MOM's COSMIC DINER

HEALING THE BODY WITH TAI CHI

2012-01-31T10:38:00.000-08:00

For over 40 years, I've been a student and teacher of the amazing exercise known as Tai Chi Ch'uan... "the movement of inner energy". We all experience the activity of muscle energy however, there's another way to move the body that also boosts the immune system, initiates the relaxation response, calms and clears the mind, releases tension from shoulders/neck, and creates balance in all ways.

Besides maintaining a proactively, high level of health, Tai Chi also assists people at any age who are recovering from: rotator cuff injuries, balance, diabetes, stress-related illnesses, digestive tract issues, Fibromyalgia, strengthening muscles/ligaments and building bone density after recovery from breaks, arthritis, high blood pressure, stroke,heart disease, etc.

However, most importantly, Tai Chi is the pathway to one's higher-self aka inner wisdom. Imagine the gift of quieting the mind while softly moving the body.

Click on the below links to medical studies and the healing benefits Tai Chi offers at any age.
* Diabetes
* STROKE
* Arthritis
* PAIN RELIEF
* Balance
* SHINGLES
* Breast Cancer

Restore, Realign, Relax and Recharge with Tai Chi and...

"May the chi be with you." MOM

*Click here for my Tai Chi for Enlighteners website.

Mmm, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2012-01-28T17:04:00.000-08:00

" A fingerprint is the signature of the soul."MOM

(If any of MOM'S COSMIC DINER's computer-wiz clients wants to investigate this ...let me know.)

MOM's MENU SPECIAL

2012-01-25T10:39:00.000-08:00

Collard Green Casserole is the most popular winter entree served at MOM's COSMIC DINER.
Enjoy!

Collard Green Casserole / serves 8
Preheat oven to 400 degree
Ingredients:
olive oil
1/3 cup chicken or vegetable stock
2 packages fresh organic collards or kale /chopped
1 lb. shitake mushrooms /chopped
2 onions /chopped
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
2-3 tsp salt
pepper to taste
In large frying pan, saute onions and mushrooms in olive oil until tender
Add chopped collards and chicken stock
Stir all and cook until collards are limp
Squeeze out any liquid as you place mixture in large mixing bowl and let cool
In another bowl add and stir:
eggs, milk, oatmeal, salt, pepper and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Add to veggies and stir well
Place in large, oiled casserole dish top with remaining cheese
Bake for 40- 45 minutes... after 30 minutes cover casserole, so cheese topping doesn't burn and return to oven for another 10 -15 minutes
Serve with salad.
Collard Greens Nutritional Benefits
Collards are packed with nutrition. As other vegetables in the cabbage family,
collard greens provide anticancer properties. They offer an excellent source of
vitamins B6 and C, carotenes, chlorophyll, and manganese. One cup of collard greens
provides more than 70 percent of the RDA for vitamin C. Collard greens are also a
very good source of fiber, and several minerals, including iron, copper, and calcium.
They also offer a good source of vitamins B1, B2, and E. Sources:Murray , Michael N.D.. The Encyclopedia Of Healing Foods.
New York: Atria Books, 2005.
Centers For Disease Control And Prevention-5 A Day.
National Agricultural Library-USDA. usda.gov.
Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia

"Beam me up Scotty" MOM's take on Meditation

2012-01-23T22:43:00.000-08:00

Plugging into a higher source, physical stillness, witnessing thoughts, releasing stress, daily mini-vacation from challenges, recharging the mind, resting, finding answers, holding hands with your soul.

What would you pay for PEACE-OF-MIND? The good news is credit cards are not necessary, only a little bit of discipline can positively change your life forever.

In my Mind Over Matters Workshop, I introduce many forms of meditation: seated, moving, contemplative and laughing. The wise sages realized there are many paths to the same oasis.

Dr. Candace Pert while working at the National Institute of Health revealed to the world that humans think sixty-thousand thoughts every day. Every thought releases a chemical into the body. The chemical released by negative thoughts eventually causes dis-ease. The positive thoughts support the body.

So, here we are living life and swimming in a pool of chemicals. The novice meditator will begin to observe the thoughts rising up to the mind. In the beginning it can be off-putting but this is actually a service.

RULE # 1 to live a happier life: Possessing a proactive, productive attitude. We live our life as control freaks, and are like boxers in a ring being knocked around when outside forces wreak havoc on our life. The only control we actually have is the big "A" ~ our attitude.

We only can alter our attitudes if we understand the need for this change. A meditator brings more consciousness into life. This consciousness becomes attitude adjusters.

Why not take 5 minutes everyday and initiate your meditation practice? You can even begin with my seated, deep relaxation. (Click here to join me.)

In future posts I'll be guiding you in the various meditation techniques. I'll be waving my silvery, light-sparked, cosmic pom-poms with a huge grin as I cheer you on towards your inner peace. Stay-tuned... life is a wondrous, spirit-filled journey.

TIME's FRONT and BACK DOORS

2012-01-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

It takes time and conscious effort to live a healthy lifestyle. Our culture is geared to "immediate gratification". So why am I on a "soapbox" in front of MOM'S COSMIC DINER inviting you to stop for a moment and think about the rewards of being on a spiritual, physical, mental and emotional practice that will serve you well throughout your life?

Because it's an insurance policy that will support the body in times of stress, illness, and the challenges of change.

I describe this as walking through the front door of "proactive time". You have the choice to gift yourself with proactive time every day. There are many paths to choose from: tai chi, yoga, meditation, pilates, a walk in nature, etc.

You'll be able to slide-by on youthful energy for many years, however, eventually the day will come when you'll be spending many hours going through the back door of "reactive time". Time spent in doctor's offices, hospitals and dealing with insurance claims.

It's all about being aware that TIME is a commodity.

You have a choice.

Well it's time for me to get back to the diner and fire up that old Wolf Stove. Looking forward to seeing you at your favorite booth.

MOM

MMM, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2012-01-15T20:25:00.000-08:00

"Pssst... the only thing we can actually control in life is our attitude." MOM

WELLESLEY'S SUNDAY FUNNY

2012-01-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

Wellesley's* SUNDAY FUNNY is now our weekly comic strip.Wellesley is MOM'S COSMIC DINER'S Mascot Scroll down a few pages to meet Mr. Delicious

TIME-OUT TECHNIQUE

2012-01-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

When someone is annoying and you don't want to slip into being reactive. Take time-out and visualize yourself with masking tape across your mouth that has a painted smile.

Those few seconds enables you step back and see the situation with more clarity.

*Click here for Moody Blues rendition of Painted Smile

MMM, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2012-01-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

It's a New Year and we all have clean slates, this is what's written on January's menu at MOM'S COSMIC DINER...

"Intentions wrapped in ritual creates manifestations." MOM

Read below post

WE HAVE THE POWER TO MANIFEST

2012-01-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

Everything man-made in our world was once a thought. These thoughts are constantly streaming through our minds and have the power to manifest into an action and/or a creation.

