Yogi Musings: Kindness

​Hello Yogis,

​There is so much to share with you that I can't narrow it down to one thing; hence the last newsletter regarding magnesium. There is so much good information in there that I couldn't stop putting it in! Judging from the (non) response....I went a little too far. For that I apologize. I don't mean to overwhelm and I promise to revisit that newsletter and break it down to bite sized morsels. The more we know, the better we do.

​I have had a few articles on the backburner for awhile. But I can't seem to bring them into the forefront; so there they sit, stewing and marinading a bit longer. One thing that has been on my mind alot lately is loving kindness meditations in particular and kindness in general. Whether we know it or not, we seem to pick up on others' energies and emulate them. Take driving for instance, have you noticed the level of intolerance on the highway? Do you find yourself a little more short tempered while you drive? Or the opposite is also happening more frequently; someone pays for the meals of the person behind them. Would that not completely change your mood for the better? Restore your faith in humanity? Do you also want to share the good news of what happened or pay it forward if you can?

​We have been under alot of stress and anxiety as of late, which may beget more stress and anxiety. This is not helpful. It is time to bring awareness to what we are doing and thinking. It is time to be more present. To catch yourselves when we wander from this moment and to come back to here and now.

​One great example of ritualistic mindfulness can be praying and / or giving thanks for our meal. I am not talking about "rubba dub dub, thanks for the grub". That is just skipping of the great-full-ness and going right on to filling your gullet. No, that is not what I am talking about.

​If you want to hear a good heartfelt prayer, have cousin James pray over your meal for you. Call him up, he won't mind. He really does give you pause and appreciate for how truly blessed we are. For those of you who are not religious, think of this meal laid out before you as loving kindness. Instead of standing and throwing things in your mouth because you have to get to the next thing. Can you sit down and take a moment to think of all of the kindness that went into making this meal. From the seed sellers, fertilizer makers, tractor manufacturers to the farmers, just to grow the wheat to make your burger bun then there is manufacturing, salespeople and food science folks to make that bun perfect. All of the people involved in producing all of the ingredients and the truck drivers that deliver to your favourite restaurant and the chefs that puts together a masterpiece for your tasting delight. It's alot and that is just the bun!

​That is just a small part of the whole meal. There is alot to be thankful for. It is something worth focusing your time on. Physiologically speaking, we are giving our bodies time to get ready for food and sustenance to be received. We start salivating. The liver, gall bladder and stomach get ready. When we sit down to chew our food, we are more likely to be in a "rest and digest" state as opposed to being stressed out. It is a time to digest thoughts if dining alone or share with your community which is so so important to have these social connections. When we chew our food into the smallest bits, taking the time to taste and feel each bit o' bite sensation (umami), not only do we make the stomach's job easier but it also gives better appreciation for the kindness that we are consuming.

​Sure, everyone along the line is getting paid for their services. That does not make them any less kind. So much kindness has touched your meal. May it transfer to you.

​Am I telling you anything new? No. This is just a reminder that kindness is everywhere. Also, slow down and chew your food, mom said!

​To help put into perspective what goes into your food, here is a great article from the Food Revolution Network on Cashews and how labour intensive they are. The business inside You Tube video is the same subject for those who love the visuals. I won't stop eating cashews, some are from here in California, but I will stop putting a handful in my mouth at one time. I will sit and be reminded of all of the hands that laboured to bring this nut to me. I will appreciate each nut, one at a time as I sit and contemplate the day.

​Are Cashews Healthy, Ethical, or Sustainable?
https://foodrevolution.org/blog/are-cashews-healthy-ethical-sustainable/?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=blo-2022&utm_content=cashews-article&j=161534&sfmc_sub=71772133&l=137_HTML&u=2072982&mid=514008241&jb=1203

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​Stay well, my friends,

​With appreciation and kindness,

​Michelle

​​Disclaimer: The information above is never intended to substitute as medical advice. Nor is this information USDA approved. If you need medical advice or medical care then go see a medical professional or a functional medicine doctor. I am a yoga instructor with a passion to learn. I like to share my findings. If this helps you jump start your rabbit hole search then I am glad to help. If you have any comments or input regarding this newsletter or questions regarding yoga or if you would like a personal yogic workout routine then email me. I change bodies, one pose at a time. I am also happy to help. Namaste. GratitudeYogawithMichelle@gmail.com