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September 19, 2024 Store Anima Mundi As the earth shifts from the vibrant heat of summer into the quieting coolness of autumn, we find ourselves at a powerful threshold: the Autumnal Equinox. This celestial event on September 22, 2024, marks the balance between day and night, a moment when light and dark exist in perfect harmony. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and realign with nature’s rhythms—an opportunity to embrace new self-care rituals that honor both our inner and outer worlds.
 Fall is a time of harvest, both literally and metaphorically. In the natural world, trees release their leaves and animals prepare for the coming winter. Similarly, humans can use this period to release what no longer serves us, gather our resources, and nurture ourselves for the quieter, more introspective months ahead. Self-care during the Autumnal Equinox is all about balance—balancing rest with activity, reflection with action, and releasing with receiving. In terms of our work with plant medicines, this is a time to focus on grounding and nourishing remedies that support the immune system, ease the transition to cooler months, and help prepare for the internal work of winter. Ancient traditions have always understood the profound significance of seasonal shifts. Many cultures approach equinoxes as moments to renew our connections to the earth and spirit. It’s a very special (and potent!) time for rituals that seek to bring equilibrium to the physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies, allowing us to enter the next phase of the year with greater clarity and purpose. Let’s explore how to incorporate some of these ancient practices into modern rituals, using plant medicine, aromatherapy, and global traditions for deep, holistic self-care that is simple yet effective.  Sacred Scents to Honor Balance + Renewal  If you’re looking to flow into fall—rather than resisting the end of summer or lamenting the impending winter—the power of scent can help deepen your connection to this season of transformation. Aromatherapy and medicinal scents have been used for centuries in healing and spiritual practices and were among the first forms of medicine ever administered. Harnessing the power of plant-based oils to support emotional and physical balance, essential oils work directly on the limbic system, which regulates emotions, memories, and even immunity. The following oils are particularly helpful for grounding, calming, and restoring balance during the equinox: Frankincense : Among Frankincense’s many attributes is its use as a spiritual tool for ritual, prayer, and meditation. Used in worship for thousands of years, it is valued both for its many healing powers and for its intoxicating fragrance. Frankincense can properly be said to belong to the family of sacred scents, making it a trusted ally for seasonal rituals and spiritual practices. Its grounding and clarifying scent makes it ideal for meditation and reflection, especially during transitional periods. Frankincense oil can be diffused in the home to promote emotional stability or applied to the skin (diluted in a carrier oil) to enhance relaxation and deep breathing. It will turn the fragrance of your home into that of a temple! A few drops of this high-quality Frankincense oil can be applied to the palms, rubbed together, and directly inhaled. This produces an instantaneous clarifying effect and a strong activation of the life force (prana). Frankincense essential oil can also be mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut or sesame and massaged into the skin to help the body stay limber and relaxed. A few drops of the oil can be sprinkled on a hot, wet towel and applied to the chest to open the lungs and enhance deep breathing. It is particularly helpful for those who practice yoga. Bhutan Cypress:  Traditionally used to beautify the skin and invigorate the mind, Cypress essential oil can also deepen and expand the breath. That’s what makes it especially beneficial to use in your diffuser or formulations in times of stress, loss of sleep, or hormonal challenges. It offers a wide range of applications when its astringent properties are called for, such as when there are oily, teenage/troubled, or sweaty conditions. For the mind, Cypress is known to have a refreshing, cleansing effect that can dispel worry. Diffused, invigorating cypress oil will clear the air whenever it has been left heavy or stagnant. Cypress is a useful oil for promoting concentration and productivity.  Our Bhutan Cypress Essential Oil is distilled from Cypress leaves and branches hand-harvested from trees that soar up to 150 feet into the sky. The pristine environment in Bhutan endows this refreshing elixir with potent aromatherapeutic qualities. This Bhutan Cypress aromatic profile lends itself to soothing hormonal imbalances and promoting deep, restful sleep. Australian Sandalwood:  A sacred scent in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Sandalwood is renowned for promoting inner peace and grounding energy. It is an ideal oil for grounding self-care and meditative rituals, especially useful during seasonal transitions, helping to calm the mind and encourage introspection. Sandalwood has a deep, nutty, and earthy aroma with a pronounced woody finish. Sandalwood’s history goes back to ancient times when it was used as an oil or an incense for spiritual inspiration. The oil is steam distilled from the branches and twigs of sandalwood trees. Australian Sandalwood has a rich, woody, smoky scent with sweet notes that compliment its balsamic base tones. This oil stays on the skin longer than most and has a dry-woody aroma once it is set. It blends well with any essential oil.  Tea Tree:  As a purifying oil, Tea Tree helps cleanse the body and boost immunity, particularly as we move toward the colder months. Its antimicrobial properties make it an essential oil for supporting wellness during the autumn season. One of the most well-known oils for cleansing, Tea Tree is an important addition to your home medicine cabinet and first aid kit due to its fast and effective healing capabilities. It has also shown a high degree of efficacy in clearing and promoting healthy nails and can also be applied topically in ointments, salves, and compresses to encourage skin health. When properly diluted, it is an important oil for cleansing and restoring healthy skin tissue. Vetiver:  Known as the “oil of tranquility,” Vetiver has a deep, earthy scent that is both grounding and calming. Its roots absorb rich compounds from the soil, making it a powerful tool for stabilizing emotions, reducing anxiety, and promoting restful sleep. Ayurvedic medicine describes vetiver oil as cooling to pitta (anti-inflammatory), yet pacifying to vata (calming and comforting to the mind). With its deep, complex fragrance, this is one of the most biochemically diverse of all essential oils. Vetiver is a perfect addition to your equinox rituals for its grounding and calming effects, whether used in massage oils, meditation, or sleep rituals. It offers emotional stability and deep physical relaxation. Here’s how you can incorporate Vetiver into your self-care routines: Sleep Support : Vetiver’s soothing magic is a powerful sleep aid. Try 4 or 5 drops in your diffuser at bedtime or create a sleep-inducing foot massage oil by combining 6 drops of vetiver with a tablespoon of carrier oil. Luxuriate in a long, slow foot massage, focusing on the joints and arches. Skin Soothing : After sun exposure or when your skin needs extra care, vetiver is excellent for cooling and repairing the skin. Create a heat-reducing body oil by combining 2 tablespoons of carrier oil with 4 drops of vetiver, 4 drops of chamomile, and 4 drops of helichrysum. Apply in gentle, slow strokes to soothe and nourish your skin. Meditation : For meditation, vetiver helps stabilize concentration and create a sense of rootedness. Rub a few drops in your palms, cup them over your face, and breathe deeply. Visualize yourself sending roots into the earth, arriving fully in your meditation practice. Incorporating these essential oils into your self-care routine—whether through diffusers, baths, or anointing oils—can enhance emotional balance and provide physical support during the equinox. Supporting Yin Energy In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is governed by the metal element and is associated with the lungs and large intestine. These organs are responsible for eliminating what no longer serves us—both physically and emotionally. Autumn invites us to nourish yin energy, which embodies reflection, quiet, and inward focus. By supporting the lungs and large intestine, we help release grief and other emotional burdens, mirroring the falling leaves of autumn. Autumn is naturally a more yin time, and embracing this energy can help prevent feelings of dryness, anxiety, and imbalance. These practices from Chinese Medicine may be supportive of your autumnal self-care: Nourish the Lungs: The lungs are sensitive during autumn, making it important to protect them with warm, moist foods like soups, congee, and herbal teas. Herbs like Astragalus, Nettle, and ginger are excellent for boosting lung health and immunity. Try our Breathe Tea , an organic lung tonic with these herbs, plus Holy Basil, Milky Oats, Reishi, and Mullein to boost respiratory function. Breathing Exercises: Deep, mindful breathing practices help to strengthen the lungs and clear out emotional and physical toxins. Qi Gong and Tai Chi movements can be integrated to help balance energy flow. Keep an eye on our Event Calendar for upcoming community breathwork practices. Acupressure: Stimulating key points along the lung and large intestine meridians, such as the point called "He Gu" (located between the thumb and index finger), can help release stagnation and support the body’s natural detoxification processes. For further support hitting refresh on your digestion and detox pathways, check out our full Detox Collection here . Pacifying Vata Dosha In Ayurveda , autumn is considered a Vata season. Vata, which is composed of air and ether, governs movement, change, and lightness. When balanced, Vata promotes creativity and adaptability, but when imbalanced, it can lead to anxiety, dry skin, and irregular digestion—common complaints as the weather cools. To keep Vata dosha in balance during the fall, Ayurveda recommends warming, grounding, and nourishing self-care practices. Here are a few simple yet essential Ayurvedic tips: Warming Foods: Cooked, oily, and warming foods like root vegetables, ghee, and spices such as cinnamon, turmeric , and cardamom help to counterbalance Vata's cold and dry qualities.   