The way to harness this power is to have clarity on what it is we choose to attract or create. If you ever had any doubt about the importance of meditating think about the power of your thoughts.

We're energetic, magnetic beings and are constantly attracting like-minded people to ourselves. Look around you... are you surrounding yourself with positive up-beat people or are you attracting negativity?

One way to harness your power is to turn off your TV, IPAD, computer games, etc. and become an inward explorer. In a previous posting "BEAM ME UP, SCOTTY"* I wrote about the many paths to meditation. Meditation is concentrating on one object and continuing to train the mind to "return" to this focal point. You can meditate by sitting still, breathing and watching the breath, or walking in nature and being one with the sounds, smells, and sights that Mother Earth so graciously bestows. It can even be washing the dishes or car and focusing on the movements of hands, sudsy soap formations, and sounds of splashing water.

It's all about stopping the fleeting thoughts and in doing so, warping time and space to a slower pace. This is the pathway to the quiet and contemplative place within you. This inner, core space of peace and serenity is your "power-source" as you connect with awareness and positive energy. If you commit to this practice for just 5 minutes every day for 2 weeks you will notice a shift in your thinking.

If you continue... your entire life will forever be transformed as you learn to harness the ability to manifest with clarity.

Above "Man of Miracles" illustration by Leon Rosenblatt from the 1970's

*Click here for Leon's most recent visuals

* Click here for the "BEAM ME UP SCOTTY" post.

MMM, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2012-01-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

Next time you're about to add yet another "thing" into your day like: taking on an additional task or going out socially where the fit isn't right, etc. It might be a great time to take a deep breath and think about this metaphor:

"Is this one too many spice to add to the stew?" MOM

TODAY'S BREAKFAST SPECIAL

2012-01-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

We're serving delicious, nutty tasting hot oat groats for breakfast here at the diner. Oat groats like all whole grains will give your body fuel and warmth in the cold winter months. It can be eaten with fruit, rice milk and your favorite sweetener or with a pinch of salt, pepper and olive oil. It's chewy and a wonderful way to start your day.

MOM'S COSMIC DINER'S Oat Groats Recipe:
serves 2-3
1 cup oat groats (rinsed in colander)
2 cups water
Place the above in a medium-size sauce pot and bring to boil.
Then reduce heat to low/simmer and cover.
Cook for 20 minutes.
Drain any remaining water from pot.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value:
Like oatmeal, it is a low carbohydrate yet high protein whole grain food source. Since its bran layer is intact, unlike oatmeal (rolled oat groats), it takes longer for digestive enzymes to break it down. Slower digestion creates stable blood sugar levels, and a longer-lasting, steady flow of energy. It is rich in Iron, Selenium, Zinc, and Vitamin E.

You can buy whole oat groats in all health food stores and now even some chain supermarkets are selling this wonderful nutritious whole grain.

PEEP

2012-01-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

As we begin our clean, new page for 2012 I thought I'd share one of the images from my meditation "clarity harvests." I write about fear which is also Winter's emotion. I was feeling "STUCK" and fearful-of-change when this image appeared.

There was this chick curled up inside an egg with no room left to grow. The chick's feathers were wet and it's little beak was soft and weak. She felt safe but it was a tight and uncomfortable fit.

So, slowly and gingerly the chick began to peck at the shell even though her tender beak hurt with each thrust. It took for what seemed as an eternity until the chick finally broke through her first home.

Then it was effortless as she emerged from the broken container. The chick began to see the expansiveness all around her as she fluffed out her feathers and felt the warm breeze dry out her head, neck, body and wings. So much space. So much wonder at the infinite possibilities that surrounded her as she began to explore her new environment.

The lesson I garnered from this meditation was fear created a container around my spirit. And yes, sometimes it's hard to leave that perceived "safe sanctuary" but well worth the effort to work through and release the fear. For me the reward of breaking through to the other-side was being more in tune with my life's work.

MOM's COSMIC DINER wish you a healthy, loving and productive New Year.

HOLIDAY and NEW YEAR's BLESSINGS

2011-12-24T16:46:00.000-08:00

We offer an eclectic, musical mix at Mom's Cosmic Diner.

Here's one of my favorites. MOM

Click here for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's OM Chant

MMM, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2011-12-19T20:54:00.000-08:00

An observation....

Each of us no matter who we are or what we do, are all on a spiritual journey. And with this shift of consciousness we begin to “see” how everyday we're meeting teachers and learning lessons. In doing so, we can begin to fully embrace the magic of our lives here on earth. MOM

TRANSformATIONS

2011-12-18T08:19:00.001-08:00

As Winter approaches the seasonal change once again reminds us that we are one with nature and her energies. It's time to retreat into our inner and outer "caves" surrounded by soft light. Time to be quiet and reflective. Time to dream our dreams for the coming year.

Living in harmony with the natural elements creates a sense of peacefulness. There are many approaches to accomplish this goal.

Winter is a great time to visit Mom's Cosmic Diner where you'll find tools to live a healthier, more conscious and fulfilling life.

Stephanie, Mom's Cosmic Diner's proprietor, is available for private phone consultations with her Energetic Life Journey Readings. *Click here for more info.

WINTER ENERGY

2011-12-15T19:32:00.000-08:00

Winter epitomizes Mother Earth's YIN cycle. The deciduous trees are bare as the leaves have fallen back to earth creating a blanket of warmth for the seeds and bulbs below. Visually the starkness creates more space to see the world around us with a different lens. The colors are muted, the skies grayer and cloudy. Film noire at it's finest. Now that the days are shorter and our energetic batteries are receiving less light... it's time to enter our caves. Winter energy invites us to go inward. To become contemplative as we dream and gather our "thought seeds" on what we choose to manifest for the coming year.

It's all about the water element and if our deepest thoughts, and visualizations are either flowing and moving freely or are blocked and dammed. It makes sense that Winter's internal organs are the Urinary Bladder and Kidneys.

Don't be surprised if you're not feeling social during the holiday festivities and desire to be home and hibernate. You're actually following Mother Nature's advice.

Stay tuned as MOM will be posting recipes on nourishing foods that will sustain and support your winter energy.

*Click here for more info on Stephanie's and Sachi's Four Seasons Retreat Series

LAYERS

2011-12-13T21:38:00.000-08:00

When visiting my father in Coconut Grove, Florida, I meditate on the balcony of his sixth floor condominium. Beneath is a beautiful rock garden surrounded by gardens. I watch the sun languidly rise amongst the billowous clouds that make Miami’s sky so sensual. The various shades of tropical tangerine, pinks shimmering in the morning heat and the iridescent, turquoise blue waters of Biscayne Bay seem to applaud the appearance of a new day. I feel very fortunate to observe this beauty.

As I close my eyes the warm breezes caresses my skin allowing me to feel the borders of my body. I hear the gentle rustling sounds of coconut palm trees, the waterfalls in the gardens, the birds chirping and singing their morning songs. I also listen to the wind playing angelic chimes. I’m watching myself think "how tranquil and soothing nature’s sounds are."

