~ MOM's JISIT Hall of Fame

In my April 12th posting "Give me a J...." I introduce the concept of being a Joyous-Idiot-Savant-In-Training. Laughter cleanses the body from toxins lodged in the bottom of our lungs and it also releases endorphines, those incredible uplifting, mood elevators. We've been blessed with talented comics through the decades. So many of my younger clients haven't had the opportunity to see them in action. Today, MOM'S COSMIC DINER welcomes Abbot and Costello.

Click on the above title to watch.

~ Today's Menu Special

New World Avocado Dip   Serves 2-4 people 

2 ripe large avocados

1 large onion chopped

1 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup  lemon juice (optional)

Olive Oil

1-3 teaspoons Braggs Amino Acids (depends on how salty your taste-buds are)

Pepper

In medium size bowl mash up avocados then add and mix in lemon juice... put aside.

Heat olive oil in frying pan add onion and tomatoes with Braggs Amino Acids, saute until onions are translucent. 

Add to avocados and stir.

Pepper to taste.

Serve on bed of arugula, garnish with a sprigs of parsley.

Great with crackers, bread or sliced veggies.

Avocados are amazing fruits and here's why...

• This fruit is jammed packed with nutrients! Avocados are a good source of vitamin K (36% DV), dietary fiber (29% DV), vitamin B6 (20% DV), vitamin C (19% DV) and copper (19% DV).
• One cup of avocado has 23% of your DV for folate, a nutrient important for heart health.
• Avocados are sodium and cholesterol free.
• The avocado, pound for pound, has more energy than unprocessed meat.

~ Mmmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

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

~ The BIG Picture

In my Mind Over Matters Workshop we fine-tune our attitudes with "THE BIG PICTURE". Whenever we seem "stuck", hyper-focusing or "looping" the same thoughts in our minds, why not see this particular time as... one piece of the puzzle that is the entire story of our life. 

When we have this awareness we can bring a new and powerful perspective on what seems to be an overwhelming problem. Our thoughts have a immediate effect on our body. Feeling stuck is being in a state-of-contraction (tightness). Our muscles will begin to tighten up (shoulders, neck, lower back), blood vessels will constrict (headaches), our digestive organs will become sluggish (stomach-ache, indigestion). HELP IS ON THE WAY... by consciously remembering this specific time is a small piece of the entire picture of your journey; you'll create a feeling of expansiveness. And the body will be in a state-of-ease.

Here's a helpful TIP to remember this concept. When in this "stuck space" you can hold or visualize a jigsaw puzzle piece in your hand. This will change the thought pattern and bring awareness back to the BIG PICTURE.

"In reality... the only thing we can really control is our attitude." MOM

~ Today's Menu Special

Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed with Tofu / Parsley Sauce

Preheat oven 375 degrees

1 portobello mushroom per person 

2 cups of tofu /crumbled

1 large onion / chopped

2 "handfuls" parsley / chopped

Olive oil

1 cup walnut pieces

1 cup water

1-2 tablespoons oregano

1-3 tablespoons Tamari or Bragg's Aminio Acids (more depending on taste buds)

Pepper to taste

1 pear chopped (optional)

Clean mushroom top with slightly damp paper towel then tap mushroom to release any debris or scoop out inside of portobello. Lightly coat both sides with olive oil.

Set aside (cap down) in baking dish.

Coat frying pan with olive oil and heat on medium/high. Add chopped onion and 1 1/2 tablespoons Tamari. Stir for 1 minute then add crumbled tofu, oregano to onions, stir well and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Add parsley and 1  1/2 tablespoons of Tamari and black pepper. Add 1/2 cup water and continue to cook for 1 minute. Add walnuts stir and cook on medium heat for 1 minute. (You may want to add some water if there isn't enough liquid.) Remove from heat add chopped pear and stir. 

Stuff portobello mushroom with mixture. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.

Serve on bed of salad greens mixed with Balsamic Vinegar. 

~ Mmmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

"It takes a lifetime to release the mask." MOM

~ Mmmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

   "Out of mouth...

   

      Out of mind..."

"A sense-of-humor helps as we age." MOM

And to all you special MOMS here, there, everywhere ~ especially you, Claudine... Thank you for gently sprinkling this world with sparkling, light energy and LOVE.

~ A is for Attitude

My yoga teacher, Swami Satchidananda's teachings were succinct yet profound. One of my favorite visuals for attitude adjustments is the following:

Whenever you point your finger (physically/mentally) at someone as you place blame on them, take a moment to observe that hand.