Herbal Teas : Sip on warming herbal teas like ginger, cinnamon, or tulsi to stay hydrated and support digestion. Tulsi , or holy basil, is especially revered in Ayurveda for its adaptogenic and calming properties, helping to manage stress and bring the body into balance.  Abhyanga ( Self-Massage ): Massaging the body with warm sesame or almond oil is deeply grounding and helps to soothe the nervous system, support circulation, and keep the skin moisturized. Dincharya (Daily Routine): Ayurveda stresses the importance of a daily rhythm, especially during transitional times. Rising early, following a regular meal schedule, and winding down with evening rituals can help keep Vata in check. Ancestral Equinox Traditions to Inspire Craft Care Around the world, many cultures celebrate the Autumnal Equinox as a time of reflection, gratitude, and preparation for the coming winter. Each tradition offers unique insights into how we can care for ourselves and connect with the earth during this sacred time.  Mabon (Celtic Tradition): In Celtic tradition, the Autumn Equinox is known as Mabon, a time to give thanks for the harvest and the abundance of the earth. It’s a time for feasting, sharing food with loved ones, and preparing for the darker half of the year. Self-care rituals during Mabon might include foraging seasonal herbs and fruits, preparing nourishing meals , and offering gratitude to the earth. Shūbun no Hi (Japan): In Japan, the Autumn Equinox is a national holiday known as Shūbun no Hi. It’s a time to honor one’s ancestors, visit family graves, and reconnect with nature. Rituals often include cleaning the home, preparing seasonal foods, and spending quiet time in contemplation. For personal self-care, this is a time for reflection and making space for ancestral healing.  Navaratri (India): In Hindu tradition, Navaratri is a festival dedicated to the goddess Durga and occurs around the autumn equinox. It celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, purity over impurity, and knowledge over ignorance. Navaratri is often observed with fasting, prayer, and reflection, making it a time of spiritual renewal and cleansing. Bringing all these global traditions and healing modalities together, you can craft a self-care practice that is both deeply personal and profoundly connected to the earth’s rhythms. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Set Intentions: The equinox is a potent time for setting intentions. Reflect on what you wish to release and what you hope to cultivate during the coming months. Writing these intentions down and revisiting them throughout the season can help you stay aligned with your goals. Create a Sacred Space: Designate a corner of your home where you can retreat for quiet reflection. Add autumnal elements like dried herbs, candles, and objects that symbolize balance to you. This space can be used for meditation, journaling, or simply taking time to breathe. Grounding Tea Ritual: Brew a tea using grounding herbs like rooibos, cinnamon, or ginger. As you sip your tea, reflect on what grounds and nourishes you in this season of transition. Moon Rituals : Honor the balance of light and dark with a moon ceremony. Whether it's new moon intention-setting or full moon release, use the energy of the equinox to deepen your connection with the lunar cycle.  End the Evening with Intention As equinoxes invite reflection, it’s important to end your day with intention, allowing the rituals of the day to fully integrate into your body, mind, and spirit. The equinox is a time to acknowledge both the light and shadow within, making space for both joy and letting go  Here’s a simple, intentional practice to close out your Autumnal Equinox evening: Journaling: Spend 10-15 minutes reflecting on the day. Consider what you are ready to release as we move into the darker half of the year. Write down what you’re grateful for, and set intentions for the next season of your life. Gratitude Meditation: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, focusing on the people, experiences, and things you are grateful for. Feel the warmth and light of this gratitude filling your heart, grounding you into the present moment. Light a Candle: Symbolically honor the balance of light and dark by lighting a candle and placing it in your sacred space. As the flame flickers, allow it to represent both your inner light and the shadows that help you grow. Take a moment to reflect on how you can maintain balance in the coming weeks. Herbal Bath : End the day with a soothing herbal bath using rosemary, sage, or lavender. The warm water, combined with the healing properties of the herbs, helps relax your body and ease any remaining tension from the day. The Autumnal Equinox offers a profound invitation to restore balance within ourselves and with the natural world. It’s a powerful time to reconnect with nature’s cycles, nourish your body with seasonal herbs, and cultivate balance within. As we prepare for the quieter months ahead, may we begin to embrace autumn’s inward-looking energy. Savor this opportunity to find deep renewal, setting the stage for a season of reflection, self-care, and transformation. Happy Autumnal Equinox!

For too long has the kingdom of the inner world been neglected in the pursuit of a kingdom of the material world. It is now time for that to change. The inner world is a tiered kingdom, beginning with the self. Below the self, are your subtle advisers –  your mind, intellect and your nature. Thoughts are the seeds of reality. Your mind helps you create thoughts into vibrations, words and actions. Your intellect helps you to choose the types of thoughts to sow and helps you make decisions. Your nature consists of your attitudes, emotions and habits. Below your subtle advisers are your physical advisers – your senses for seeing (‘visual’), hearing (‘auditory’), touching (‘tactile’), tasting (‘gustatory’) and smelling (‘olfactory’). Have you ever woken up in the morning and opened the curtains to see the weather outside? I have found that the sense of seeing is the first sense I use to make decisions, which makes sense considering the intellect is also known as the ‘third eye’. There are three more less known senses – your sense of balance in terms of your orientation in space (‘vestibular’), your sense of the internal body in terms of physiological state (‘interoception’), and your sense of muscles and joints in terms of location and movement in space (‘proprioception’). Before fully waking up, have you ever experienced a moment where you don’t exactly know where you are, while your inner world adjusts after coming out of a deep sleep? I have found that a sense of spiritual balance is the first sign of spiritual awakening. Below your physical advisers are the elements of nature. There are many elements, but the basic five are water, fire, earth, aether and air – nature’s building quirks. So, this is your inner kingdom. Are you a benevolent sovereign or do you heavily tax your subjects? You will know your taxes are too high if you receive complaints in the form of negative feelings, confusion, doubt or dis-ease. A wise sovereign will understand the solution must be in the same location as the problem, that is inwards, and not beyond the kingdom, into other realms of people or situations. But it’s okay if you find that your tendency is to look outwards for causes and solutions, because it is a life journey to come back to self-sovereignty. It is a journey that starts with the first step of recognising that a new path is available to you.  Then it is a process of learning to find the right balance, a wholesome balance where nothing has power or influence over you and yet you are able to maintain your position in the centre of it all. “Where attention goes, energy flows. Where energy flows, life grows.” If you want to cultivate a garden of paradise in your inner world, you must grow it and not wait for it to happen. That growth starts with paying attention to what is happening within. If we are not benevolent to our inner world and continue to look for causes outside or alternatively, continue to blame and degrade ourselves, only thorns and weeds will grow in a desolate kingdom.   It is not easy to focus our attention inwards on our own.  It can be a scary place to start, particularly if you are inclined to self-blame, like I was.  To change the flow of attention back towards the self in a nurturing way, new energy needs to be injected into the self, and it needs to be pure and clean, without judgement or motive. Only the highest quality energy will suffice. It must come from the spiritual Source of pure energy. Goodness does exist. God does exist. This is where we turn to, to return to our authentic selves. He places us back on our throne of self-sovereignty. It is said we should drink water at similar temperature to our internal organs to purify and prevent dis-ease in the body. Similarly, we should purify the spiritual energy of the self with the spiritual ‘water’ from the Source, the Ocean of Knowledge. That spiritual ‘water’ is knowing the truth about your inner kingdom and understanding how to become a benevolent sovereign of your inner world. When I contemplate on the spiritual truth of my inner world, my mind becomes full of elevated energy that I can then use to create vibrations, words and actions filled with authenticity. It makes me feel satisfied and complete and naturally present in the moment. If you are still wondering what spirit and spiritual self means, it is simply that part of your kingdom that is subtle and not physical, the self and the subtle advisers, as mentioned above. Consider this thoughtfully, and you will know it to be true. With gratitud Gabriela D.P. Holistic Health Coach Original article