Then I hear a jet as it flies high above me. At first I begin to attach judgments to the sound… "it’s so loud, uncomfortably powerful, annoying, an irritant." I stop myself and allow the sound, just to be a ~ sound ~ a vibration. Not good. Not bad. Just energy.

As I realize this I immediately understand I can still hear the water, birds, trees, and wind in the background. I feel my perception of reality shift.

After my meditation I thought about the experience and appreciated the lesson I had been given. Often times in our daily encounters we experience anger, sadness, low self-esteem, etc. and these powerful feelings have strong energies attached to them. However, if we begin to understand that life is a spiritual journey we can perceive the emotional upheavals as static and still know the peaceful humming core within all of us is always there.

This is why the meditation practice is so important. It’s a sacred space of clearing. A daily reminder that we can always access our inner peace, which is always quietly waiting for us... to be still, to turn our attention and intentions inward and gift us with another way of perceiving life.

MAJORITY RULES

2011-12-12T07:54:00.001-08:00

Sri Swami Satchidananda in his wisdom would say,

"When you point your finger at someone whether mentally or physically...

~ there's one thumb that represents your belief (higher power),
~ there's one index finger that is you pointing at the object,
~ however there's three fingers pointing back at you, majority rules!"

A great time to think about what you need to learn from the situation aka spiritual lesson!

*Click here to learn more about Sri Swami Satchidananda's teachings

WELLESLEY'S SUNDAY FUNNY

2011-12-10T22:18:00.000-08:00

Wellesely's* SUNDAY FUNNY is now our weekly comic strip.

*(MOM's Mascot)
See below photos of Wellesley at 3 months old and the current one from W's car trip across the USA. MOM found his puppy photo posted on Petfinders and upon seeing it she instantly knew he was cosmic.

THE WIZARD of CHI

2011-12-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

Tai Chi creates physical balance and also gifts the practitioner with an inward journey that heals the soul. This unfolding is similar to Dorothy’s adventures in the Wizard of Oz. And like the Yellow Brick Road, tai chi’s path is windy as it traverses through a new environment and unfamiliar territory.

Many of my students enroll in my Tai Chi for Enlighteners program* to improve their physical realm; by gently stretching muscles, strengthening bodies, enhancing balance, improving memory, or learning to walk with confidence. However on the journey they discover other challenges to overcome when encountering their “inward” Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion and Dorothy.

The Scarecrow wanted a brain. As the student learns tai chi, the body is being taught novel ways to move. The brain needs to be totally focused and is “exercised” as new memory is created. The left / right balancing act creates mental clarity and has a positive, stimulating impact on both hemispheres as they communicate and absorb the new, physical information (very similar to the benefits of a child crawling.)

The Tin Man first needed to be oiled before he could even talk and tell Dorothy he desired a heart. Tai chi first “oils” every muscle and ligament in the body. The arms and hands are held higher than the heart so the heart muscle is gently strengthened as it pumps blood to the elevated limbs. The heart is described as being the center of one’s emotions. Through the movement of inner “chi” (life force) energy the student is more in touch with their emotional state and can heal the wounds of past transgressions.

The Lion yearned to have courage. Courage is the first step on becoming a spiritual warrior. After a few months of being “one” with the movements, the mind has been focused on watching and correcting the body. Once the body understands and flows through the steps, the mind is free to meditate. Tai chi is aptly described as moving meditation. When in a meditative state there's an opportunity to explore deeper levels of the soul. It takes courage to take an honest assessment on how we're choosing to live life... conscious or unconscious. It takes valor to release negativity, and harmful habits that halts the upward journey of one's soul. Tai chi gives one the space, time and courage to explore all the inner realms.

Dorothy desired to “go home”. This is the essential yet hidden reason to learn tai chi. It's a safe place where one can release what I call “glommers”. Glommers are words, attitudes, and actions, that have attached to one’s true nature from past interactions with family members, friends, teachers, etc. It’s only when we build the courage, strength and insight to release these glommers that we can find our way back HOME to ourselves; to be light enough to click our heels and create our own reality.

*I invite you to take a lesson with me by clicking here. MOM

MEDITATION... Quieting the Mind

2011-12-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

Breathe deeply,
become one with the breath.
Then step aside and listen.
Hear the silence,
feel the inner quiet,
and the peace that is you.

Click here for MOM'S Seated Deep Relaxation

WHO'S DRIVING THE CAR???

2011-11-28T09:34:00.000-08:00

FYI: The Car = Your Life

So there you are in your car's driver's seat, barreling down a windy road. You're busy turning the steering wheel left to right when you realize it isn't attached to the vehicle. Mmmm... perhaps it's time to STOP, LET GO and TRUST in your HIGHER POWER, who happens to be a great mechanic.

WELLESLEY'S SUNDAY FUNNY

2011-11-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

Wellesely's* SUNDAY FUNNY is our weekly comic strip.

* Click here to meet Wellesley(MOM's Mascot).

ODE to AUTUMN

2011-11-24T15:53:00.000-08:00

Oh autumn, sweet autumn what a sight to behold as I sit, sipping a cup of tea, watching the last of your orange, red, and golden brown leaves swirling off their branches. Dancing their last hoorah one with the wind as they gently land on the ground beneath. Blanketing Mother Earth, her seeds, bulbs and feeding them nutrition for the coming colder months. The park across the street almost has that wintry look of bare limbs... reminding us that energies are shifting inwards as we stay warm and contemplative in our home-caves. Thank-you Mother for your visual gifts of wisdom. MOM

RX for HOLDING ON

2011-11-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

Are you holding on to something that's just not working in your life? A belief, person, job, glommer * or attitude that's holding you back? If so, here's a great image to help you release the negativity. Visualize your hand squeezed tight as it's holding a ball until it hurts. Then begin to open each finger allowing the ball to fall away. Feel the total release of constriction in your hand. Now you're ready to catch something great that's coming your way.

*Glommers is my description on what happens to our souls as we grow-up on Planet Earth. As children we often accept negative descriptions and/or actions from others and adopt them as our own truths. These "glommers" are like sticky scales that attach one by one onto our psyche. (When in this state we look as if we're related to armadillos.)

Through daily practices like: yoga, tai chi, mindfulness, moving, sitting and laughing meditation we can begin to release each glommer... the gift is the incredible lightness of being and BE-IN one with yourself.

TODAY'S MENU SPECIAL

2011-11-21T07:47:00.001-08:00

Hearty, Lentil~Vegetable Soup

Serves 8 (Freeze half of soup to have on-hand)

4 tablespoons extra-virgin, cold pressed olive oil

2 cups chopped sweet onions

1 1/2 cups celery stalks

3-4 chopped garlic cloves

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/2 cup shitake mushrooms/optional

1 1/3 cups lentils, rinsed/drained

1 14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 large bay leaf

6-8 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1 cup plain greek yogurt

salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in soup pot over medium heat. Add, onions, celery, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms and garlic. Saute until vegetables are soft (10-15 minutes).

Add broth, tomatoes with liquid and lentils and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover an simmer until lentils are soft; about 35- 40 minutes.

