Get your Chaas In Order

Masala chaas is a staple Indian spiced buttermilk/yogurt drink which is refreshing, delicious, and healthy. Made with yogurt, spices, and herbs, it takes only 5 minutes to make and can be served after lunch, dinner, or any time of the day as a small meal.

Chaas is categorized as a sattvic food in Ayurveda, that is balancing (and good) for most people. You can enjoy with your meal or make it your own small meal if you’re hungry in the middle of the day (i.e., in Ayurveda we count any food ingested as a meal that’s why I’m not calling it a snack). I’ve known about this ‘savory lassi’ for years but frankly I never had a great one till I was in India, and I also realized how vastly different home cook meals and recipes are. In conclusion, experiment till you arrive to your chaas. Another thing, buttermilk and yogurt despite their similarities are different (LOL) so for disclaimer, I enjoy the yogurt version of this beverage and that’s what I’m calling a chaas but I suppose the proportions using buttermilk would be different. All that to say, please treat the recipe I’m presenting here as a basic formula or a departure for your own. It’s the same principle behind a Bloody Mary or a good soup!

Even though Chaas is a simple everyday drink for many, per Ayurveda it has numerous health benefits:

• Reduces Acidity

• Fights Constipation

• Cooling Effect

• Helps in detoxification

• High in Vitamins and Nutrients

• Prevents Dehydration

• Reduces blood pressure

How to make Masala Chaas

1. To a large blender add 1.5 cups of cold plain yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon of roasted ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of chopped mint leaves or coriander leaves (cilantro), and ½ teaspoon of black salt (or regular salt, as needed).

For a spicy version of masala chaas recipe, add ½ teaspoon of fresh grated ginger and ½ teaspoon of chopped green chillies OR ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

2. Next add 1 cup of cold or room temperature water. For a colder spiced Chaas, I suppose you can add a few ice cubes. But I cannot stand ice cubes and can’t honestly say that would be a good idea.

3. Blend for 2 to 3 minutes, until the ingredients are combined and '“the curd has been whisked well.” I don’t get much foam with this recipe but you could see that and I’ve seen the foam on some version of Chaas I had, which use more water or perhaps buttermilk vs yogurt. I suppose it’s a taste thing, but I don’t like foam either so I would just spoon it out before drinking.

Raju, the chef whose chaas I felt in love with, would garnish his chaas with thinly sliced onions and a pinch of powdered red pepper. Hmmm so good. I’ve tried with success adding 1/2 teaspoon of fire vinegar and/or garnishing with sumac. Again do your thing and don’t let anyone shame your chaas!

3 Turmeric Studies That Will 'Root' You

In the world of culinary and medicinal spices, there are few that shine as brightly as turmeric!  Known for its vibrant golden-orange color (that will get on everything, but it will come off, I promise) and its unique earthy/bitter taste, it's used to add color and flavor to all different types of cuisine, but it also has numerous ways in which it supports many aspects of your physical health.  Here are some turmeric (curcuma longa) studies that may explain why in Ayurveda turmeric is a staple herb.  

According to these studies, the major constituents naturally found in turmeric root are the golden-colored phenolic compounds called curcuminoids—namely curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin.  These curcuminoids give turmeric root its golden color and contribute to its ability to support overall health and well-being.

While the research on turmeric is extensive and ongoing, I’ve picked out 3 interesting studies that illustrate the diverse applications of this potent wonder-herb. 

1- Turmeric Helps Digestion

Per a study published in the National Library of Medicine - LINK HERE-  The University of California in Davis conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in which 30 healthy adult subjects were given either turmeric tablets, curcumin tablets, or a placebo tablet and instructed to take 6000 mg per day over the course of eight weeks.

Over this time period, “changes in the gut microbiota were determined using 16S rDNA sequencing of stool samples. Though the results were highly personalized, the turmeric group showed an increase in healthy gut bacterial species in comparison to the placebo group and the curcumin group showed the most significant improvement with a 69% in detected species.”

2- Turmeric Helps with Inflammation

In a 2021 study, researchers gathered a group of healthy adult participants between the ages of 50–69 in an attempt to study the effects of turmeric extract —which contains anti-inflammatory turmeronols—on the body’s natural inflammatory response.  This study is also published by the National Library of Medicine- LINK HERE.