by David Crow, L.Ac . What would the world be like if our spiritual traditions taught us that plants were sacred? In the early morning stillness of a Rajasthani courtyard grows a fragrant herb. It stands erect in its clay pot, reaching in all directions with many soft and slightly hairy branches. Its long thin purple leaves are covered with essential oil glands that produce a subtle aura that perfumes the surrounding atmosphere, while its crimson flowers blossom in tight whorls. An elderly woman emerges from an intricately carved wooden door and walks slowly across the smooth white marble floor toward the waiting plant. She carries water in a vase, incense, and other items of worship. The plant knows the woman, who comes every day to make offerings, recite prayers, and invoke the protective and benevolent blessings that the herb offers. To a botanist, the plant is Ocimum sanctum, holy basil, but to the woman, it is Tulsi, the goddess who loves Krishna. The woman performs a simple ritual honoring the plant. She offers it first a drink of water and then incense smoke, softly reciting the mantras that invoke the presence of Tulsi Devi, the living goddess, while the plant exhales the aromatic breath that protects the home from disease-carrying insects. The woman remembers that once, in the magical time of Hindu mythology, Tulsi was passionately in love with Krishna. Now, having taken the form of this dark-leafed basil, she is always close to her beloved, because Krishna loves to be given offerings of tulsi above all other herbs. Rituals and ceremonies honoring plants are often based on the traditional understanding of their ecological functions. In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu, says: “If you want to worship me, worship the banyan tree.” Ecologically, the banyan tree produces more oxygen than almost any other tree, revealing that it is indeed the temple of Vishnu, the sustainer of life. In that same scripture, Krishna says: “I am the fragrance of the soil,” again pointing to the presence of the life-sustaining divinity within the biological elements. What would the world be like if our spiritual traditions taught us to respect plants because they have the power to heal our painful illnesses? In India, where spirituality infuses people’s view of the natural world, holy basil has been revered as a compassionate medicinal plant for thousands of years. Ayurveda describes tulsi as an herb that purifies the mind, body, and spirit by aromatically opening and stimulating the channels of prana. Tulsi tea is used for a multitude of illnesses, its essential oil giving the leaves a pleasant spicy taste that dispels phlegm and congestion, stops cough, eliminates nausea, and increases appetite. It is used traditionally for various types of fevers, infections of the ear, nose, and throat, to promote labor during childbirth, and to increase the flow of milk while nursing. It is a stimulant to the mind when exhausted, a purifier of the blood, a remedy for skin diseases, and a beneficial tonic for the circulation. Tulsi essential oil should be used with extreme caution, as it is a powerful irritant if applied directly to the skin. The oil, with its rich, sweet, fresh-herbaceous scent with pronounced clove and anise accents, is best used in atmospheric diffusers or steam cabinets, one drop at a time and diluted with other oils such as eucalyptus and fir. Used this way, it can be a very effective respiratory and immune stimulant, helping to overcome chronic conditions such as cold and damp type of asthma, and repeated colds and flus. For all other uses, the leaves should be infused and taken as tea. The woman in the courtyard finishes her simple ritual. She places a tulsi leaf in her mouth as a sacrament, remembering that the incarnated goddess is protecting her family from illness and misfortune. In the days ahead the woman will perform another ritual, marrying Tulsi to her beloved Krishna. Before humans could walk upon this earth, the plants first worked their photosynthetic alchemy. They exhaled oxygen so that we could breathe, and ozone to protect us from the deadly solar rays. For unimaginable eons they have been binding toxic atmospheric gases into the soil so that we may grow and thrive. They regulate the seasons, rejuvenate the soil, and cleanse the poisons we put everywhere. Every day they give their bodies as offerings of nourishment and medicine. Shouldn’t we regard plants as the creators and sustainers of our terrestrial home, who are worthy of respect and devotion?

serves: 4 INGREDIENTS 2 cups/240ml Double Zero Pasta Flour  1/2 tsp salt 2/3 cup/160ml water  1/4 tsp Ground Turmeric 1 tbs olive oil Filling  1 Medium block Tofu  3 tbs Nutritional Yeast 2 tbs Miso Paste  Zest & Juice 1 Lemon  1/2 cup Steamed Wild Garlic 1 tsp Onion Powder  1 tsp Salt  4 tbs Flour 3 tbs Olive Oil  2 tbs Capers Sauce 3 tbs Olive Oil 1 Shallot, chopped really fine   1 Clove Garlic, peeled & minced  2 cups/200g Wild Mixed Mushrooms  1/2 cup/125ml White Wine  Handful Wild Garlic  Garnish Roasted Hazelnuts  METHOD Begin with making the dough by mixing the flour salt & turmeric in a large bowl. Gradually add water and olive oil, stirring until a firm dough forms. Knead this dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once done, cover the dough and let it rest to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out later. For the filling, blend the tofu, nutritional yeast, miso paste, the zest and juice of a lemon, steamed wild garlic, onion powder, salt & flour until the mixture is smooth luxurious. Transfer the mix to a bowl & fold through the capers. Ensure the filling is seasoned well and has a consistency that will hold inside the ravioli Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thin sheet using a pasta machine or rolling pin – I roll mine to the 2nd but last thinness on the machine. Using a cutter cut circles for the ravioli bases. Place a small amount of the filling in the centre of each base, ensuring not to overfill. Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water, place another piece of dough on top, and seal the edges firmly by pressing down with your fingers. Make sure the ravioli are well sealed to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking. For the sauce, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped shallot and garlic until caramelised. Add mushrooms and cook until they begin to go golden. Deglaze the pan with white wine, letting it reduce slightly. Add a handful of wild garlic towards the end to wilt gently.  To cook the ravioli, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully place the ravioli in the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, this should take 2-3 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon, draining any excess water. Serve the cooked ravioli topped with the mushroom and wild garlic sauce, drizzling additional olive oil over the top & a few toasted hazelnuts. Original article Gazoakley

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Did you know that minestone is one of the most popular foods in Sardinia (Italy), a place where some of the longest-living people come from? Plant diversity in your diet is known to extend to your lifespan, and this recipe contains a whopping 8 DIFFERENT VEGETABLES! Minestrone is a great “kitchen raid” recipe that allows you to use up a wide variety of vegetables to avoid food waste. Psst… the Scrappy Cookbook has a whole section of Kitchen Raid recipes! Although this is a copycat of the Olive Garden minestrone soup, you don’t need a restaurant kitchen to make this. So long as you have a large pot and a way to chop your veggies, you could be enjoying this soup in the next half an hour. This minestrone recipe lends 6 servings, perfect for a large household or someone who loves meal planning and batch cooking. All of the ingredients are commonly available, and even more importantly, budget-friendly! One of my goals as a vegan content creator is to show that plant-based foods can be delicious and cost-effective at the same time. What is Minestrone? Minestrone is a hearty and versatile Italian soup known for its rich flavor and abundance of vegetables. It is a staple in Italian cuisine and has variations that can be found in different regions and households. Part of the appeal is that minestrone can be adapted to use seasonal produce. Additionally, the variety of vegetables and other ingredients creates a rich flavor and takes care of nutritional needs. The key ingredients of minestrone soup include: Vegetables. Minestrone typically includes a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and zucchini. These ingredients form the base of the soup. Broth . The soup is usually made with a vegetable broth, along with either fresh or canned tomatoes. They contribute to the soup’s rich color and taste. Beans . Minestrone often contains beans (like kidney beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas) for protein and texture. Pasta . Additionally, pasta or rice is sometimes added to include a carb component and make the soup more substantial. Herbs and seasonings . Minestrone is seasoned with a variety of fresh and dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. Salt and pepper are used to enhance the flavors. Garnishes . Minestrone is often served with a drizzle of olive oil, a dollop of pesto, and some fresh herbs. Minestrone is incredibly versatile, and the exact ingredients can vary widely based on what’s in season and available. It’s a popular dish because it’s not only delicious, but also a great way to use up a variety of vegetables. Due to its adaptability, minestrone has become a beloved soup around the world, and many cultures have their own versions inspired by the Italian original. Equipment and Kitchenware Another great appeal of this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup recipe is that it requires very little in terms of equipment and kitchenware. All you really need are a cutting board, a good knife, a large pot, and a spatula. You may also use a can opener if your tomatoes and chickpeas don’t have a tab. Since I often get requests for kitchenware recommendations, I compiled all of them in one place for your convenience, in case you are looking for some inspiration! How to Make This Recipe Start by dicing all the ingredients and getting your work station ready. