Every shift in season is an opportunity (sometimes a challenge...) to embrace a new phase in life. As changes in weather prompt us to switch up our wardrobes and seasonal foods encourage us to modify our diet, I like to kick off each season with a 1-2 week cleanse based off the Ayurvedic Kitchari diet. This cleanse is typically appropriate for almost everyone*, but consult your healthcare practitioner or nutritionist with any questions. Before I get into the cleanse, I'll first detail the history behind every ingredient and include a personal anecdote, dragging out the narrative until you furiously scroll looking for the ingredients that should've been listed right at the top. Or, not (you know who you are!). Ayurveda is the ancient Indian science of natural medicine, and diet is a foundational part of this holistic approach to disease and healing. Occasional kitchari diets are a common recommendation by many Ayurvedic practitioners as … [Read more...]
Groundbreaking + Land Ceremonies
Land blessings and ground breaking ceremonies are an important (imperative, for us) part of site preparation for any new construction or landscaping project, as land is a fundamental consideration in our wellness design practice. Many cultures have a symbiotic relationship with the land; gifts from the earth (including it supporting our residence) are acknowledged and revered, and reciprocated with ceremony, energy, and symbolic gifts in return. Modern-day Western culture typically, does not. We own, take, break, and strip the land for our benefit. Most often without asking, thanking, or acknowledging how reliant we are on the earth for its support and nourishment, or our predecessors who tended the land for thousands of years. As you think about conducting a land ceremony, I encourage you to first turn to your own lineage for traditions and practices that are (or were) a part of your ancestral culture. Doing this research can offer much insight into your heritage, … [Read more...]