Over the course of twelve weeks, one group received turmeric extract and another group received a placebo. At the end of this time, the serum inflammatory markers of each individual were measured in order to detect changes in the inflammatory response. Each participant also completed surveys pertaining to their mood and overall health. 

Results showed that curcumin extract may indeed support a healthy inflammatory response, and in addition also support improved mental health.

3- Turmeric Helps Joints + Movement

One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial LINK HERE was created to study the effects of turmeric on joint comfort and mobility, focusing specifically on the knee joints. To this end, 96 participants received either a capsule with 150 mg of curcuminoids or a placebo capsule once daily for 90 days.

At the end of this three-month period, changes were assessed according to a pain score on a  visual analogue scale, along with an 80 meter fast-paced walking test. The results showed a significant drop in the average levels of knee discomfort and improved times for the walking test in the participants who were given curcuminoids.

With so many positive attriburtes on so many different aspects of well-being, turmeric seems to be proving what Ayurveda has known for 5,000 years—that this bright golden herb is a powerful tool for promoting optimal health, longevity, and quality of life. 

Glow on

Jumpstart your health TODAY

If you’re yearning to cultivate greater experience of life, there’s no better time to start than right now.  Below are my TOP three simple practices that will transform your self-care + jumpstart your yogic lifestyle and Ayurveda journey. These three simple practices will set you up for a lifetime of radiant health.

1. Perfect your oral hygiene.

Don’t just brush & floss, optimize your oral health by swishing with coconut oil (READ my article on oil pulling) and scraping your tongue (READ my article on tongue scraping).

2. Take Triphala every day.

I’m not one to recommend supplements, as you probably figured by now, but this is how strong I feel about it.  Detoxify and rejuvenate your body by taking Triphala when you wake up or just before bed.  Get it from a good source.  

3. Give yourself a massage.

Oil up before you shower and use your own hands to massage yourself. Sure, you can also do this without the oil or use any method such a foam roller or ballwork  (READ my article on Self-Myofacial Release).  

That’s it.  You’re ready, GO!  Don’t hesitate to ask me any questions.  

Why Scraping Your Tongue

Tongue scraping is as basic as toothbrushing in Ayurveda. It’s a MUST, really. Tongue scrapping was my introduction to Ayurveda’s daily routines over twelve years ago and it has changed my health as it has become a cornerstone of my morning rituals.

Why the emphasis? To start, in western science, dentists point to post-nasal drip as the cause of bad breath. The post-nasal drip coats the back of the tongue with mucus that is rich in dying, bad bacteria, resulting in volatile sulfur compounds that create bad breath. The white coating on the tongues is what in Ayurveda we call ama (or toxins). Any toxin that has that sticky and heavy quality, causing dysfunction in the body, is ama.

In Ayurveda, our tongue represents our entire gastrointestinal tract and what is going on there. As the body processes the ama and puts it back into the gastrointestinal tract for elimination, it also spits ama out onto the tongue. So scraping the tongue daily is like cleaning the lint from your dryer before you use it.

So for sure with tongue scraping you’ll be eliminating a big cause of bad breath. But bad breath is only one benefit of scraping your tongue. Doing so will support your entire body by helping maintain a healthy bacterial environment in the mouth and by stimulating the cleansing of the entire gastrointestinal tract.

It is also a great way to stay in touch with your health. By cleaning your tongue daily, you will quickly get into the habit of taking note of the coating on your tongue. You will notice a thicker coat after a heavy meal, sickness, or after eating a lot of dairy products the night before. Your tongue becomes a mirror to your digestive health.

If a tongue scraper is not right next to your toothbrush and floss and it is not already part of your daily routine, now is the time to start. You can get your at any health food store or good pharmacy.

Rejuvenating Drink (Almond Rose Oja Drink)

Ojas is the subtle essence of the vital tissues of your body.  LEARN MORE HERE. In Ayurveda, it’s said that ojas governs your immunity, energy, and vitality. Strong ojas means that you’ll have sustainable energy, strong immunity, a healthy glow, and a robust stamina.  If you find yourself lacking in any of these categories, you may have depleted or imbalanced ojas in your system.