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Saute the garlic and onion with a couple of tablespoons of water for about 3 minutes. Next, add carrot, celery, potato, oregano, salt and pepper. Keep cooking for 5-6 minutes until the potato and carrot have softened slightly. Finally, pour in vegetable broth and empty the cans of tomatoes and chickpeas into the pot. Add the pasta and bring the contents to a boil. Turn down the heat to a simmer and cook your minestrone soup uncovered for 12-15 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!  Hack It! The beauty of this Olive Garden minestrone soup recipe is that it can undergo endless customization! It’s the perfect way to use up the veggies in your fridge. Although I used chickpeas myself, minestrone can be made with any type of bean, or even a mixture of different types. The same goes for pasta! Some use small soup pasta, some prefer vermicelli noodles, and some may need to use gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the type of pasta you’re using. If you live alone, this is a perfect batch-cooking recipe. Split it into portions and freeze it for later. Original post Plantyou With Gratitude Gabriela Ana Holistic Health Coach

After six months of preparing for rising temperatures, your body suddenly switches gears mid July to prepare for the thermometer to plunge. Vata season starts the last week of July, when the first colder, drier air masses move in from the north. By August 1st, days are shorter and the angle of the noon time sun is considerably lower, causing temperatures to drop quickly. By the second week of August a thunderstorm will signal the definitive change in season as the temperature drops over ten degrees in just a few hours. Mornings will feel noticeably cooler. Late summer brings with it a certain stillness, the first sign of winter sleepiness. Since humans are a warm-blooded species, your body spends lots of energy defending itself against changes in temperature. It can take several months for your body to shift gears from the warm season to the cold season. The biannual shift in temperature is one reason why August & February are the two most difficult months of the year to stay healthy. In August, people with deficiency fluids or fats get sick. In February, people with excess fluids or fats get sick. Craving Sweets & Carbs A cool breeze beneath my bedroom window at four am wakes me up. I put on a pair of socks enjoying the crisp relief from the sweltering dog days of summer. Later on at lunchtime I notice my cravings for fresh green vegetable suddenly subsiding for mashed potatoes. A friend brings homemade zucchini bread for lunch. Autumn is approaching! The shift in cravings is a sign that your body is preparing for the cold temperatures ahead. The body will use the carbohydrates to build an insulating layer of fat in the skin. However, as the body pulls fats from circulation, the blood dries out. Late Summer Dryness After a summer of sweating under the hot sun bodily fluids are at a minimum. Drier blood tends to create dehydration. The skin will feel parched and the bowels dry and constipated. Electrolyte imbalance, dry blood & constipation tends to make the mind anxious . Insomnia may ensue. Late summer is a critical time to replenish electrolytes & calm your mind well in advance of colder temperatures. Avoid drying , astringent or constipative foods. Instead, Vata types can drink water with lime and salt in the morning to combat dryness. Tired, Crampy Muscles Heat pushes blood to the surface of the skin, and into the arms and legs. As soon as the temperature starts to drop, the volume of blood in your arms and legs drops too, making your muscles feel tired. Electrolyte imbalance may cause some cramping in the first few weeks of August. Dry Rashes May rashes tend to be wet and weepy. Rashes in August tend to be dry and scaly. Daily oil massages will keep your skin and complexion smooth and supple for the transition to Autumn. Schedule Changes Tired muscles make the first week of August an ideal vacation week. As the season changes, so does the schedule. With kids returning back to school, parents and kids will be busy scrambling to adjust to a new routine. Give yourself special treats like time off to enjoy the transition in seasons and prepare for the busy year ahead. Diet for August Avoid Diuretics , especially parsley , celery , & asparagus , & popcorn. Astringents , especially walnuts Favor Salt Carbs , especially Potatoes & sweet potato fats & proteins. Chicken is supportive. The mid-day sun is still very hot. Cool , sour fruits like grapes , or wild apples (grocery store apples aren't tart enough) can help purge residual heat from summer. Click here to see a Late Summer Ayurvedic Diet full of tasty Vata pacifying recipes Lifestyle for August Oil massage to keep the skin moist Vacation to recuperate from summer sun Keep body warm at night to avoid insomnia Dress in layers for cool morning & hot afternoons Herbs for August Licorice Root - Soothes dryness & inflammation, encourages water retention Salt - Encourages water retention Ashwagandha - Calms the mind Amalaki - Cools aggravated late summer Pitta About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics . His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

Who needs a summer cool-down treat? This delightful herbal-infused slushie recipe is just the thing you need to beat the heat! Unlike the artificially colored and flavored slushies you may have seen during childhood trips to amusement parks, this frozen treat is made of botanical ingredients that delight the senses and benefit the body and mind. Cooling herbs like mint and the calming taste of lavender enchant the senses and provide welcome respite to an overheated system.  Herbal Summer Slushie: What’s In It  Mint ( Mentha spp.)  Be it peppermint ( Mentha x piperita ), spearmint ( Mentha spicata ), or one of the other mint varieties, mint is a refreshing and delicious herb to enjoy, especially in the summer months. Known for its cooling properties and versatility, herbalists across many cultures have used mint for centuries. This charming, pleasant-smelling little green leaf can be made into infusions or tinctures, as well as sprinkled fresh on salad. Mint soothes indigestion, brightens the mood, and freshens the breath. When diffused, the essential oil offers a range of benefits, such as improving mood and cognition. Perfect for the dog days of summer, the menthol in mint helps to lower your body’s temperature and that invigorating flavor can help snap you out of your summer heat slump. Lavender ( Lavandula spp.) Another herb of great versatility (and also hailing from the Lamiaceae or mint family), lavender is pleasant to eat, drink, and smell. Popular as a flavoring and garnish for sweet treats and beverages alike, this fragrant floral is adored for both its culinary uses and health benefits. Known to soothe and relax the nervous system, lavender has also long been associated with cleansing and purification. When used topically, the herb does indeed have valuable antimicrobial properties while at the same time calming irritated, reddened skin. Its overall energetic effects are quite similar—the cool, calm, clean aroma of lavender washes away the stress of your body’s discomfort from the sweltering heat. Plus, the taste is oh-so-lovely when paired with mint; you’ll be hydrated in no time after making this Herbal Summer Slushie!  Lemon ( Citrus x limon )  A well-loved food item and then some, lemon adds both cheer and hydration to this botanical slushie. Lemons are used across herbal and culinary traditions to assist in digestion and the absorption of nutrients such as iron; Ayurveda teaches that drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning boosts the agni (digestive fire). Furthermore, lemons are the richest source of vitamin C of any citrus and, though acidic, have an alkalizing effect once inside the body. This pleasant and clean-smelling fruit is also known for its ability to lessen instances of kidney stones and to assist the liver in its detoxification process, making one less likely to feel cranky when temperatures are on the rise.   Herbal Summer Slushie Recipe The burst of flavor in this herbal slushie recipe comes through the rush of coolness you get from each sip. Enjoy the combination of citrusy lemon, floral lavender, and cooling mint. Ingredients 3 lemon slicesHandful of mint ( Mentha spp.) leaves, fresh1 tablespoon lavender ( Lavandula spp.) flower bud, dry3 cups water1 heaping tablespoon sweetener of choice Directions Place the lemon slices and herbs into a quart-size jar, add just-boiled water, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. When the water has cooled to room temperature, add the sweetener and stir well. Strain out the herbs and reserve the liquid. Place it in the refrigerator until completely cool.  Using a blender, crush ice and combine with the liquid, using a 2:1 ratio. Here, we used 3 cups of crushed ice to 1½ cups of liquid. Blend well and enjoy!  In Closing, The burst of flavor in this herbal slushie recipe comes through the rush of coolness you get from each sip. Enjoy the combination of citrusy lemon, floral lavender, and cooling mint. Summer never tasted this good!  In collaboration with Herbal Academy

