Some of you may remember the old Simon & Garfunkel song, most typically referred to as Feelin' Groovy.  The lyrics are simplistic, and the tune is catchy.  It came to mind as life seems to be in a very slowed down pace and has been for many months now.

Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feeling groovy

Initially, the slowdown was pretty positive for most if not all of us, especially in the US where a hard driving, fast pace is the norm.  Spending more time with family and catching up on sleep, reading, email conversations or the occasional phone call - all felt pretty nice.  Being home, without many of the usual obligations was almost cozy and relaxing. 

After many months of this worldwide Coronavirus situation, I’ve observed in myself and others, that there really is such a thing as too much ‘down time’. Being meaningfully engaged and socializing in person with family and friends are as critical to our well being, as relaxation.  Stress isn’t only generated by a fast pace but can be even more intense with the continual barrage of covid news, political news, worry about paying bills, anxiety about our livelihoods disappearing and annoyance/anger about local/state restrictions that have our minds and emotions flooded with fear.  Dealing with annoyance, anger, anxiety and worry are often not recognized as fear.  Yet they are each fear-based emotions.  Trying to manage them means life is anything but ‘feeling groovy’.

I look forward to the political noise lessening, our freedoms returning and the covid virus being less of a concern. To those who will feel safer by getting a vaccine, I pray that a safe and effective one will be available soon.  To those who want to travel, go to school, celebrate special occasions in a group and hug their grandparents again, without masks and the worry of covid spread, I pray that restrictions and fear will subside so that these social interactions will return for all.

I am reminded during this contentious election period in the US, that I am grateful for living in a free country, thanks to our founding forefathers. I cherish our freedoms so beautifully described in the US Constitution. Life, people, the country are not perfect.  Yet, I am grateful for each and every day that God has given us to live in this wonderful world of bounty and beauty.

May you and your loved ones be healthy and safe,
Mary

Thank you to Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in The Bahamas for these delicious recipes.  I am happy to share them with you and hope you enjoy!!!

"For northerners, it’s getting cold. And for those in the tropics and southern climes, it’s still summer or moving toward it. That’s why we’re giving you two fall recipes. They’re both based in pumpkin … and they both taste like bliss."

Simple Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients (Serves  3-4)
2 ¼ cups sugar pumpkins (or pumpkin puree)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup light coconut milk
2 Tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
1/4 tsp each of: sea salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg
 
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Halve two pumpkins (you can also use canned pumpkin). Scrape out the seeds and strings
Brush the pumpkin flesh with oil and place face down on the baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a fork can easily pierce the skin.
Transfer pumpkin to blender after cooling, and blend with remaining ingredients.
Pour mixture into a pot and boil for 10-15 minutes.

Time to eat! Leftovers can keep in the refrigerator for up to a few days, or in the freezer for a month.
 
Sweet Pumpkin Ice Cream 
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
2 cups full fat coconut milk (Make sure it’s cold.)
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup coconut sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
 
Directions:
Freeze pumpkin puree for 5-6 hours or overnight.
Chill coconut milk in the refrigerator.
Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender.
Grab a spoon and enjoy!

May you and your loved ones be safe and healthy,
Mary