This delicious, almond based drink is one way to increase healthy ojas in your body, restoring your energy and vigor.  It is great to drink first thing in the morning for breakfast to enhance vitality for the day ahead.  This drink is perfect in the rejuvenation phase after a cleanse, but can be taken 1 to 3 times a week otherwise.

There are various version of it out there in the Ayurveda stratosphere, this is my version.

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 cups unsweeten almond milk (most recipes instruct doing this from scratch…soaking almonds, peeling them, etc., etc…it’s a lot of work, I noticed no difference in results)

• 2 medjool dates,  pitted and soaked

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom

• 1 tablespoon rose petals (yes, organic, washed, rinsed)

• 3 saffron stigmas

• 1 teaspoon ghee (or coconut oil)

• 1 teaspoon honey

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the pitted dates in the 1.5 cups of almond milk that will be used for the recipe.  Soak for at least 30 minutes.  This will make the dates easier to blend.  Do not discard the date soaking milk as it will be added to the final recipe.

2. Make sure the soak milk is at room temperature (I place it in microwave for 20 seconds if I forgot to bring out of the fridge)

3. Place the almond milk and soaked dates into a blender. Add the turmeric, cardamom, rose petals, saffron, ghee/coconut oil, and honey.

4. Blend on high for up to 3 minutes making sure that a completely smooth texture has been reached.  

Due to the heavy and sweet nature of this drink however, it is recommended to only take this almond shake no more than 3 times weekly.  Enjoy.

Tip: This is a great recipe for taking after a cleanse, after illness, or anytime there is depletion to help regain energy and strength.  For these purposes, take this recipe 2 to 3 times a week for four weeks, or until the energy and vitality have returned.   

The Deal with Low Back and Sciatica

If you suffer from back pain, you know how debilitating and frustrating it can be.  Lower back pain is the biggest cause of disability worldwide and one of the most common reasons that employees miss work. Experts estimate that 80% of us will suffer from back pain at one point or another. WOW.

Lower back pain can result, as you would imagine, from injuries from accidents, but it can result from simple movements like bending over to pick something up or twisting too abruptly.  Other common triggers of back pain are obesity, stress, arthritis and bad posture, of course.  Situational circumstances like stress, prolonged sitting, wearing high heels or not sleeping on your bed can cause or aggravate back pain.  It’s complicated because the back is complicated.  This structure is made up of fascia, ligaments, muscles, bones, emotions and energy.

Roll + Restore

LEARN MORE

AND then comes in “Sciatica”.  The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve that runs from the low back, passes the butt and goes down the back of the legs.  It branches into the thighs, calves, feet and even the toes.  Sciatica pain is caused when the nerve is injured, aggravated, squished or stuck by either scar tissue or congested fascia.  These congested tissue and/or injuries are the result of poor posture, mis-alignment of the pelvis, stress, trauma or fear.  Sciatica pain can also be the result of degenerative disc disease, vertebra slips/herniated, or narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back (stenosis).

How to tell the difference from just back pain and sciatica pain?  The sciatica pain usually starts in the low back and continues along the path of the long nerve, so it extends through the buttocks, possibly thighs, low leg and even foot (one or two legs).  It’s sharp, electric or numbing pain.  It often feels better when walking and worsens when standing or sitting. 

If you’re suffering intense lower back pain or sciatica, the best place to start is go to the doctor.  As I said, it’s complicated and you may need help figuring out what is the root cause.  Understanding how the problem was caused in the first place can help you with treatment options.  The options for treatment range from physical therapy, massage, Pilates, yoga, acupuncture, structural integration, medication or surgery, in extreme situations.   I’ve tried them all but surgery, and they all help depending on the root cause.

The best thing you can do to prevent back pain is to look after your back.In case you missed it, HERE are my 5 Easeful Ways to Prevent Back Pain.Prevention will be your biggest asset in avoiding back problems altogether.I’m very committed to instructing bringing prevention and management techniques to the low back in my Roll+Restore workshops.

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

It’s time for GRATITUDE, beloved.