Soup can be served chunky or pureed in a blender. If too thick add more vegetable broth.

OR served on brown rice, with a salad as a main course.

Garnish with a tablespoon of yogurt and parsley sprinkled on top.

Salt and pepper to taste

Click here for info on lentils and nutritional benefits

MMM, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2011-11-16T16:31:00.001-08:00

When making a conscious shift in life, meditation creates a connection to one's internal, wise teacher. Intuition is a neon signpost pointing you in the right direction. MOM

TEMPEH... a perfect meal for Autumn

2011-11-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

Fall is the season when Summer's outward, expansive yang energy begins to transmute to the inward, introspective yin energy. This concept is also reflected in the foods you’ll want to ingest. The focus is on "contracted" root vegetables like daikon, cabbage, turnip greens, squashes, kale and autumn fruits. Instead of the long grain rice of spring and summer we begin to cook short grain rice; which when digested, fuels the body as the weather becomes colder. Oat groats (is the grain before it's flattened into oatmeal) for breakfast is a perfect way to start the day and will keep your hunger at bay.

The Fall/ Autumn element is metal. Tempeh reflects the white/ gray color of this season. Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that breaks down the acid in beans and is easier to digest. Honoring and aiding the large intestine which is the yin organ of this season. Tempeh is the highest form of B12.

Baked Tempeh (serves 6)

Arrange in 9”x 13” baking dish:

1 lb. tempeh, cut into 1 ½” x 2 ½” pieces and cut half through the thickness.

1 medium onion sliced into very thin rings.

Combine in small bowl:

1/3 c lemon juice

1/3 c pure expelled and expressed virgin oil

¼ c Braggs Amino Acids

5 large garlic cloves pressed

Pour over tempeh and onions; marinate 6 hours in refrigerator.

Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.

Turn pieces of tempeh and broil for last 5 minutes of cooking.

Garnish with parley and lemon juice.

Serve with steamed sliced, daikon radish and favorite chopped greens.

NATURE's SPIRITUAL METAPHOR

2011-11-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

I sat by a waterfall and watched the water as it flowed down the rocky crevice. I closed my eyes and listened to the water's tumbling and splashing sounds into the pool beneath. I felt the mist as it caressed my skin and gently coaxed me to be more aware of its presence. I realized the waterfall is a metaphor for the movement of our life force.

Whenever you feel "stuck" visualize yourself as a waterfall. What is damming the water's flow? By removing even the smallest pebble the water can find its way downstream and back to its journey. What pebbles are stopping you from achieving your goals? How can you remove them?

Inner reflection is like peering into a pool of still water and seeing your true-self. By spending a few minutes every day sitting, breathing deeply, listening to the breath and allowing the thoughts to drift away, you'll begin to see the blocks in your life, answers to your questions, and feel your spiritual empowerment. MOM

MOM's Favorite Jukebox Selection

2011-11-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

We offer an eclectic, musical mix at Mom's Cosmic Diner.

Here's one of my favorites. MOM

*Click here for Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang playing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

* YOGA the State-of-Grace *

2011-11-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

Yoga's State-Of-Grace

through each decade...

20's opens the door to inner and outer flexibility

30's meditation and stress relief from busy life as working mom

40's as a teacher having a deeper understanding of yoga's gifts and passing on the knowledge

50's experiencing the pleasure of oiling the joints, massaging inner organs and being one with silence and peace

60's wonderment of stepping into wisdom years with state-of-grace

MOM

Click here to see where Stephanie aka Mom teaches in Portland, OR

2011-11-06T21:33:00.000-08:00

"And in the end ~ it's not about how much you made...

but how you made it." MOM

Wellesley's SUNDAY FUNNIES

2011-11-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

TODAY'S MENU SPECIAL

2011-11-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

Mellow Yellow Squash Soup

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 large sweet onions~chopped

8 yellow squash~chopped

1 leek~chopped

7 garlic cloves~chopped

5 sprigs lemon thyme

6 cups low/sodium-free chicken broth or vegetable broth

1/2 - 1 tsp. Celtic salt to taste

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Goat Gouda cheese shaved, pine-nuts and chopped parsley for garnish

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil~medium heat.

Add onions, leek and cook; stirring until onions are translucent and soft.

Add squash and leaves of lemon thyme~cook, stirring for 5 minutes.

Increase heat to medium-high; add broth, salt and garlic.

Cook with partially covered pot at low boil for 25 minutes until the squash is soft.

Allow soup to cool and puree in covered blender; return to pot and heat.

Add lemon juice.

Garnish with cheese, pine-nuts and parsley.

Makes 8 cups

THE NOSE KNOWS

2011-10-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

Now that we're in Autumn and have less daylight we may be experiencing S.A.D. ~ Seasonal Affective Disorder. Aromatherapy is a non-intrusive way to help fine-tune and elevate our state-of-mind.

The limbic system is the oldest part of the brain and is directly wired to our emotions. Essential Oils used in Aromatherapy are unlike chemical drugs. They don't remain in the body nor leave toxins behind.

Essential Oils are a natural aromatic liquid extracted from flowers, fruits, roots, leaves and grasses. Every oil has diverse uses…oils such as: jasmine, orange, ylang-ylang and rose have a tranquilizing effect. They work by altering brain waves into a rhythm of calmness and sense of well being.

Stimulating oils like: basil, black pepper, rosemary and cardamom produce a heightened energy response.

Peppermint oil is an anti-inflammatory. It’s also beneficial for rheumatism and arthritis. It even helps in relieving digestive discomfort.

You can use the essential oils with an air diffuser, a ceramic disc that’s placed on a light bulb and even in your bath. Lavender oil in a hot bath is a great way to soak away the day’s stress. Lavender oil when applied to canker sores or burns will accelerate the healing process.

Aromatherapy is an easy way to create radiant health for the rest of your life. Educate yourself on the properties of the oils by buying a book, experiment, have fun and remember, “Your nose knows!” MOM

*Most air freshners sold in supermarkets are made from chemicals; you can find essential oils in health food stores and online. They're concentrated all you need is 1-3 drops

MOM's J.S.I.T. Hall of Fame

2011-10-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I introduced the concept of being a "Joyous-Savant-In-Training. (Scroll down for explanation.) Laughter cleanses the body from toxins lodged in the bottom of our lungs and it also releases endorphins, those incredible uplifting, mood elevators.

We've been blessed with talented comics throughout the decades some more natural than others. With this in mind MOM'S COSMIC DINER welcomes BBC's Agnes Bikini Wax.*

*Click here for video

GIVE me a J.S.I.T. and what do you have?

2011-10-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

Many of my musings seem to gurgle up during my morning meditations. I refer to this as "clarity harvests." One morning as I was minding my breath and attempting to keep the vritties* away, I was aware of a soft thought in my head. (I need to have a commercial break here ~ as I assure you I'm not schizophrenic. I believe meditation gives the inner-self a direct connection to the mind.)

What I heard was... "If you want to do one thing in your life really well... let it be JOY. Be a J.S.I.T. ~ a Joyous Savant In Training."