• The thumb is pointing upwards reminding you there's a higher power.
  
• One finger (index) is pointing away from you.
  
• Three fingers are pointing back to you.
  

MAJORITY RULES! Look at yourself and how you can fine-tune your attitude.

~ Mmmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

"Laughter is like a cosmic, champagne bottle uncorked..." MOM

Coming soon to our diner ~ Every Saturday evening, join us for a Laughing Meditation with MOM. It's a great way to bubble-up your inner sparkle.

Click on above title and join in the laughter with "Sunflower Priestess". (MOM says she's a total JISIT!)

 

~ Chapter 2: A Housewife’s Spiritual Journey and the Teachers She's Met Along the Way

Tai chi is often described as the grandfather of all the martial arts. I remember sitting in class when one of my fellow students asked Mrs. Chow what he should do if someone were to attack him from behind. Mrs. Chow was quiet for a moment, then looked at him with a serious expression as she loudly exclaimed, “You run!”

After our laughter subsided she explained, “We’re not here to learn how to fight. But if you need tai chi for defense, it will be there for you.”

Many years later, one of my fellow classmates came home from work and was letting her three Rottweiler dogs into the house from the backyard. The last dog unexpectedly attacked her. She ended up in the hospital with severe bite wounds on both her arms requiring over 100 stitches.

When I visited her in the hospital, she told me tai chi saved her life. As the dog lunged toward her, he aimed for her throat and chest. Without thinking, she found herself doing “Repulse the Monkey,” a series of steps that involve the constant raising of one’s arms to cover the face and torso area while stepping back. I finally understood the wisdom in Mrs. Chow’s comment all those years before.

To "meet" Mrs. and Mr. Chow and listen to an audio interview, scroll down on right-side and click on their photo.

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

Plugging into a higher source, physical stillness, witnessing thoughts, releasing stress, daily mini-vacation from challenges, recharging 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 the 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 soup of chemicals. The novice meditator will begin to observe the thoughts rising up into 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 on my photo on right-side.)

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.

~ THE MIGHTY LITTLE NETI POT

Spring has sprung and so have the allergies associated with this season of cleansing and rebirth.  I never had allergies before I moved to Northern California where we're blessed with seven micro-climates and it seems as though Mother Nature is alive and well. 

The plant allergies affect my eyes more than my sinuses. I would take Wellesley (our mascot) for his daily walk and we'd often find ourselves in town.  I would constantly be wiping the tears from my watery eyes. If you have read my other posts you probably realize I'm pretty friendly. I actually like to speak with people waiting on line in my local coffee shop. I would find myself beginning the conversation with " I'm really happy and my eyes are weeping with joy" as I dabbed away the tears.

Since using the neti pot first thing in the morning ~ I'm tear free. It's a miracle attaining relief without prescription drugs. And by flushing out your sinus cavity you're helping your immune system fight off colds. 

All you need is: 

• Distilled water
  
• Neti pot 
• Sinus/saline solution (easily found on internet or health store) 
• Sink
• Tissues 
• Sense-of-humor

You can view a demonstration on how to use your Mighty Little Neti by clicking on the above title.

And remember what MOM says...

"It couldn't hurt!"

~ Today's Menu Special

MOM’S COSMIC DINER MISO DRESSING

2 Cups filtered water

1/3 Cup safflower / canola oil

1 Cup organic carrots

1/3 Cup onion

2 Tblsp umeboshi plum vinegar or apple cider vinegar

3 Cloves of garlic

3 Tblsp raw tahini (sesame seed paste)

3-4 Heaping tblsp mellow miso (can add more)

½ Squeezed lemon

Optional: 1/3-cup fresh cilantro

Put all the ingredients in a blender and puree. Store in glass container and refrigerate.  (Can be stored in refrigerator for 2 weeks).

And remember what MOM says…

“This veggie dressing will make your taste-buds hum”

 ~  Miso is an important fermented soybean product that has the following nutritional  benefits:

• Protein (reduces blood cholesterol, maintains elasticity of blood vessels, prevents cerebral apoplexy)
  
• Vitamin B2 (promotes oxidization reduction in the body)
  
• Vitamin B12 (help blood formation, reduces mental fatigue)
  
• Vitamin E (inhibit generation of lipid peroxide, anti-aging)
  
• Enzymes (helps digestion)
• Saponin (inhibit generation of lipid peroxide, reduces blood cholesterol, prevents hardening of arteries, prevents hepatopathy)
• Trypsin Inhibitor (anti-cancer, prevents diabetes)
• Isoflavon (deoxidization, alleviates stiff neck and shoulders, helps to prevent breast cancer)
• Lecithin (reduces blood cholesterol, prevents hardening of the arteries, prevents senile deterioration)
• Colin (prevents fatty liver, anti–aging)
• Prostaglandin E (prevents high blood pressure)

~ Mmm,Tasty Little Nuggets

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

but how you made it." MOM

 

~ MOM's Mission Statement

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

~ MOM's Journey into Tai Chi Land

"I love yoga but I'm having a love affair with tai chi." MOM

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 Wizard.

