Inspirations: I don't know about you but January did feel a little long! Some post-festive recovery and the darkness of early morning and then its swift appearance again in early evening, gave me that 'dragging my feet' feeling. And this despite January not being too cold either! The dark months of winter are of course vital in the cycle of life but it's hard for me not to feel a longing for light and the warmth of the sun. There are now odd days here and there that indicate the earth is preparing for a big burst of growth. The first snow drops are popping up and the birds are starting to sing!
I am so grateful that I was able to stick to the 30 days yoga challenge with Adriene which aided my passage through January. It really helped me maintain a strong connection to love and life and, as I talked about last month, to find my centre, learning to focus on the movements and sensations in the moment, in the now.
Imbolc (on 1st of February, the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox) is that period where darkness and shadows can remind us of the things we want to change.... and begin to work on them! What is it that you would like to change? Can you visualise what you want to birth in for spring?
When you concentrate on visualising your ideal situation, you can experience a deep transformation at the physical, mental and spiritual levels. It is possible to completely transform your reality and clear your body from pain and even chronic disease when you enter a state of 'being'.. Jo Dispenza, in many of his talks, explains that thoughts come from the mind and feelings from the body. As they are always connected, thoughts can have massive impacts on the body and vice-versa. Visualising will send positive images to the mind, creating feelings of wholeness, therefore helping you to heal and transform. With daily practise you can change who you are and who you wish to be. Dr Lipton, in the Power of Belief also explains that our cell membranes are like computer chips, that memorise events and also influence the body.
The episodes of the "Transcendence series" at Gaia.com {link} are inspiring, highlighting how combining clean nutrition and visualisation can manifest your wishes. Novak Djokovic is a true example of this and features in some of the programmes. There is also an extended interview with him on the platform which is well worth a watch - particularly if you've struggled to feel any warmth towards him previously!
Visualisation gives you the power to manifest and enhance your creative imagination. Feel the sensations as you experience the moments your imagination is creating.
Tips for visualisation:
Being connected to your centre and your heart (yoga!).
Make sure you have good sleeping habits (8 regular hours) to ensure you can get into the vital phases of deep sleep - try and recall or journal your dreams.
Have a vision board with lots of images, drawings etc.
Visualise your perfect day and imagine how you wake up, what you do, how you feel during that day.
Put post-it notes on the wall with positive affirmations.
Meditate, spend 15 minutes daily emptying your mind and creating space for those changes to happen.
I hope you can use the concept of visualisation in your daily life.
As we head towards spring-time, I feel strongly drawn into 'green juicing' a few times each week and to eat salads when I can - even though the wintery soups and stews are still welcome on cold or wet days. Getting good levels of vitamin D and enough sleep will help to boost your immune system. I can recommend cherry juice to boost your melatonin level as highlighted in this article from Patrick Holdford,
This month, we have this lovely one pot recipe which is very quick to make and great for fibre and extra vitamin D: Portobello mushroom, curly kale, miso & buckwheat ‘risotto’. Miso is so good to boost your gut health and will add that extra umami taste to your dish!
My mantra for this month:
I am the creator of my reality
I am at peace with myself
GOOD TO KNOW:
> South Wales Fermentation Revolution:
The WhatsApp group for fans of fermentation is growing with more fermenters being added at each market and event I attend. If you are keen to learn and up for sharing your fermenting experiences, text me your phone number and you'll soon be on the journey with us! (07515493402).
> Talks to Spread the Health: We want to share our knowledge with more people and want ferments to be accessible to ALL! Our January talk at Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff was very enjoyable and we added a few more people to our fermenters group. If you know of any people, groups or places who want to know more about fermentation, please get in touch. We can offer talks, demos and workshops, and run tasting sessions of water kefir and sauerkraut. Here is a little feel for it!
> Bridge Studio News: Our 2nd production container is nearly ready! We just need to connect the water and we are ready to go, with more space to make our kraut and stock up some water kefir ready for our orders, subscriptions and markets.
> Website links and references: Our website has been updated and a page with links to authors, books and podcasts that we like has been added! Check it out!
> Accessories: Absorb Glasses and T- Shirts: our colourful T-shirts and stylish drinking glasses are still available to order on-line or buy at markets.
> Drinking Water Kefir for better health: If you want to drink our Water Kefir regularly to support your health journey, there are 2 money-saving options available:
Join our subscription scheme by filling in this document and emailing it back to us at (absorbhealth@outlook.com) *.
Learn how to make it yourself! We can sell you some grains, give you a receipt and teach you all you need to know!
*We deliver all around Cardiff and surrounding area - and further afield (see below).
> Grouped Deliveries outside of Cardiff: We have 2 separate delivery runs each month that go east of Cardiff one week and west of Cardiff on the other. Please get in touch if you live in the areas detailed below and want a Water Kefir delivery:
Gower, Mumbles, Swansea, Swansea Valleys to Ystradgynlais: Next runs are Tues 06.02/ 5.03
Newport, Monmouthshire and Bristol: Thurs 26.02/ Tues 19.03
WORKSHOPS and TALKS on Fermentation and Digestive Health:
Please check my calendar for the latest updates on which markets I'll be attending in the next couple of months and links to workshops (some will be updated later)!
WATER KEFIR
Our immune boosting Elderberry and Hibiscus will be available until March. Full of polyphenols to help you fight those winter bugs!
Do your bit for the environment and remember to return your empty bottles and sauerkraut jars - reusing is much better than recycling!
Happy Imbolc celebration! Thank you for following Absorb!
Looking for Absorb products?
Local markets and where to collect, check out my calendar: https://www.absorbhealth.org/calendar
Or stockists: https://www.absorbhealth.org/stockists