As you can tell my insights are often light-hearted which makes me pay attention and want to explore the possibilities they offer.

Now being a joyful person is quite an interesting enterprise especially when living in this world with an endless daily supply of unexplainable wackiness. The first thing I decided as I explored this Joyful Path was not to have television channeling it's energy into my home. I thought and now know the chatter from the screen interferes with my peacefulness.

Then I started introducing myself to everyone I met as a J.S.I.T. and would describe the virtual, beannie cap topped with a propeller that I wore on my head. The spinner would actually spin wildly whenever I felt joy. It was a great learning tool for me to be more conscious of joyfulness.

I also know balance is important and that I need to feel and acknowledge my emotions but not allow them to cement me in.

So, the next time you pass a smiling person on the street don't be surprise if you feel a gentle breeze emanating from their head.

*Vritties are what my teacher Sri Swami Satchidananda described as the "constant stream of thoughts passing through the mind. The vritties are like a drunken, chattering monkey, bitten by a scorpion as it's driving the car." Swamiji was a major "J". Click here to meet Sri Swami Satchidananda.

The Alchemist’s Magic…Transmuting Mother’s Energy

2011-10-12T22:41:00.000-07:00

Fall is a time to compress our energies by eliminating the unnecessary and extraneous. It's the season of flexibility and adaptability, which are crucial for staying healthy, and balanced during the colder more contracted winter months.

We can prepare for the challenges by:

~ Completing unfinished projects.

~ Communicate as we become mentally and emotionally ready for the darker, yin, winter months.

~ Setting aside extra food and fuel for the possibility of inclement weather.

~ Making our homes cozier and more inviting as we spend more time indoors.

Our ancestors realized the importance of canning, preserving and storing the fruits and vegetables from the fall harvest to sustain themselves as the earth laid fallow and the sunlight lessened. In the later months of Autumn we begin to honor this tradition and utilize Mother Earth’s energy by transmuting time spent as "inner nourishment" to release, reap and keep what works in our life. As the colder months approach we too, begin to hibernate and gather next year’s “spiritual, seeds” utilizing winter's energy to dream and gather next year’s “spiritual, seeds”, as we choose what we want to manifest in the coming new year.

Click here for a link to Leon Rosenblatt's website... he painted the "Man of Miracles" album cover 35 years ago.

STRAIGHTEN UP!!!

2011-10-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

So here I am walking my walk, talking my talk, blogging my blog... yet, something is amiss. At the glorious age of sixty-two I need to pay more attention to my spine. And if you're younger than me please don't scroll away from this post. More than ever, younger people have bad posture from the hours spent sitting in front of the computer with the screen lower than eye level.

Our spinal column is the brain's direct and most efficient "information" expressway. Messages travel to the rest of the body as it maintains radiant health. When we have straight spines our chest cavity is opened and our internal organs are positioned correctly and can function to their optimum capacity. Consider the alternative; when the back is rounded the shoulders come forward, squeezing and constricting the inner organs.

Before I teach my yoga, tai chi and meditation classes, I always instruct my students on how to create perfect posture:

STANDING

* Toes and heals are aligned with ankles under hip bones.

* Weight sinking into heels as if standing in wet sand.

* Shoulders are comfortably hinged to the torso and arms are totally relaxed.

* Chin is level to ground and gently pushed back as if resting on a soft cloud.

* Eyes looking forward as you scan (not downward).

* Navel is pulled back and gently lifted upwards to create a lift through each vertebrae through top of head.

SEATED

* Toes and heals are aligned flat on floor with ankles under kneecaps.

* Shoulders are comfortably hinged to the torso and arms are totally relaxed.

* Chin is level to ground and gently pushed back as if resting on a soft cloud.

* Eyes looking forward as you scan (not downward).

* Navel is pulled back and gently lifted upwards to create a lift through each vertebrae through top of head. (Don't lean back into chair).

I have a theory... as we age we begin to "fold" forward into the fetal position. I don't know about you but I rather look at the heavens than at my feet.

By bringing this consciousness to the body and making corrections throughout the day will help you to STRAIGHTEN UP and FLY RIGHT!

Click here for background music as you correct your posture.

WELLESLEY'S SUNDAY FUNNY

2011-10-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

MOM's Mascot, Wellesley likes to hang out by the front door to meet and greet our customers. He's lovingly referred to as "The Goodwill Ambassador."

Now that you met our guy... scroll on down for Wellesley's SUNDAY FUNNY.

MAGICAL FRIENDS

2011-10-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Alan owned Baskin in the Sun, a scuba diving company based in Tortola, BVI. He was a lovable, witty and profound character who lived life to it's fullest. Today I'm sharing his philosophical side. Enjoy. MOM

The Ten Commandments of Alan Baskin

1. So What!

2. Why Not?

3. To Be, or Not to Be

4. Absolute Honesty from a Loving Place

5. I Take Full Responsibility

6. When You Give it Up... You Get it All

7. When in Doubt, Throw it Out

8. Forgive Everyone

9. Love, Without Conditions

10. Be Like a Kid in a Candy Store

MOM's Favorite Juke Box Selection

2011-10-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

We offer an eclectic, musical mix at Mom's Cosmic Diner.

Here's one of my favorites. MOM

Marvin Pontiac's Small Car.

Click here for musical link

FALL into NOURISHING SEASONAL RECIPES

2011-09-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

In the below recipes you may be cooking with foods that you've never used before. Here's a quick overview of their nutritional benefits...

Miso is a wonder food. Miso contains eight of the twenty-one amino acids, which constitute all protein that are the building blocks of the body. On an average miso contains up to 13% protein (the same amount as hamburgers and eggs).

When you combine miso with a grain-based diet you can increase the available protein to as much as 30-40%. Miso is fermented soybeans and aids in the digestions and assimilation of other foods. There are at least four digestive agents in all non-pasteurized miso. During fall we begin to use a heartier barley miso instead of the light summery mellow miso.

You can use lotus root in your vegetable dishes and hearty soups.

If you look at dried lotus root it resembles a cross section of your lungs and is a food that actually strengthens the lungs.

Shitake mushrooms are amazing. They have a delicious flavor, are versatile and break down the mucous build-up and tumors in the body. You can blend shitake mushroom stems in the blender and add them to thicken your soups and gravies.

Wakame is a mild tasting seaweed. Like all seaweeds it’s a great source of chlorophyll, enzymes, beta-carotene and B vitamins and has more dietary fiber than oat bran! If you thought seaweed was just scenery for the fish take a look at it’s nutritional benefits…Vitamin A 20%, Vitamin B12 18%, Calcium 9%, Iron 11%, Riboflavin 14%, Niacin 5%, Vitamin B6 29%, Magnesium 21% , Iodine 775%, Flouride 12%, Chromium 12%, Zinc 2%, Potassium 522mg 15%, (based on a 2,000 calorie diet).

Red Cabbage is a great source of vitamin c (70% of your nutritional needs in one cup), potassium and vitamin A and vitamin K. The primary function of vitamin K is controlling the rate of blood clotting and the prevention of internal bleeding.