The Mother Wound is the pain rooted in our relationship with our mothers that is passed down from generation to generation in patriarchal cultures and has a profound effect on our lives. When left unresolved, we pass on the Mother Wounds our mothers and grandmothers before us failed to heal, which consist of toxic and oppressive beliefs, ideals, perceptions and choices about ourselves, others, and all of life itself.  The Mother Wound exists on 4 levels: On a personal level, the Mother Wound is the set of painful patterns originating with our mothers that cause us to unconsciously limit or sabotage ourselves. On a cultural level, the Mother Wound is the cultural atmosphere of patriarchy, that says women are “less than” and how that belief in women’s innate inferiority penetrates every aspect of our culture, from education, media, religion, to magazines, literature, and sitcoms and more. On a spiritual level, the Mother Wound is a wound with life itself, causing us to feel an existential sense of disconnection from a higher power; a sense of feeling alone in the world and in the universe. On the planetary level, the Mother Wound manifests as our disconnection from nature and the planet that gives us life, causing rampant pollution, extinction of species, and monopolization of resources, to name a few. How I can notice if the Mother Wound is manifesting in my life?   The Mother Wound can manifest as:  Not being our full selves because we don’t want to threaten others. Having a high tolerance for poor treatment from others. Emotional care-taking or exhibiting codependent behaviors. Feeling competitive with other women. Self-sabotage when we’re close to breakthroughs. Conditions such as eating disorders, depression, and addiction. Being too rigid and dominating. Perfectionism, feeling like we have to control everything to be OK. It also includes the pain of: Shame – a vague sense there is something wrong with us. Comparison – not feeling good enough. Attenuation – feeling we must remain small to be loved. A persistent sense of guilt for wanting more than we currently have. Where does the Mother Wound come from? Patriarchy gives rise to the Mother Wound. In male-dominated cultures, women are conditioned to think of themselves as “less-than” and not deserving or worthy. This feeling of “less-than” has been internalized and passed down through countless generations of women. Historically, patriarchal cultures have not only treated motherhood as a mandate for women, they’ve also made it oppressive, holding women to impossible standards, expecting them to: Relinquish their ambitions for their families. Be the primary caretakers of the household. Constantly serve others and their needs, while giving up their own. Handle everything with ease 100% of the time – having well-behaved children, being sexually attractive, having a successful career, and a solid marriage. Deplete themselves to support their families and raise children. As a result of these limiting beliefs and super-human standards, women often forgo their dreams, bottle up their desires and suppress their needs in favor of meeting the cultural ideal of what womanhood should be. This pressure is suffocating for most women, engendering rage, depression, anxiety and overall emotional pain, which—when not addressed as is often the case in patriarchal cultures—is then unconsciously passed on to their children through subtle or even aggressive forms of emotional abandonment (mothers can’t be emotionally present when stressed), manipulation (shame, guilt, and obligation) or rejection. How is healing the Mother Wound different from mother-blaming? There is   a   very strong cultural taboo against examining the relationship with our mothers. Naturally, we fear being complicit with the damaging cultural paradigm of mother-blame. But mother-blaming is very different from healing the Mother Wound.  This is an important distinction: Mother-blame is avoiding responsibility while healing the Mother Wound is a form of taking personal responsibility. Mother-blame is characterized by: Complacency and a sense of victimhood. A way of hiding from our own power A way of hiding from our own power and lacking in courage. Projecting unprocessed anger and avoiding underlying grief. Healing the Mother Wound is characterized by:  Examining the mother-daughter relationship with the intention to gain clarity and insight in order to create positive change in our lives. Transforming limiting beliefs we’ve inherited with the intention of adopting new beliefs that fully support our self-actualization.  Taking responsibility for our own paths by becoming conscious of previously unconscious patterns and making new choices that reflect our true desires. Breaking the cycle for future generations of women to come. How do patriarchal cultures put daughters in a double bind? Simply put, if a daughter internalizes her mother’s unconscious beliefs (which is some subtle form of “I’m not good enough”) then she has her mother’s approval but has in some way betrayed herself and her potential. However, if she doesn’t internalize her mother’s unconscious beliefs as her own limitations but rather affirms her own power and potential, she is aware that her mother may unconsciously see this as a personal rejection. The daughter doesn’t want to risk losing her mother’s love and approval, so internalizing these limiting, unconscious beliefs is a form of loyalty and emotional survival for the daughter. It may feel dangerous for her to actualize her full potential because it may mean risking some form of rejection by her mother. This is because the daughter may unconsciously sense that her full empowerment may trigger the mother’s sadness or rage at having had to give up parts of herself in her own life. Her compassion for her mother, a desire to please her, and a fear of conflict may cause her to convince herself that it’s safer to shrink and remain small. Hence, for daughters growing up in patriarchal cultures, there is a sense of having to choose between being empowered and being loved. In short, the Mother Wound exists because there is not a safe place for mothers to process their pain about the sacrifices that society has demanded of them. And because daughters still unconsciously fear rejection for choosing not to make those same sacrifices as previous generations. What are the costs of avoiding the Mother Wound? The cost of avoiding the Mother Wound is monumental. It ensures that the disowned pain of the Mother Wound will continue to get passed down to future generations. The cost to our personal lives means living our lives indefinitely with: A vague, persistent sense that “There’s something wrong with me.” Never actualizing our potential out of fear of failure or disapproval. Having weak boundaries and an unclear sense of self. Not feeling worthy or capable of creating what we truly desire. Arranging our lives around “not rocking the boat.” Self-sabotage when we get close to a breakthrough. Unconsciously waiting for your mother’s permission or approval before claiming our own lives. Not feeling safe enough to take up space and voice our truth. The cost to society and the world is: That generations of women keep themselves small so as not to offend, are compelled to blame themselves, and bypass the chance to fulfill their potential. Thus, the genius, power, love, and gifts of countless women are lost to the world. On a cultural level we have equated female power with abandonment Broadly speaking, men have feared that women who are conscious of their power will abandon their roles as nurturers. And patriarchy has taught men to disown their own nurturing abilities, encouraging them to seek to be nurtured mainly through sex. Society’s need for a subservient female, unaware of her power, is our deeper collective need to find a mother who won’t abandon us. It’s a projection of our traumatized inner children who are longing for an inexhaustible mother who isn’t coming. We have to give up this collective “impossible dream.” As adults on the healing path, the true “Mother” we long for, can only come from within. The inner mother emerges as we grieve and learn how to mother ourselves consistently. It’s a skill that can be learned. If we fail to grieve and learn to mother ourselves, we risk passing along the Mother Wound to the next generation. Culturally, we need to grieve. Personally, we need to grieve. And the situations in the outer world reflect this mounting inner imperative to look at our own pain. There is an exciting evolutionary step within the Mother Wound –that is IF we listen to the call to go within and grieve. However, if we choose to continue to postpone the grief, we’ll continue to act it out and harm the earth. The more individuals do this work, the more the culture will transform. Author: Bethany Webster I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology. I’ve completed training in Life Coaching from Joanna Lindenbaum and Holistic MBA. As a graduate student I focused on social psychology research on the intersection of race, class and gender. Post-grad school, I worked in academia in the area of research ethics and also as a writer/editor at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.