I’m so grateful for the ways you show up and shine with me.  All the times you read my messages, all the times you spend on the mat with me or listen to my yoga-genda, all the times you say yes to my workshops/programs (or think about it), all your IG and FB postings and likes, all the times you share my content or bring a friend to class.  Thank you!

Your light and love inspires me. 

When my gratitude cup is so full that one more gesture of kindness will overflow my heart, that is when I must share the love.  Go ahead, share the love: call your beloved aunt or cousin, reach out to your high-school friend, take your favorite office mate to lunch, cancel a holiday party and spent more time with your pet (or your children, I guess)…it’s all worth it.  The spirit of Mother Abundance is radiating upon you, and before the news cycle brings you down from your gratitude high and the holidays’ madness pushes your heart into survival mode, donate to your favorite organization (or pick a favorite organization to give money to, it’s time, love).  Here are some I support and want you to consider,

EVERY TOWN FOR GUN SAFETY - Every day, more than 90 Americans are killed with guns. Your generous donation helps EveryTown work to prevent gun violence and save lives
ABHYAYA YOGA FOUNDATION - Abhaya Yoga Foundation empowers and educates the underserved groups of children and women who may not normally have access to the powerful teachings of Yoga.
AMERICAN RED CROSS - From small house fires to multi-state natural disasters, the American Red Cross goes wherever they’re needed, so people can have clean water, safe shelter and hot meals when they need them most.

I can keep going, but I’m going to leave it at three, you know, to leave room for abundance.  Share your favorite organization to support with friend with me.  We'll spread the voice.  

Let us treasure what needs to be treasured, let us give thanks and shine...no matter what.
 
Light and peace,
 
E

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Sally, there is never a good time for your wellness evolution!

Many times we know we want to spring into action and yet we’re stopped by our own inability to act.  Take for example my student and friend, let’s call her "Sally."  Just the other day, Sally was telling me how she knows she needs to make some changes in her life to evolve into the better woman she knows she can be for herself and for others.

I love you, Sally.  

Sally tells me that she even knows what strategies to put in place to become who she wants to be:  She’s gonna do a detox to give her body the space it needs, she's gonna start her days with yoga because she knows yoga works!, she's gonna start talking more with her live-in boyfriend to smooth out all of their communication kinks, and she's gonna revamp her career (or if necessary look for a new job).  Sally got plans and goals, that much is clear.  But then she tells me she's waiting for her life to settle.  You see, Sally has a lot going on, she got some family situation which may affect her traveling schedule in the near future, she has a new boss at work and you know how that goes, she is experiencing a stomach thing that she hasn’t figured out quite yet, and the boyfriend communication thing, you know, makes things at home a bit tense right now.  

Oh, Sally, my heart is heavy for you, because that's a lot, I've been there and I hear you, you're waiting for the right time.  The time when the yogic detox will go smoothly, because who want to do a half-ass detox? You’re waiting for genuine motivation to do your yoga first thing in the morning, because one needs to show up authentically to the mat, right? You’re waiting for the right words to say to the boyfriend, because presentation is everything when it comes to we-have-to-talk moments, isn’t that what your therapist says?  You’re waiting to get clear on what you want from a career because your Dharma deserves an auspicious space, because isn’t that how Dharma works?

Well, this is what I told Sally. There’s never a good time for your wellness evolution.  “Shift” is always hitting the fan, specially when you’re ready to implement your perfect evolutionary plans.  You either sit in peace while the “shift” drips down your walls, making your life feel like a total hot mess or you begin to thoroughly, imperfectly execute your perfect strategy.  

This is what I know to be true, the Universe will meet you right where you’re at, so where do you want the Universe to meet you at?  

If like Sally, you know you need a yogic cleanse to get you started, please join the community Reboot + Reset I'm leading at Abhaya Yoga- DUMBO, get a full description of the reboot and register HERE.   Let your potential emerge this Fall, if you have been waiting for the right cleanse for you, this is it. 