Umeboshi Vinegar was actually used by the Samurai Warriors to combat fatigue. The citric acid in the umeboshi plum converts lactic acid into water and carbon dioxide, which can easily be discharged from the system. If allowed to accumulate lactic acid can cause tiredness and exhaustion.

Your body’s radiant health will reflect your new awareness of foods you’ll be nourishing yourselves with during this Fall season. Enjoy the menu. Bon appetite... MOM

Harvesting Fall Energy Recipes

Mushroom Barley Soup (serves 6-8)

2 medium onions diced / 2-5 tbls barley miso *

4 garlic cloves diced / ½ t garlic powder

2 celery stalks, diced / 1/8 t seazun seasoning

3 carrots, diced ¼ cup parsley, chopped

8 shitake mushroom, chopped / 2-3 tbls oregano

1 cup whole barley / 10 cups water or stock

In large soup pot bring water and barley to boil. Lower flame; let simmer 25 minutes. Add vegetables and seasonings and continue cooking 2-3 hours. (If using pearled barley, needs only 1*1/2 hours cooking time.)

* Allow the soup to simmer before you place 1 cup of liquid with the miso in a blender. Blend until pureed and add to pot. Never boil miso if you want it’s full benefits as a digestive aid.

Baked Tempeh (serves 6)

Arrange in 9”x 13” baking dish:

1 lb. tempeh, cut into 1 ½” x 2 ½” pieces and cut half through the thickness.

1 medium onion sliced into very thin rings.

1 handful washed and choppeed cilantro.

Combine in small bowl:

1/3 c lemon juice

1/3 c pure expelled and expressed virgin oil

¼ c tamari

5 large garlic cloves pressed

1-2 t grated ginger (optional)

Pour over tempeh & onions; marinate 6 hours in refrigerator. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Turn pieces of tempeh and broil for last 5 minutes of cooking. Garnish with parley and lemon juice.

Wakame & Cabbage

1 head purple cabbage

1 c water

1 c wakame seaweed (soaked in hot water)

2 tbls umeboshi vinegar

¼ c Bragg’s Amino Acids

Wash, core and chop cabbage into small pieces. Soak wakame and chop, removing hard center part. Place wakame, cabbage and water in pot, bring to boil, lower and simmer 15 minutes or until cabbage is tender. Season with Bragg’s and umeboshi vinegar. Let stand in pot 5-10 minutes more.

Rice Pudding

1 c short-grain brown rice / 2 tbls brown rice flour

1 c soy milk / 2 c apple juice

2 c water / 1 t agar powder(seaweed product akin to corn starch)

4 tbls pure maple syrup / 1/3 c soaked raisins

1 tbls rice syrup / 2 t pure vanilla extract

¼ cup oat flour / ¼ t cinnamon

Wash rice well. Place in pot with 1 cup soy milk, 2 cups apple juice, and salt. Cover and cook on low flame, gradually rising to high. When water starts to boil, reduce heat and cool until rice is creamy (about 1 ½ hours). In saucepan combine flours, agar and 2 cups water. Bring to gentle boil; cook 10 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and add syrups, vanilla and cinnamon. Blend in blender until smooth. Add this mixture to rice along with raisins. Pour into un-oiled baking dish. Bake in preheated oven 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

A is for ATTITUDE

2011-09-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

In my Mind Over Matters Workshop I teach many techniques on how to achieve a balanced, happier and creative life. One of my golden rules is "The only real control we have in our life is our attitude".

SO, the next time that negative inner voice says "NO" just spin those two letters around to... "I'm ON it!" MOM

*Click here for more info on Mind Over Matters Workshop

Harvesting Your Family's Fall Energy

2011-09-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

As parents in the twenty-first century, how can we best communicate the importance of our human connection and responsibility for the natural world to our children?

Most of us realize that being “Green” is more than shopping at the farmers market for local produce, recycling bottles and cans or choosing to use non-toxic environmental products in our homes. It’s also an awareness of the intimate relationship we have to our shared home, Mother Earth.

An awareness of our natural environment, the feelings and subtle emotional shifts we experience with the changing of the seasons can be used as a roadmap to living more authentically, fine tuning our senses in harmony with nature’s rhythms. When we acknowledge we are connected to the effects of Earth’s yearly journey around the sun, we can begin to understand and utilize each season’s energy to our advantage by:

· Preparing and eating seasonal foods that nourish and support our bodies for a particular time of year.

· Exploring key physical and emotional components that correspond to each season.

· Fine-tuning our perception and reaction to events in order to achieve our short and long-term goals.

It’s an accurate, efficient and loving path for the entire family to walk upon.

Autumn is the time to Reap, Keep and Release. Deciduous trees are our teachers, as the leaves radiate their ebbing life force in a blaze of bright, shimmering colors. As these leaves release and fall onto the ground, they create a blanket of insulating warmth, protecting new seeds, buried bulbs and all root systems from the coming winter’s cold. During the spring rains the leaves decompose, becoming compost, releasing nutrients into the soil for the new and abundant life force beneath.

Autumn is when we harvest the season’s last crops and prepare for winter. In days gone by, we would prepare, can and preserve these fruits and vegetables to help us prosper physically during the many cold months ahead.

In the fall season, we consume all types of root vegetables, which are high in fiber and low in calories: beets, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, squash, onions and leeks. These vegetables are an excellent source of falconoid, folic acid, vitamin C, E, and antioxidants, which help our immune systems and fortify our blood for the coming winter.

When carving the Halloween “Jack-o-Lantern” instead of throwing out the pumpkin pulp plan a weekend activity as your children help you make a delicious pumpkin soup. And the roasted pumpkin seeds are a wonderful source of zinc and omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids.

During Autumn we notice the amount of sunlight diminishing. Our children are back in school. Life is more scheduled and less carefree. Emotionally, Autumn is the perfect time to acknowledge our past year's goals, actions, and even thoughts; choosing and keeping what works and releasing what doesn't. It's a great time to sharpen our communication skills within the family unit. Having weekly family meetings to release and share what is on everyone’s mind is a natural way to stay in tune with one another as the season progresses.

Our busy lifes are like being in a forest yet not appreciating the individual trees. Fall reminds us to step back, release the clutter, reflect and appreciate the gifts of our harvest.

For more info on Stephanie's 10/29 Fall Workshop in Portland, Oregon...
email: mindovermatters@earthlink.net

Mmm, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2011-09-05T10:49:00.001-07:00

When making a conscious shift in life, meditation creates a connection to one's internal, wise teacher. Intuition is a neon signpost pointing you in the right direction.

InTERNAL YOUTH

2011-08-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

"To be, or not to be: that is the question..." Shakespeare

It seems to me society is offering us various methods to be outwardly, "forever youthful." My personal lifetime quest is creating "inner-youth." I use the term quest since I began this journey in my early twenties. It's not a quick-fix it's a lifestyle.