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; click on the above title and once on Tai Chi for Enlighteners site just scroll down to lower right-side.

~ Chapter 9: A Housewife’s Spiritual Journey and the Teachers She Met Along the Way

Chapter 9: From the Mouths of Babes

I never know when the magic will appear. For me "magic" is a moment of clarity. The other day, my cousin Mick, his wife and their twin, six year-old daughters, Chloe and Whitney stayed with us in our Charleston home. Now that my children are grown, I missed the kinetic energy emanating from kids and welcomed their arrival. Besides, our home had been too peaceful and perhaps a tad too tidy. Daisy our terror-of-a-terrier was getting chubby from the lack of doggy aerobics... being chased around the house by little ones. 

After lunch and a chilly horse, drawn carriage tour of Charleston we piled back into Mick's van. We drove to King Street. Mick needed to have his glasses repaired and Chloe wanted to go shopping with Mom. I elected to stay warm in the van with Whitney.

I was sitting in the front passenger seat Whitney in the back of the van was loudly, rummaging around and asked if I wanted to see the shells she found the day before on a North Carolina beach. Before I opened my mouth to say "yes", she had already climbed into the driver's seat and on her lap was a large, frayed, zip-lock bag filled with sand and shells. She looked up at me with her bang-fringed face, her blue cat-eyes wide and asked reverently "Do you want to see the most beautiful shell, ever?" 

"Oh course, I do." I replied. Anyone who knows me well, also knows that I cherish the ritual of collecting shells. I love searching for the most perfect form and color. I can walk for hours on the beach with my head cocked downwards searching for Mother Earth's unique jewels. So, naturally I was excited to marvel at Whitney's find.

Whitney dug deeply into her treasures and intently looked for a particular shell. I watched as she closed her fingers around it, and raised her hand to my face opening her palm to reveal... a broken, hunk of a large clam shell! I wasn't quite sure if she had chosen the right one until I looked up at her radiant smile and twinkling eyes and realized, 'This is her most beautiful shell'.

WHAMP! At that moment I was surrounded by the magic of seeing the shell through her non-judgmental eyes. This fragment of a shell was as beautiful as the whole; its essence was still intact through colors and textures. I too, saw the beauty of the shell. 

I looked at Whitney and silently thanked her for being my teacher; for revealing that perfection is the intrinsic nature of the object. I gazed into Whitney's eyes and said "Whitney, this is the most beautiful shell I have ever seen!" She smiled and knew I meant it.

~ Bring It On Home

I like to end each of 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." 

~ Mmmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

Can you relate?

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

"Oh,  Laaa... Teee... Daaa".

~ Mmm,Tasty Little Nuggets

"The only thing we control in life is our attitude." MOM

~ Rules for Being Human (Author Unknown)

At MOM'S COSMIC DINER my "consultation plate" is pretty full, so occasionally I'll be posting tidbits that haven't been written by me.

These are the first, three Rules for Being Human in a total of ten. Log in often as I download the others over the next few months.

1) You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around. (MOM thinks it's healthier to learn to appreciate your body and see it as a Temple for your Soul).

2) You will learn lessons. You're enrolled in a full-time informal school called life. Each day in this school you'll have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant.

3) There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error and experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately works.

WELCOME TO MOM's COSMIC DINER

Great meeting you at our virtual, Mom's Cosmic Diner; a magical "Rest and Relaxation Sanctuary" from your hectic life.

As you open the front Yin/Yang door you first notice the twilight sky-scape of twinkling stars painted on the diner's ceiling creating a soothing ambience. The red cushioned booths on both sides of the diner are firm yet comfortable. The juke-boxes on the enameled, planetary-landscape tables are filled with an interesting, musical mix to make any earbud happy. Some of our customers prefer to sit at the counter on the twirly, diamond patterned stools; glimpsing peeks of MOM scurrying in the kitchen as the deep, thalo blue, swinging doors with rounded windows, open allowing the delectable aromas of organic meals to waft through the diner.

So, sit back, take a deep breath and enjoy the ambiance of our universe.