We often carry our parents’ legacy within us, for better or for worse. But what happens when that legacy is less like a cherished gift and more like a nagging emptiness?  For example, have you ever felt like something was missing—a sense that you’re not quite whole? Do you struggle with a deep-seated fear of abandonment, or perhaps trust feels like a gamble?  Your inner emptiness, your fears, your trust issues…these are often born from childhood experiences – the mother and the father wound. This article will help you learn the roots of these wounds, see their impact on your life, and find the path to a healthier future. The mother wound vs. the father wound  In today’s thinking, we recognize that these wounds aren’t tied to a specific parent’s gender. Anyone can experience a mother or father wound from caregivers, regardless of gender. The term “mother wound” isn’t a formal medical diagnosis. It originally came from Bethany Webster ‘s book Discovering the Inner Mother: A Guide to Healing the Mother Wound.  The idea of a “father wound” has been around for a while, especially in the self-help book genre and popular psychology conversations.  Books like Sons of the Father: Healing the Father-Wound in Men Today by Gordon and Healing for the Father Wound: A Trusted Christian Counselor Offers Time-Tested Advice by H. Norman Wright attempt to shed light on this topic. In fact, we all have these “masculine” and “feminine” sides—the doer and the nurturer. When there’s a gap in how those sides of us are supported when we’re little, it might affect us.  The tricky thing is, it’s not always about actual moms and dads. It’s about whoever was in your caregiver role. They could’ve been the best in the world, but maybe they were stretched thin or didn’t know how to give you exactly what you needed. So when we talk about the mother wound and the father wound, we’re really referring to emotional and psychological scars from childhood trauma , often caused by an unavailable or unattuned parent/caregiver.  In short, mother wound: a lack of nurturing, love, and emotional connection. Father wound is a lack of guidance, protection, and a sense of safety. Imagine feeling like there’s this hole in your heart, like you didn’t get the kind of love, hugs, and sweet words you craved. That’s what the mother wound is sometimes like. It’s tough when you don’t feel truly seen and loved by the person you’re supposed to rely on most. Then there’s the father wound. That one’s more like… not having someone to look up to, someone who makes you feel safe, who teaches you how to stand up for yourself. It leaves you feeling lost, unsure of who to ask for help or how to set limits with people. These wounds can leave deep marks on our sense of self, relationships, security, and self-worth. They can play into our deepest fears and insecurities. Now, for a better understanding, let’s talk about each one separately. What is a mother wound? The author defines it as “ A set of internalized limiting beliefs and patterns that originates from early dynamics with our mothers that causes problems in many areas of our adult lives, impacting how we see ourselves, one another, and our potential. ” In simple words, the mother wound is a form of attachment trauma , the hurt that comes from not getting the love and support every child needs. This leaves a person feeling unloved like they’re not important, and maybe even afraid that people will leave them. Attachment theory suggests that a mother-child bond forms very early. Even before a baby is born, they start to feel safe and secure with their mom. When that bond is missing or unreliable, it can be one of the causes of the mother wound. Early relationships with caregivers (possibly including people with father wound) are complex and can lead to an insecure attachment style, such as an avoidant, dismissive, or anxious attachment style. Hannah Schlueter, MA, LPC, comments Attachments to our caregivers play the most significant role in the development of a child’s mental and emotional health. When attachment wounds are present, it can impact almost all aspects of someone’s life all the way through adulthood. The important thing to know is that while you likely had little to no control over the attachment wound, putting in the work to address and overcome your attachment wound will lead you to a much brighter future. Working on self-compassion and emotional intelligence are great starting points to begin the process of healing. Freeing yourself from the effects of attachment wounds will lead you to the connected, genuine, fulfilling life you deserve. We often struggle to honestly examine our relationships with our mothers. This leaves our true feelings unspoken and makes it harder to understand our own experiences.  The mother wound can grow with guilt and shame, and sometimes, it’s easy to believe we must be the ones at fault. Reasons for the mother wound Everyone’s experience is unique. The reasons behind the mother wound can be complex and multifaceted. If you find anything concerning within yourself, reaching out to a therapist or qualified mental health professional is always recommended for personalized support and guidance. So, the mother wound can stem from various situations, including: Emotional neglect occurs when the mother is physically present but unable to connect with her child’s emotions, leaving them feeling unseen and unsupported. That can also be a sign of a lost inner child and feeling like a black sheep of the family . You might express sadness about a friendship ending, and the mother might respond with, “Don’t be silly; you’ll make new friends” instead of comforting you. Abuse like emotional , physical, or verbal causes serious harm, deeply impacting a child’s sense of safety, trust, and worthiness of love. For instance, a mother frequently criticizes a child’s appearance or uses belittling language, destroying the kid’s self-esteem and causing a mother wound. Abandonment trauma happens when the mom is physically absent or emotionally withdrawn, leaving the child feeling alone and unloved. That could be a situation where the mother leaves the family due to divorce or other circumstances or battles with addiction or mental illness that keeps her emotionally distant, potentially leading to a cold mother syndrome . Enmeshment trauma can be another reason for the mother wound. The mom’s needs come first. She may manipulate the child for emotional support or be overly controlling ( overbearing mom ), hindering the child’s development of independence. A mother uses guilt to control her child by saying things like, “After all I’ve done for you, you’re going to leave me alone?” Mothers with unhealed wounds struggling with their unresolved trauma may unknowingly pass on the pain to their children. As an example, a mom who was never taught healthy coping skills frequently has angry outbursts, leaving the child feeling anxious and unsure. Societal Expectations can also cause the mother wound. Pressure to achieve or constantly seek approval creates an environment where love feels conditional, making it hard to feel secure within oneself. For instance, a mother’s love seems dependent on perfect grades or winning competitions, which may leave you with “ I feel like a failure ” thoughts and fear of not being good enough. The mother wound in the daughters Your mom is your first teacher about what it means to be a female. You watch how she acts, treats herself, and handles the world.  This is a powerful thing, and if that early relationship isn’t full of love and support, it might leave a mother wound in their daughters. That may shape how you see yourself and expect relationships to work, even without you fully realizing it. Moreover, society throws a lot at females, telling them to be caregivers and put everyone else first.  If your mother was already struggling with her emotional baggage , it’s very easy for daughters to pick up the slack, and start neglecting their own needs in the process. So, how to understand if you might have a mother wound?  Symptoms of the mother wound in daughters “ The mother wound is the inheritance of every woman, passed down through generations of mothers who did not receive the love they longed for. ” – Bethany Webster. This may look different for everyone, but here are some common ways the mother wound shows up in daughters: Trouble with other females : Maybe you feel like you can’t trust other females, always a little on edge and waiting for the other shoe to drop. You might struggle to have close girlfriends, assuming they will ultimately get jealous, gossipy, or competitive. That mean voice in your head : When you face a challenge, you might hear echoes of your mother’s criticisms, like “You’re never going to succeed” or “You’re such a disappointment.” Putting your partner first, always : Females with a mother wound may become people-pleasers, losing themselves in relationships and being scared that their partners will leave if they don’t bend over backward. Also, people-pleasing can be one of the core signs of the fawn trauma response and one of the symptoms of daughters of narcissistic mothers or daughters of narcissistic fathers . Afraid to let people in : Being emotionally close to someone might feel risky like you’re setting yourself up to get hurt. For example, you can avoid deep intimacy, be emotionally unavailable, even in healthy relationships, by always keeping an emotional distance for fear of being rejected or hurt. Can’t identify yourself : Figuring out what it means to be a female on your own terms, separate from your mom, can feel really confusing and scary. Old patterns on repeat : This is another sign of the mother wound. You find yourself taking care of everyone around you, just like you learned to do as a kid. A female might become the “fixer” (might be a sign of parentification trauma ) in their friend group and family, always providing support and neglecting her own needs. The mother wound in the sons  Generally, mothers play a huge role in shaping sons’ understanding of females. How they treat him, what emotions they show (or don’t), and even how they relate to other males lay the groundwork for how sons will approach relationships later in life. Society often tells boys to “grow up” and stuff their emotions down. If a mom’s not emotionally available, it reinforces this notion that feelings are weak or shameful, making it hard for him to connect fully with others as an adult. Also, sons might get unhealthy patterns from their mothers, like picking partners who recreate the same dynamic or becoming emotionally distant themselves.  