Grieving Gracefully (or letting your body flow with your heartbreak

click on image to listen to this post

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” — Helen Keller

Sometimes my brain can be quite literal like when I first heard my yoga teacher say “flow with grace,” I immediately slowed down on my mat and carefully considered how to place my arms and legs gracefully - you know, like a dancer.   Years later when I realized she was talking about Grace, you know, like the liberating energy from God, I felt a little dumb, but also grateful I’d taken it so literal before.  Every pose I slowed down to elegantly flow, I was being Grace-full.  I’ve learned that my body understands, feels and assimilates spiritual passages way before my brain does.  

Grace, as I’ve experienced it, is a river that flows towards the ocean of Divine Love. Its waters aren’t transparent and insipid, they contain life’s colors and flavors.  One of which is grief.

If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one through death or a breakup, you know grief. If you’ve experience the loss of a career opportunity, you know grief. Heck, if you’ve experienced Trader Joe’s discontinuing your favorite product, you know grief.  Because, you see, if you’re human you’ve experienced and will continue to experience grief.

A thing I know about the river of Grace, and grief, is that it’s unstoppable. Sure you can intellectualize the situation: “he’s in a better place now,” “it wasn’t meant to be,” or “a better opportunity will come along.” However, grief is part of Grace and you need to let your whole be in it because your body will feel it, understand it and assimilate it before your mind can.

When you’re grieving, you’re gonna have to let the flow take your whole through the process.  

Sometime you get to step into the river slowly, like when a beloved is terminally ill.  You get a chance to adjust to the temperatures of the water and to prepare for the inevitable. Does it hurt? Yes.  Will your mind resist it by creating false hopes? Absolutely.  But eventually the river’s current will carry you.  

Sometimes you get thrown into the river, like suddenly losing a job or worse the sudden death of a beloved.  You get no chance to adjust. The moment you hit the water, it feels like you’re gonna drown. It’s messy. Will your mind resist it just the same? Yep. Will you fear that your body can’t handle it? For sure. But eventually you’ll adjust to the waters, you’ll begin to float and the river’s current will carry you.

This is what I know for sure, mental suffering is directly proportional to the resistance to the flow of Grace.

The only way to mitigate grief’s pain is to step into its current with the least amount of resistance. Sure you can learn techniques to cope with it, but don’t try to snap out of it. Do take care of your spirit, your mind and your body to the best of your abilities, but don’t attempt to cheer yourself up. Do hold on to your life-enhancing daily habits like floaties. But if you need to be in pain, be in pain. If you want to be moody, angry or sad, just be.  Honor the feelings flowing through your body knowing with full confidence that they will lead to the ocean of Divine Love.  

For my fellow caregivers, if you are around someone who is going through the process of grieving, as much as you want to stop their pain, don’t try to get them off the river. You can’t. You won’t.  Be a witness, and if you must throw a lifesaver,  offer your company, a hug, a prayer, a kind ear or warm meal, but let them grieve at their own rate. Know that this is you too flowing with Grace.

Caterpillar Soup or how a messy transition could be the path to a better you

“Through yoga, we’re not transforming into something we aspire to, we’re transforming into the very thing that we are innately: our best Self.”

— Rod Stryker

Did you know that when a caterpillar begins her transformation into a butterfly, she doesn’t just grow antennas and wings?  No, no, the caterpillar actually fully dissolves in some sort of cocoon-soup and it’s from this DNA-broth that the caterpillar’s cells will re-arrange into a butterfly.  

There is a clear message here, my friend, when things dissolve into a hot mess and it's hard to tell how things will re-arrange themselves, it's because a new, brighter, beginning is around the corner.

How many times have your life look like a hot butterfly soup?

I've had a few of those moments when everything around me had to liquefy to begin the metamorphosis of my better self.   One of those moments was when I moved to New York City.  I had to leave behind my very comfortable "young professional" lifestyle in the ever gorgeous Savannah, GA and listened to my soul call  towards a "soul-full hustler" lifestyle in NYC.  That was a rough lesson in what leisure is and  what disposable income means.  Through the few years of adjustment, when my mind was in agony and doubt, my surroundings and my heart opened in ways that I couldn't have imagined. How did I manage? Yoga helped, meditation helped, new friendships helped,  self-help books helped, it all helped!  