Aging is a natural by-product of living. However, one has many choices on how to "engage with age." Honoring the body with a healthy balanced diet, exercise, introspection, positive attitude, mindfulness and inner, spiritual growth is the path I'm most familiar with.

I've decided to age naturally and it helps to have a sense-of-humor attached to this decision. For example, embracing the changes in my body. Knowing my face is telling a story of the days spent on earth, as I learn to appreciate those "smile- lines" around the mouth and eyes.

Living life on my own terms in small ways also helps. When I moved to California and applied for my driver's license, I had to place a check-mark next to hair color. The description they offered was grey. I quickly crossed out that drab, mundane label and wrote silver. I adore my hair color. Silver is full of sparkling light. I don't perceive it as being negative nor lackluster. I see it as light energy, like an aura surrounding my face. The list goes on.

As long as I have a youthful gait, can continue to teach, engage with people socially, be aware of on-going spiritual lessons and maintain a healthy lifestyle... I'll count my blessings and will honor the aging process as a means to attain the status of a wise-woman.

HAWK TOTEM

2011-08-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

When my computer crashed it took all my spiritual practices to stay focused, savoring the present and not freak out. Especially since I've been lax in saving my files. Can you relate?

Meditation, yoga, tai chi, deep breathing, attitude adjustments and becoming a hawk helped. Now you may be wondering what I meant when I wrote "becoming a hawk". The Native Americans believe that animals, each with their unique qualities can teach and guide us. Hawk energy is the ability to hover high above one's life to "see" the entire landscape, the whole picture. And in doing so, this awareness helps in dealing with arising challenges.

Next time a mini-crisis or shift happens, close your eyes, breath deeply then spread out your wings and soar like a hawk for a different perspective.

(P.S. My computer is back from the Apple Hospital and it's like taking care of a newborn who has no memory.)

TODAY'S MENU SPECIAL

2011-08-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

GARLIC HUMMUS...

1/2 cup tahini butter

1 cup cooked chickpea/

or 1 can

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 parsley stalks diced

2 garlic cloves*

1/8 cup umeboshi vinegar

1 teaspoon Bragg's Amino Acids

pinch cayenne pepper

Combine all the above ingredients in food processor or blender until creamy.

Serve with cut veggies, favorite bread/crackers, or Nam heated in toaster oven is yummy.

* MOM's garlic story...

As a 19 year-old newlywed one of the first recipes I prepared for Leon, my husband was linguini and clam sauce.

Now here's a little background on what I ate as a child. My mother only used dried herbs for seasoning. So I never met garlic. I only knew about garlic powder. Now that we're on the same page let me continue... linguini and clam sauce's recipe called for 2 cloves of garlic. So, I trotted on down to the local, grocery store, went to the produce man and asked where I could find garlic. He pointed to a refrigerated shelf to my left. I took "two garlics" and went home to prep.

It took me a long time to peel away the papery layers and I began to mince the "two garlics" which transmuted into lots of small, half-moons.

It was interesting sitting across from Leon that evening as he tasted the first forkful. His face turned red and he started weeping. Being a bewildered newlywed he managed to sputter "amazing"!

And now you know the rest of the story.

THE SPIRITUAL MAZE

2011-08-18T01:09:00.000-07:00

BEing on the spiritual path gifts you with front row seats to a play. The main character is TILEA. The Inner Levels of Expansive Awareness... many pasts, present, futures.

Another gift is a diamond-based polish to smooth away your five sense's and the outer-grasping effects on your psyche.

And don't forget your box of Cracker Jacks on the way out.

~ MOM ~

*Click here for more info on MOM'S COSMIC DINER

TODAY'S MENU SPECIAL

2011-08-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

Flavorful Heirloom Tomatoes

& Pasta (serves 4)

Ingredients:

8 medium ripened and large colorful Heirloom Tomatoes / chopped into bite-size pieces

1 can Garbanzo Beans / add liquid from entire can

1/2 small jar Kalamata Pitted Black Olives * / sliced and add 1/2 amount of olive liquid from jar

1 handful fresh basil / chopped

1 can anchovies (optional) / chopped into small pieces and add oil

2-3 cloves garlic chopped

3/4 cups extra virgin, cold-pressed Olive Oil

2-3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

2-3 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Hard cheese (asiago, cave age, etc.) / shaved individually onto serving at table

1 bunch organic Broccoli / chopped with partial stems in large pieces / lightly steamed

1-2 packages pasta of choice (If gluten intolerant use rice pasta)

In mixing/ serving bowl add the above ingredients and toss well. (Can be refrigerated up to 3 hour before serving).

In large pot boil water and follow pasta cooking directions.

When pasta is cooked and placed in colander rinse with cold water.

Place pasta and top with tomato mixture and lots of liquids.

Serve with side of steamed broccoli on same plate (colors look great together).

MAJORITY RULES

2011-08-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Sri Swami Satchidananda in his wisdom would say,

"When you point your finger at someone whether mentally or physically...

A great time to think about what you need to learn from the situation aka spiritual lesson!

*Click here to learn more about Sri Swami Satchidananda's teachings

SUNSATIONAL SUMMER!!!

2011-08-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Summer is the most expansive, energetic time of the year. The days are light-filled and longer. School is out, vacations are taken and we spend more leisure time in nature. We wear less clothing during the hotter days; our bodies are like batteries soaking up the sunlight and storing it's energy to use in Autumn and Winter.

Summer is the season for the heart chakra, as we connect with family and friends. The sound of laughter is heard. We become more child-like frolicking in lakes and oceans. Its time to play.

Mother Earth gifts us with her ripened vegetables and fruits and we enjoy eating sweet corn, delectable squashes, delicious juicy nectarines, peaches, mango, and watermelons. The trees and flowers are in full bloom creating a canopy of shade, our eyes are receiving the full spectrum of light and color. All this outward, abundant, ripened energy reflects our ability to fully manifest the dreams we dreamt for ourselves during Winter's quiet, inner-quest; then in Spring tending and nurturing those" manifesting seeds" into reality.

It's time to rise and shine and ENJOY the expansiveness that Summer offers us with a full and happy heart.

WELLESLEY'S SUNDAY FUNNY

2011-07-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

WELLESLEY's SUNDAY FUNNY is our weekly comic strip.

* Click here to meet MOM's Mascot ~ Wellesley aka "Mr. Delicious"

* Click here to see Surrealistic Graphite Drawings from the above artist Leon Rosenblatt

MOM's Favorite Juke Box Selection

2011-07-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

We offer an eclectic, musical mix at Mom's Cosmic Diner.

Here's one of my favorites. MOM

*Click here for Frank Sinatra's "My Way".

Mmm, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2011-07-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

Next time you're about to pile yet another "thing" into your day like: taking on an additional task or going out socially where the fit isn't right, etc. It might be a great time to take a deep breath and think about this metaphor:

"Is this one too many spice to add to the stew?"

Mmm, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2011-07-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

Can you relate?