Now let’s take a look at the most common signs of mother wound in men. Symptoms of the mother wound in sons When I was a child my mother said to me, “If you become a soldier, you’ll be a general. If you become a monk, you’ll be the pope.” Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso .”― Pablo Picasso Here are some common ways the mother wound might appear in sons: Trouble with intimacy : Getting emotionally close feels scary or like a loss of control. You might pull away when things get serious. Seeking approval from your partner : You may constantly need reassurance, especially from romantic partners, due to a deep-seated fear that you are not good enough. The “Nice guy” : When you experience a mother wound, you might put everyone else first, secretly hoping it’ll earn you love, but it happens vice versa. Emotional outburst : Suppressed emotions, such as anger, can come out sideways, especially if you have learned that showing vulnerability is unsafe. That can be a sign of repressed trauma , too. Trouble with authority figures : That might often indicate a mother wound in sons. You may struggle with bosses or anyone in a position of power, especially if your mom is controlling or critical. Idealizing partners : This symptom of a mother wound can make you put your partner on a pedestal and then be disappointed when they turn out to be human, just like everyone else. How to heal the mother wound in daughters and sons “ My mother would take the Band-Aid off, clean the wound, and say, “Things that are covered don’t heal well.” Mother was right. Things that are covered do not heal well. ” ― T.D. Jakes, Healing the Wounds of the Past T.D. Jakes is right. In order to start healing, we need to identify what’s bothering us. Seek a professional if you feel there is a need. They will help you identify your condition and guide you through the treatment process. Here are some tips to start your healing journey: ✅First things first, you need to feel your emotions. Don’t avoid sadness, anger, or disappointment. Journal, talk to a trusted person, or consider therapy to process them. ✅Challenge negative self-talk and treat yourself with kindness. Do things that make you feel good (e.g., self-love quotes , reading, listening to music, watching your favorite movie, doing meditation ). ✅It’s also essential to give yourself the support, validation, and love you may have missed out on. This can heal your inner child by tending to the needs that weren’t met in childhood. ✅Try to observe yourself and notice how your mother wound affects your choices and relationships. Work to change these patterns consciously. ✅Forgiveness is good. This isn’t about condoning behavior but rather about freeing yourself from resentment. You are doing it for yourself, not for someone else. It takes time and work, but it is worth it. ✅Therapy can be beneficial. Consider support groups or reading books about childhood trauma . What is a father wound? Fathers offer a unique kind of influence. They often represent strength, safety, guidance, and how to navigate the world. If that’s missing or distorted, it can make us feel lost in life . Studies show a lack of a father figure in childhood can harm kids’ social and emotional growth, often leading to aggression or attention-grabbing behavior. The father wound can happen with physically present dads, too. Such things as emotional absence, criticism, or an inability to provide support also create wounds.  In fact, around 25% of children in the U.S. live in households without a father. While the dynamics are different, everyone experiences a version of the father wound. The father wound in daughters  A father is a daughter’s first experience with an example of strong energy. They play a significant role in shaping a daughter’s perception of future partners.  If a father is absent, emotionally unavailable, or abusive, a daughter may develop a distorted view of what love and support from a partner should look like, which may lead to trauma bonding with her partner in the future. Daughters often subconsciously look to their fathers for a sense of safety and protection. When that’s missing, it can create deep-rooted feelings of insecurity and vulnerability in the world. Symptoms of father wound in daughters The signs of a father wound can be subtle and easily mistaken for other childhood challenges. Because of this, they often go unnoticed, leaving the wound to grow. However, if you find yourself relating to the following experiences, it may be a sign you’ve experienced a father wound. So, here are the most common signs of father wound in daughters: Attraction to unavailable males : You may subconsciously seek partners who echo your father’s emotional distance, recreating painful patterns to gain unreceived love. Have you found yourself repeatedly falling for those who seem emotionally closed off or incapable of commitment? Yes, this is it. Fear of abandonment : Deep down, you may expect males to leave, leading to clingy behavior, distrust, or self-sabotaging relationships. You may be intensely jealous or anxious when a partner doesn’t immediately respond to texts, and you may start thinking, “ No one cares about me .” People-pleasing : You chase approval and endlessly give in relationships, secretly hoping it will finally make you feel worthy. Saying “yes” to plans with mates becomes constant even when you’re exhausted and rarely express your actual needs. Blur personal boundaries : You may experience a father wound if saying no or prioritizing your needs is impossible because you feel you don’t deserve care. You let a partner constantly criticize you without defending yourself, or you struggle to ask for help even when overwhelmed. Unable to identify yourself : Daughters with father wounds often struggle to define who they really are. They might feel like they need someone to feel complete or constantly change themselves to try to please their partners.  For example, you can dress or adopt hobbies based on what you think a specific male will like rather than what feels true to you. Masculine energy issues : You could be uncomfortable with your own power and ambition or, conversely, become overly assertive and reject traditionally feminine qualities. You may feel intimidated by successful women or believe you have to act “tough” to be taken seriously. The father wound in sons  Dads play a crucial role in their sons’ lives, too. They model masculine characteristics, can teach some life skills, and (ideally) offer support and guidance. When that father-son connection is missing, emotionally distant, or even harmful, it may create the father wound. The concept of the “father wound” may not be an official term as well, but it points to the potential impact of childhood experiences on our emotional lives. Sons learn what it means to be a male by watching their fathers. If that blueprint is shaky, it creates uncertainty regarding how to act, make decisions, and navigate the world. Also, fathers help sons learn how to name and handle emotions, express them healthily, and regulate complicated feelings like anger or frustration. Without this guidance, sons can struggle with emotional turmoil. A present, loving father provides a feeling of security. Their absence can lead to a deep-seated fear that the world is unsafe or that you must go it alone. Symptoms of the father wound in sons The father wound can play out in various ways: Performance pressure : You may constantly need to prove yourself, driven by a hidden fear of not being good enough. Like working long hours and obsessively checking for mistakes, or you can take on too much responsibility at work. Imposter syndrome: This is a heavy feeling that you are a fraud and will eventually be found out. For example, despite receiving a promotion, you can be convinced it was a mistake, and you’ll soon be found inadequate. Authority triggers : Like the mother wound, struggling with powerful males can arise from a troubled relationship with your father. You might become passive-aggressive with anyone in a position of power, subtly undermining their directives. Fear of failure : Sons with father wounds might be paralyzed by the fear of making a misstep, so they might avoid taking risks or going after their goals. For instance, you never apply for that dream job. You’re convinced you won’t get it because you’re not qualified enough. Self-sabotage : It’s unconsciously rejecting opportunities for success because you believe you don’t deserve good things. For example, you may turn down a promising relationship opportunity, believing deep down that you don’t deserve happiness. Feeling vulnerable : A father wound can make you bottle up emotions and refuse to ask for help because you may see this as a sign of weakness. You may suffer from anxiety or depression but refuse to seek therapy, convinced you should be able to handle everything on your own. How to heal the father wound in sons and daughters Healing the father wound isn’t about blaming your dad. Often, fathers are doing the best they can with the resources they have. It’s about understanding the wound’s impact and creating new, healthier patterns. Consider the following tips: ✅Don’t deny the pain your father’s actions or absence have caused. Instead of saying, “It wasn’t that bad,” allow yourself to write in a journal about how his criticism made you feel less significant. ✅Treat yourself with kindness. You weren’t to blame. For example, when a negative thought about yourself pops up, gently replace it with something positive (“I’m doing my best” or “Everything is fine”). ✅Give yourself the love. Tell yourself, “I’m proud of how hard I worked on this.” ✅Build healthy relationships with people who support and value you. Choose friends who uplift you and make you feel safe. Remember, a good therapist can be invaluable in helping you work through complex emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Reviewed by Hannah Schlueter, MA, LAC Learn more Hannah is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She sees kids, teens, and adults...

