Trying to make sense of the "underworld"

This creatures metamorphosis also took place at Bend of Ivy :)

It's been a while...

It's been a while since I have been able to write. In one week my daughter broke her elbow, my computer crashed and I locked my keys in my car (for the first time ever, actually). I'm not sure what has been going on here in cyberspace, but V and I have been enjoying the beach, listening to sweet music and taking in all the sounds and scents and colors of spring. Here are a few cd's that V is really enjoys at the moment.

Also one of my favorite thing to do has been to make (and then eat!) a kale salad! YUMMY and full of wholesome goodness!

Here is the recipe:

1 Bunch of kale washed and dried, gently break the leaves apart

Equal parts: white vinegar, toasted sesame oil, tamari ( I used 1/4 cup each)

6 cloves garlic

about 1 inch of ginger, peeled and pressed in the garlic press

6 Tablespoons toasted sesame and sunflower seeds 

Mix the white vinegar, toasted  sesame oil, tamari, garlic and ginger. Set aside.

Toast your seeds :)

Add to your kale, and eat the whole bunch in one sitting like me :)

I was also pleasantly surprised to find a Local Chapter of the Holistic Mom's Network has been started in our area.Find info on upcoming meetings here. Yes, Myrtle Beach is evolving!

My journey through a landscape of labor

In three weeks I will be making my way to Asheville NC for an Advanced Retreat to continue the steps to Birthing From Within certification. I can't believe that only 11 months ago I was driving to The Farm for my first BFW workshop. I wasn't sure exactly what I would encounter on the journey, but I knew it would be full of wonder entwined in it a priceless learning experience. As I reminice, I remember how fortunate I was to share that trip of a lifetime with my best friend Arianne and several other intriguing and inspirational women. Before crossing the initial threshold, I thought that BFW was simply childbirth education with some artwork, I had no idea about how those 3 days would change my life and perception forever. Since that workshop, I have learned how to love and receive love unconditionally, one of many transformational lessons, and am forever thankful.

Pamela Hunt was courteous enough to show us around The Farm clinic.

My spirited toddler

I had been fortunate growing up. I had no surgeries or broken bones. So when my toddler fell off of our computer chair Tuesday, I was baffled at how such a short fall could cause her to break her elbow. V is very strong, and seldom cries, so I knew something terrible was wrong by her reaction to the fall. I tried to console her, which usually always works, but this day she did not want me to touch her at all. She told me in her sweetest voice ever "my arm doesn't work anymore, it's broken, call the ambulance." :( :(
We made our way to the ER. Every ounce of my baby was in pain, and resistant to touch or movement that may disrupt her comfortably uncomfortable state. For having her elbow broken, she was being very brave, and was in great spirits when not being tampered with.
I could not believe how fast this had all happened, and how sorry I had felt for her. I just wanted to take on her pain. All I could do was lay with her, caress her hair, tell her I would not leave her side, and that it would be over soon. In some ways it reminded me of being with a woman in labor. Ever present in the moment, one breath at a time, not thinking about the past, or focusing on what may come up in the future.
As with each fall in our life, it is meant to be. And we must surrender to the lesson, if we ever find meaning in one. As cliché as this sounds, even in the midst of the fear, crying vomit and what seemed like a never ending waiting time, we were together as a family. And we had everything that we actually needed in that moment.

Veda painting the morning of

Cuddled up in her blanky and unable to wear a shirt

Metamorphosis

It's official! It's been one week now since I quit my "real" job to pursue my passions. Mothering, servicing families through the childbearing year and crafting.These are ways that I fill my days at the moment, and I could not feel more blessed!
I have the chance to be reminded of the beauty in each moment, and am forever thankful that I am able to share it with my daughter. We are taking advantage of it fully, and have spent it wisely, allowing the smell and sounds of spring to permeate our every being!
This week we have:



Water color painted picture frames




Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream



Outdoor play with friends



The perfect dinner after a hot day outside- Nicoise Salad with homemade bread and brie (3/23)



Nature walks



The inspiration behind the title- we will have to check back with them!



Surprisingly, V loved dinner tonight: Eggplant "meatballs", spinach fettuccini and garlic toast!(3/24)



What's with all the labyrinths??

Labyrinths may seem like a thing of the past, but with all of the ancient symbols popping up, I have had many inquiries as to what they mean.

A labyrinth is a tool used for meditation to help deepen our spirituality, access intuition and creativity, all while identifying obstacles that may hold us back. Its path is a single one, so you do not have to "think" your way around or memorize anything. You can allow your mind-body connection to fully take over, by remaining present.

In many cultures, labyrinths are used as a metaphoric representation of life, death and re-birth. And so have much significance in ceremonial rites of passages. The death part is not so literal. We experience "death" in a much more transitional way, constantly. For instance, when we give up a bad habit that no longer serves us, if we realize our career brings us peace of mind no longer, or when we feel the wind calling us to move West. These are all times that must be honored, explored and reflected upon.

Viewing life as a labyrinth allows us to accept where we are on our journey while having an awareness of the fact the we do not know what lies behind every corner.

Using a labyrinth:
1. Before entering, set an intention. Choose an aspect of your life that you are in the unknowing. Or choose a mantra to repeat throughout.
2. Acknowledge the beginning of the path. You may want to say a blessing or a prayer. Take your first step, intention in mind. While using your labyrinth let your body guide you, while remaining aware of  your body and emotions.
3. Once in the center, take a moment to yourself before making your way back out. Since the entrance has now become the exit, let this be a reminder that all endings are beginnings and all beginnings are endings. Offer a prayer or blessing as you exit.
4. After your journey through the labyrinth, take a moment to reflect in your journal. Remember how you felt at different points along the path, do those feelings relate to current sittuations in your life. Ask yourself how you can integrate these insights into your daily life.

Locate a labyrinth in your area! http://labyrinthlocator.com/

Information adapted from the following sources:

The birth of a blog

As my mind is calm, my soul longs to release some of this creative energy. I open to opportunity, and start working on a clay labyrinth, inspired by the book Labyrinth of Birth.
Starting with a large piece of clay, I evenly roll it out. Smooth and flat, I trace the "seed" for the Chakra Vyuha Labyrinth. I have never worked with clay before, but this seems to come undeniably naturally to me. Each stroke of my finger blends the circuits with intention and mindfulness. I pause to revel in this moment of pure and boundless bliss.

As with the seed of the labyrinth, this blog is starting off with small beginnings. Intention started almost four years ago with the birth of my daughter, and continues each day through the birth of myself as a mother, mentor and doula.

"Without action, however small, our intentions cannot manifest but remain wishful thinking." -Art is a Way of Knowing