Don't be surprised if you occasionally see a customer walking in wearing "Groucho Marx Glasses". These are your fellow J.S.I.T.s just being playful as we remember Mom's favorite saying " Life is like a box of Cracker Jacks. It's mostly sweet with the occasional nut." (Click here to learn about J.S.I.T.'s)

Oh, by the way, we just received another shipment of MOM'S COSMIC DINER Beannies. So be sure to stop at the gift shop on your way out.

TODAY'S MENU SPECIAL

Please read "Give Me a  J.S. I. T. and What Have I Got?" post before you continue. (Click here for previous post.)
Now that you've read what a J.S.I.T. is, you also need to know that I don' measure when I cook, chalk it up to being intuitive. Something about my ancient, gene pool. So, for those of you who are into creative cooking here's my... 

Mellow Miso Soup Recipe.

Ingredients:

Organic Mellow Miso (refrigerate after opening)

1 can of organic chick peas

1/4-1/2 cup wakama seaweed cut into small pieces (optional but really delicious)

1 cup organic firm tofu / cubed

8- 10 organic shitake mushrooms

~In a large soup pot, boil 8 cups of water

~Add: chick peas, wakame, cubed tofu and thinly sliced shitake mushrooms

~Continue to boil for 10-15 minutes then cover and simmer

~For every cup of water that's in the pot add 1 tablespoon of miso in blender

~Ladle out 1 cup of simmered liquid from pot and add to miso in blender

~Blend until creamy and add liquid back to pot

~Taste, if you want it more salty add more liquid to additional miso, blend and      add to pot again

~You can refrigerate soup and use up to 3 days

TIP: Never boil miso since it destroys its flavor and healing qualities

~ Chapter 3: A Housewife’s Spiritual Journey and the Teachers She’s Met Along the Way

Chapter 3: The "Buddha Baby" and Honoring One’s Space
"Babies are unique
a fleeting metamorphosis
one can not hold the wind"


Penelope came into our lives on September 13, 1978. After taking her sweet time descending through the birth canal, she finally appeared. Penelope was so pale almost translucent. She was peaceful as she laid on my stomach and looked around. I was worried because she hadn’t cried and asked Dr. Mella if she was all right. Penelope checked out perfectly. I had given birth to a Buddha Baby.

I took daily, early morning walks with Barbie, my sister as Penelope sat in her stroller drinking her bottle. She quietly took in all the sights and sounds. She very rarely reacted to anything in an outward way. It seemed to me, as if her life began on an inward path.

When Penelope was about six months old, her blonde hair was soft and wispy. Angel hair is how I would describe it. I was worried she would have thin hair. But two months later it seemed as though, suddenly overnight ~ POOF ~ her hair had a Medusa quality to it. Thousands of tight, tendril curls popped out from all sides of her head, all going in different directions.

Once a week we shopped at our local Publix food market. I was fine when the “grandmothers and grandfathers” came over to our cart and patted Penelope’s head; often commenting “Oy! She looks just like Shirley Temple!” I smiled knowing how Shirley Temple, the 1930’s child star had sang and danced into their hearts and brought them solace from their struggles during the Great Depression. Week after week, month after month, Penelope’s head was patted.

When she was twenty months old, an elderly man wearing a golfer’s hat, stripped button-down shirt, baggy plaid shorts and black socks walked directly to Penelope. As his hand landed on her head, she looked up at him and loudly proclaimed, “I AM NOT A DOG!!!”

I took a deep, heartfelt, gasping inhalation as I gazed at my daughter and couldn’t believe how I allowed so many people to touch her. Penelope needed to have her personal boundaries honored.

That evening, I began to see how, I too, permitted people to trespass onto my space. Whether it was my psychic or physical space, it didn’t matter. Seeing and then feeling my own sacredness was new to me. I began releasing negative people from my life and learned it was okay to say “no.”

Penelope is now a beautiful woman who is a professional organizer and life coach. She still has amazingly, clear insights.

Interestingly, Penelope was student at Naropa Institute, a college that embraces the teachings of Buddha. Once again life reveals its circular motion.

~ Mmmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

"If you don't give up something has to give."

                                                                        MOM

Give me a J. S. I. T. and what have I got?

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 in 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 in doing so described the virtual, beannie cap topped with a propeller that I wore on my head. The spinner would actually spin wildly whenever I felt joy. I might not have as many friends because of this, but 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 all my emotions both positive and negative, but not allow them to cement me in. This awareness also allows me a shortcut back to my joyfulness.

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 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".