By the time my self-made lifestyle wings had emerged, I was a new man.  A more confident, kinder and more resourceful man emerged from that cocoon.

That's the thing with transformation, if we aren't practicing awareness, we'll miss the gorgeous colors of our new wings.  

I've learned to to recognize the signs and results of self evolution, to look with loving eyes those moments when things fall apart, and  to remember that when things fall apart is because they need a new foundation.  I’ve learned to LOVE these butterfly moments and, almost enjoy the effort it takes to unfold my new wings after each transformation. Yes, I'm saying almost because it feels like hell every time.

[ On a side note for those searching souls that want to quit it all and start anew:  Was my drastic lifestyle change useful in my Spiritual Evolution?  YES!  Was it necessary?  NO. There are less dramatic and less painful ways to grow new wings. If your caterpillar is feeling antsy, reach out for help.]  

*this content was inspired by a newsletter I sent in September 2015...a good example of how change is part of everything

Spring Clean Your Concept of Time or how to dismiss your time scarcity problems

Listen to this post instead - it's quick and more fun...

I don’t have five seconds to spare!

Is this what it’s come down to? I have to ask myself as I read a study suggesting that we, internet dwellers, tend to abandon downloading a file if it’s taking more than five seconds.  Five seconds! Quack, I remember having to walk 15 minutes to my aunt C’s home to consult her Encyclopedia Britannica just to finish my homework.  OK this makes me old, but it also tells me that if these days I don’t have five seconds to spare, there is something wrong with the way I’m living my life.

Why do we feel rushed? Why are we so busy? We got services and technologies to help us expedite almost anything from laundry to cooking.  Our technology is so advanced that we can almost instantly share documents, videos and pictures with anyone around the world.

So here is a truth, it isn’t about having less time, but how we perceive and use time.  

This quote from Albert Einstein illustrates the issue “an hour sitting with a pretty girl on a park bench passes like a minute, but a minute sitting on a hot stove seems like an hour.”

Perception is everything.

We’ve been taught that time is money, a fair equation considering that most of us get paid by the hour.  However in doing so we’ve also brought all our money issues and make them time issues.  How we use it, waste it, save it these are the thoughts that pollute our enjoyment of time.

Life is long if we know how to use it.  

If we’re constantly thinking about the scarcity of time, well, we’ll have a hard time finding time. So here is another truth, time isn’t money, it’s nothing more than the space between events.

This is my proposal for Spring cleaning, let’s invest time in those things that make us feel good.  Let’s dust off all those I-don’t-have-time excuses, we got time. Let’s pack away multitasking, we know that when we do one thing at a time, it gets done way faster and we have way more fun.  And let’s clean up our expectations of what we can get done in a day.

We’re going to look for abundance and we’re going to find her.  

As for the rest of the Spring Cleaning, we have a long life to get to it or as De Gracia wrote in 1965 “Lean back under a tree, put your arms behind your head,  smile and remember that the beginnings and ends of man’s every great enterprise are untidy.”

A Veggie Keeper worth Keeping

So you've decided to start planning your meals and prepping your food ahead of time. Yay!  You're pump, you head to your local market and, of course, get tons of veggies, you're in it to win it!  

Then after a few days your enthusiasm gets beaten down by spoiled berries and  wilted spinach leaves.  Part of engineering the lifestyle that you deserve, is planning for those moments that may set you back.  In the scenario above, as part of prepping your food, doing a little research on how to keep vegetables fresh, specially the green leafy ones,  longer may be the key to keep you on track to a healthy eating path.

In terms of making  your fresh vegetables last longer and help your pocket, Progressive International's Prepworks Fresh Fruit & Veggie Keeper is hands down the best thing I've added to my prep routine in the last decade.  I attest that this container not only extend the life of produce, but because unlike the crowded produce drawer or opaque containers, these clear vessels display your produce in a way that makes it even more enticing! And yes, these are BPA-free.  It is especially useful for highly perishable produce, including dark leafy greens, lettuces, and fresh herbs, berries, and grapes. I’ve also used them for sprouts.  Did I mention that it also serves as a colander and it comes with a divider?  It is like kitchen sorcery, I tell you.  

No excuses go and get your greens!