It is June 2021 and we have gotten the word here in California that things are opening up and the masks can come off, this is such sweet news to so many of us. I have to say that in the last week or so, I have felt much more connected to the people and things around me. Being able to see faces and smiles, expressions, oh how I have missed that. Feeling the fresh air on my face and the warmth of the sun on my cheeks, to smell so much more than my own breath!! We all need to feel connected in so many different ways and situations. To know that others care, understand, relate and actually see us for who we truly are, this connection is by far one of the best.
Connection comes from a feeling deep down inside us, a stirring in our soul, something that we feel and just can't ignore. It can be something deep or something/someone that just grabs our attention, a bond or fleeting moment, but a connection none the less. And yes, connection can be with things, places, foods, memories. Connections make you pay attention, to the connection itself and to yourself. Being connected to self is most important, without this then how can you tell what moves you, what brings that stirring feeling from deep inside, what you like and dislike, what's important and what isn't?? If you are having a difficult time with your connections, or feeling connected, then maybe you need to start with yourself. Do things, or be with people that make you feel alive, give yourself time to figure out what or who that is and what it looks like. Time and quiet are two things we all seem to struggle with but it is so important to our growth and our connections in life. In this space is where you will find yourself, there is so much to be said about quiet and stillness, but that is for another blog.
We are not defined by our connections but, it can help tell a few things about ourselves, maybe help direct us to things we like to do, places we like to go, foods we like to eat, people we want to spend time with. Again, that feeling deep down inside that speaks to us, the stirring of something good, something that feels good or something that feels right. Pay attention to this, and to yourself, your intuition knows, your heart knows!!! Savor your connections every day, let them be a part of your life, allowing you to grow into the amazing person you are, we need to feel connected and be connected.
Bean and Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
1 can garbanzo beans
1 can white beans
3/4 cup uncooked green lentils (rinsed and drained)
1 cup cooked brown or black rice
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 can diced tomatoes or 4 cups fresh tomatoes diced
1 bunch chopped cilantro
1 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
2 1/2 quarts vegetable stock
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp saffron
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
Instructions:
Heat oil in a soup pot over low heat
Add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 5-10 minutes, stirring until tender.
Add the turmeric, saffron, ginger and cinnamon, and sauté another 3 minutes
Add the tomatoes and continue to cook for another 5 minutes
Add the vegetable stock, lentils, garbanzo beans and white beans, bring to a simmer and add the salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, check the lentils, they should be tender when pressed gently.
When the lentils are cooked add the cooked rice, cilantro and parsley. Stir to combine, taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
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