Photo by Matcha & CO on Unsplash Mood: Anxiety Food: Matcha Research has shown that matcha can help calm the mind because… It is rich in the powerful antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate ( EGCG ), which helps combat the damaging effects of free radicals in the brain that can exacerbate anxiety. Matcha contains caffeine to provide energy and improve concentration. It is also an excellent source of L-theanine , an amino acid that helps reduce inflammation in the gut and brain. How to add this MOOD FOOD to your diet: Matcha is an antioxidant-rich form of green tea that has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. It comes in powder form that is prepared by simply whisking it into warm water and serving it iced or hot. I recommend avoiding varieties and blends that contain added sugars or artificial ingredients in the powder, as these can be detrimental to mental health. You can add your favorite clean cream or a touch of raw honey for a sweet twist! How to buy matcha: Matcha can be found in most grocery stores, specialty markets, and tea shops. It usually comes in tubs or single-serving packets. Made-to-order matcha drinks are available at most coffee shops, but be careful and do your research on these products as many contain added sugars. Always look for products that are 100% matcha to get the most nutritional benefit from these products and best support your mental health! Matcha Elderberry Latte In addition to the amazing health benefits of Matcha, elderberries and flowers are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can boost your immune system. They may help control inflammation, decrease stress, and also help protect your heart. Ingredients: 2 g Nekohama matcha 75 ml of hot water 1-2 teaspoons honey (adjust to taste) 120-150 ml almond milk 2 cups of water 2 tablespoons elderberry powder 2-4 star anise (optional) Let's make magic: 1. To make elderberry ice cubes: In a saucepan, combine elderberry powder, water and anise, bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain, allow to come to room temperature, pour into ice cube moulds and freeze. 2. In a serving glass, add elderberry ice cubes, pour in honey and then milk. Top with a shot of matcha. Mix and enjoy! With love, Gabriela Ana Holistic Health Coach Original Nekohama recipe

Whether you are at the office or at home, meals should be a ritual. A moment to step away from your desk, and to eat your food with consciousness in every mouthful. We created this recipe as an easily portable lunchtime option. The chinese cabbage and hummus make up the extractive element of the 60:40 balance bowl formula, and the carrots and chapati form the augmenting part. Making your own chapatis brings added connection to your meal, and it is surprisingly simple! You can find our chapati recipe here .  Cabbage can sometimes be aggravating for vata dosha if it is not fully cooked or in too large a quantity. So be sure to cook it well with spices and only 20% of the meal.  It is our hope that these wrap ideas can spark your creativity when it comes to lunchtime. To explore different hummus recipes, substitute  a different augmenting vegetable for the carrots, and find your creative flow when it comes to cooking.    Augmenting and Extractive SERVES: 2 PREPARATION TIME: 40 minutes  YOU’LL NEED For the Hummus:  1/2 cup dry chickpeas (soaked in plenty of water overnight) 1 Tbsp. ghee or olive oil ¼ tsp. mineral salt 1/2 tsp. fresh ginger, chopped 1/2 tsp. cumin powder 1/2 tsp. coriander powder 1 bay leaf Squeeze of lime or lemon Additional water (optional) For the Carrots:   2 medium carrots 1 tbsp ghee  ¼ tsp salt ⅛ tsp black pepper For the Cabbage: 1 cups shredded chinese cabbage 1 tbsp ghee ½ tsp chopped fresh ginger ¼ tsp salt    HERE’S HOW:   Cut the carrots into thick sticks and place in a baking dish  with the ghee, salt and pepper. Cover the bottom of the baking dish with water. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes at 375 F or 190 C. Drain the chickpeas from their soak water.  Warm the ghee or olive oil in the pressure cooker, then add salt and fresh ginger. Simmer until the aroma comes up to meet you. Next add the cumin, coriander and bay leaf and simmer for 1 to 2 more minutes. Add the chickpeas and stir to coat. Add enough water to cover them plus a bit, lock the lid and turn up the heat to bring the pot to pressure.  When the pressure indicator appears, turn the heat down as low as possible while maintaining the pressure (you will get to know this setting on your cooktop). Cook for about 24 minutes at pressure, then turn off the heat and let the pressure come down naturally until the pressure indicator turns off. It is still cooking in this process. Be sure to turn the lid away from you when you open it. Remove the bay leaf.  Allow the chickpeas to cool for about 5 minutes, then blend to your desired consistency with water left from the cooking process. For a thinner hummus, add a little more water.  To prepare the chinese cabbage, heat the ghee in a pan and add the salt and ginger until an aroma arises. Add the chinese cabbage and saute until soft.  Spread the hummus into the chapati and top with the baked carrot and chinese cabbage.  TIPS & SUBSTITUTIONS: If cooking the chickpeas stovetop rather than a pressure cooker, bring the chickpeas to the boil and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until soft.  Replace the carrots with another augmenting vegetable such as butternut squash or sweet potato to vary this recipe.  Explore our alternative hummus recipes, such as Adzuki Bean or Black Eyed pea Hummus. Original Post: Hale Pure

As the seasons change, so too do the foods we must nourish our bodies with. For anyone who wants balanced Doshas , great digestion, and unshakable health and vitality, eating in harmony with the seasons is one Ayurvedic lesson we cannot ignore! In the summer, the food we eat should focus on cooling the body, boosting immunity, and strengthening detoxification, even more so as we start preparing for the incoming autumn months. Here are the foods you’ll want to eat more of in the coming days and weeks, as well as specific recommendations for every Dosha: Superfoods For The Summer Dosha-Specific Superfood Recommendations 1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla is renowned in Ayurveda for its high vitamin C content and powerful antioxidant properties. It boosts immunity, enhances digestion, and promotes glowing skin. How to Use : Incorporate amla into your diet by consuming fresh amla juice, adding amla powder to smoothies, or enjoying it in traditional Ayurvedic recipes like chyawanprash. 2. Ghee: Ghee, or clarified butter, is considered a sacred food in Ayurveda. It aids in digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and supports brain health. How to Use: Use ghee as a cooking oil for sautéing vegetables, drizzling over cooked grains, or incorporating into your morning warm beverages for a creamy texture. 3. Moringa: Moringa is a nutrient-dense superfood that offers a range of benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, immune support, and detoxification. How to Use: Add moringa powder to smoothies, soups, and stews, or use fresh moringa leaves in salads and stir-fries. 4. Turmeric: Turmeric is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It supports liver health, boosts immunity, and enhances overall vitality. How to Use : Use turmeric in cooking, add it to warm milk for a soothing golden latte, or mix it into dressings and marinades. 5. Coconut: Coconut provides essential electrolytes, hydrates the body, and supports digestion. Its cooling properties are perfect for balancing Pitta dosha during the hot summer months. How to Use : Enjoy coconut water as a refreshing drink, use coconut milk in smoothies and curries, and incorporate shredded coconut into desserts and snacks. Dosha-Specific Superfood Recommendations For Vata Dosha: Vata types often benefit from warm, nourishing foods that ground and hydrate them. Recommended Superfoods: Ghee : Its nourishing and lubricating properties help balance Vata. Turmeric : Its warming nature helps stimulate digestion. Cooked Moringa : Easier to digest and provides essential nutrients.   How to Use : Incorporate these into soups, stews, and warm beverages. For Pitta Dosha: Pitta types need cooling and calming foods to balance their fiery nature. Recommended Superfoods: Coconut : Its cooling properties are perfect for Pitta. Amla : Its sour and cooling qualities help pacify Pitta. Ghee : Its cooling and soothing effects benefit Pitta.   How to Use : Use coconut water as a drink, amla in smoothies, and ghee in cooking. For Kapha Dosha: Kapha types thrive on light, stimulating foods that boost metabolism. Recommended Superfoods: Moringa : Its light and slightly bitter nature helps reduce Kapha. Turmeric : Stimulates metabolism and supports detoxification. Amla : Its detoxifying properties benefit Kapha.   How to Use : Add moringa to salads, turmeric in warm teas, and amla in detox drinks. Author: About Dr. Puja Shah, Editor-in-Chief of The Natural Law Dr. Puja Shah is an award-winning author whose 93 year old grandmother swore by Ayurvedic remedies and practiced yoga into her last days. And so while her education includes 9 years of medical training as a dentist, 3 teaching qualifications in yoga, and dozens of courses in meditation, it’s no wonder that she always goes back to Ayurveda. Puja harnesses Ayurveda regularly with her children and husband Amish Shah, Founder of The Natural Law.