Sometimes after a long day, I just need to take a deep breath and sigh,

"Oh, Laaa... Teee... Daaa". Annie Hall

MOM'S COSMIC DINER'S Mission Statement

2011-07-12T00:19:00.000-07:00

Here's what is written on the back of every menu in MOM'S COSMIC DINER...

"If you know of anyone on the spiritual path and they seem loaded down with heaviness ~ just point them in the direction of MOM'S COSMIC DINER. Next time you see them, they just may be skipping." MOM

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S

2011-07-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

MOM'S COSMIC DINER will be launching her monthly Nostalgia Movie Series with Breakfast at Tiffany's starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. If you like Mad Men you'll love seeing NYC at it's 1961 finest.

*Click here for a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany's.

WELLESLEY'S SUNDAY FUNNY

2011-07-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

WELLESLEY's SUNDAY FUNNY is our weekly comic strip.

* Click here to meet MOM's Mascot ~ Wellesley aka "Mr. Delicious"

* Click here to see Surrealistic Graphite Drawings from the above artist, Leon Rosenblatt

BRING IT ON HOME

2011-07-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

I like ending my yoga classes by chanting Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. After my students and I chant these words we then say the following: "May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light."

One evening after class one of my students waited to speak with me. She seemed a bit agitated and asked " Why and how can you expect the entire universe to be peaceful when there's so much war and negativity?"

I quietly took a deep breath and then answered "The universe reflects your inner cosmos. We start with ourselves. If we become aware of the ability to fill ourselves with these powerful words and proper actions, then the outer world can begin to change one person at a time."

*Click here to listen to OM SHANTI chant

YUM YUM

2011-07-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

At MOM'S COSMIC DINER our customers always request healthy desserts. This one is delicious and easy to make...

Ingredients:
Lundberg Rice Cake (the best on the market with lots of choices)
Nut Butter ie: tahini, almond, soy, or peanut
Plum Preserve or favorite fruit preserve
Sliced Banana

Layer rice cake with the above and enjoy with coffee or tea.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOYFUL SEAL

2011-07-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

The crew (especially MOM) at MOM'S COSMIC DINER wishes their favorite in-house artist and "jack-of-all" trades... the best b-day yet!

*Click here for your song

Mmm, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2011-07-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

"Life is like shifting sands but... sometimes you need a snorkel." MOM

MOM's Favorite Juke Box Selection

2011-07-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

We offer an eclectic, musical mix at Mom's Cosmic Diner.

Here's one of my favorites. MOM

*Click here for Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit

WELLESLEY'S SUNDAY FUNNY

2011-07-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

Above is MOM'S COSMIC DINER's mascot and his favorite cartoonist.

*Click here for a romp in the Bark Park.

STOP & STYLE NYC... online magazine interview with MOM

2011-07-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

*Click here to read interview... scroll down to second article.

Mmm, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2011-06-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

"Laughter is like an uncorked champagne bottle... it bubbles up your inner sparkle" MOM

*Click here and join in the laughter with "Sunflower Priestess".

MOM's HEALTH TIPS

2011-06-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and there's two words for you to remember... COCONUT OIL. It's the best, natural skin moisturizer that's also economical. Pure coconut oil usually comes congealed in a large tub-like container. However, once you take a small amount and rub it onto your skin, your body heat melts the oil and it applies easily on. When first applied you'll smell the coconut but it dissipates with in a few minutes. Great deals on the Internet, and or most health foods stores carry it.

Now, everyday you can feel like you're taking a vacation on a lovely, tropical island; laying under a gently, swaying coconut tree, being lulled by the sound of the turquoise, ocean waters ebbing onto the sandy beach. Not a bad way to start or end your day. MOM

* Click here to listen to Bob Marley's Jamming

MOM's J.I.S.I.T. Hall of Fame

2011-06-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I introduce the concept of being a "Joyous-Idiot-Savant-In-Training. (Click here for post.) Laughter cleanses the body from toxins lodged in the bottom of our lungs and it also releases endorphins; those incredible uplifting, mood elevators.

We've been blessed with talented comics throughout the decades, MOM'S COSMIC DINER welcomes Abbott and Costello's Who's on First.*

*Click here for video clip

WELLESLEY'S SUNDAY FUNNY

2011-06-26T05:59:00.000-07:00

WELLESLEY's SUNDAY FUNNY is our weekly comic strip.

* Click here to meet MOM's Mascot ~ Wellesley aka "Mr. Delicious"
* Click here to see Surrealistic Graphite Drawings from the above artist, Leon Rosenblatt

TODAY'S MENU SPECIAL

2011-06-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Summertime Fare

Beans, Rice and Vegetables

Adzuki Bean Soup (Click on title for nutritional benefits)

Serves 4-6

2 cups Adzuki beans

Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Olive Oil

8 cups water

1 strip Kombu Seaweed (helps to dispel gas)

2 large carrots cut into 1/2 moons

1 large onion chopped

3 stalks celery chopped

3/4 parsley chopped

1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger root grated

3 garlic cloves minced

2 tablespoons Braggs Amino Acids

2-4 tablespoons Mellow Miso

Wash beans, drain well; put aside.

In large soup pot, saute onions in olive oil on medium-high heat; until onions are translucent.

Place beans, water, kombu, garlic, carrots, celery and Braggs Amino Acids in pot. Bring to boil for 10 minutes, cover and cook on medium-low heat for 45 minutes or until adzuki beans are soft.

Turn off heat; when soup is simmered add miso and cup of soup in blender.

Blend and stir liquid back into soup.

Garnish with parsley.

Long Brown Rice and Pumpkin Seeds

2 cups rice

1/2 pumpkin seeds

2 1/2 cups water

Rinse rice.

Bring rice, pumpkin seeds to boil. Lower flame, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.

Serve rice with vegetables on top.

Steamed Kale and Daikon

1 bunch organic Kale, washed and sliced

1 large Daikon Root, washed and sliced.

1/2 cup water

Place kale, and daikon in stainless steel or bamboo steamer; bring water to boil.

Steam vegetables for 8- 10 minutes until kale is green and crisp.

Remove, mix vegetables and serve on rice with Tamari Ginger Sauce.

Tamari Ginger Sauce

1 cup water

1 cup tamati

1 tablespoon, fresh grated ginger.

Heat mildly and serve on vegetables.

Mmm, TASTY LITTLE NUGGETS

2011-06-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

"Fingerprints are the soul's signature." ~MOM~

(If any of MOM'S COSMIC DINER's computer-wiz clients wants to investigate this ...let me know.)

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We've been blessed with talented comics throughout the decades some more natural than others. With this in mind MOM'S COSMIC DINER welcomes *BBC's Agnes Bikini Wax.

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We've been blessed with talented comics throughout the decades, MOM'S COSMIC DINER welcomes *Abbott and Costello's Who's on First.

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* YOGA the State-of-Grace *

We've been blessed with talented comics throughout the decades some more natural than others. With this in mind MOM'S COSMIC DINER welcomes BBC's Agnes Bikini Wax.*

We've been blessed with talented comics throughout the decades, MOM'S COSMIC DINER welcomes Abbott and Costello's Who's on First.*