dedication how to grow things: how to eat simply:
introduction plant seeds and transplant them make raw porridge
getting lost make a compost garden make sabji
thinking sustainably plant a wildlife garden make raw soakmeal/upfill
recognizing neutral energy make yauche jess everythings' super hot chocolate
being a good loser use a panacea make baby food
finding information
meditation
*disclaimer: this material may not be the best, worst or indifferent for you, but should they become that way please feel free to improve upon these systems. in fact, feel free to improve them anyway.
dannybowers@gmail.com
introduction
let all be fine and well, here we are, strange place to start from, but then all journeys must start from where they are. to see a seed break through concrete is a miracle of nature, and they are everywhere. To begin let me say that one should not intrinsically fear the dark, if so then this script will help to learn some systems and techniques so that you can guide yourselelves to the places you must go, we must go. many of our friends commence our lives in the dark, some underground too. some live their whole lives in the dark. the dark can be construed as a negative thing, but then so can light. some folks dont know that the mere presence of light can kill, it is so. if we always fear the dark we will never know what goes on almost half of the time. this brings us to our first topic of this introduction: renewal everything someone has told you about yourself can change, or already has. not just butterflies metamorph. nature constantly reminds us of our cycles on a small level with the beating of our hearts, and at a large level with the seasons of time. However, interwoven within the small levels there are elements of large levels and vice-versa. these cyles are the catalysts of life. this we do know, there is a great deal of power in each plant, animal, and human system, and in the systems combined. new things are learned everyday. this brings us to topic two. nurture caring for life is the only requirement that nature gives us. what we choose to do is our own doing, the comfort created is a product of our attempts mixed with all the other variables. the culture of raising plants can adapt so that the grower may be rich or poor, young or old. nature reciprocates nurture in this way. we are very similar to plants and our differences aid each other like the balance of yin and yang. where plant life offers a home there is a luxurious spread of spiderwebs and a variety of species flourish. we could benefit greatly from building our cities towns, hamlets and villages, communities and neighborhoods based on these systems. if our buildings served an equal purpose for providing food, power, and shelter we could move closer to developing a model of society that closely related to our natural couterparts. 
saving money sustainably maintaining your garden materials: make soakmeal/upfill use a panacea
Contents
dedication** introduction** how to see through the veil** thinking sustainably**
how to grow things** how to eat simply** plant seeds and transplant them**
make raw porridge**getting lost **make a compost garden** make sabji**
plant a wildlife garden **make raw soakmeal/upfill**recognizing neutral energy
** make yauche **jess everythings' super hot chocolate**being a good loser**
use a panacea**make baby food** how to make yauche**finding information**meditation**
*disclaimer: this material may not be the best, worst or indifferent for you,
but should they become that way please feel free to improve upon these systems.
in fact, feel free to improve them anyway.
dannybowers@gmail.com
introduction
let all be fine and well, here we are, strange place to start from, but then all journeys must start from where they are. to see a seed break through concrete is a miracle of nature, and they are everywhere.
To begin let me say that one should not intrinsically fear the dark, if so then this script will
help to learn some systems and techniques so that you can guide yourselelves to the places
you must go, we must go. many of our friends commence our lives in the dark, some underground too.
some live their whole lives in the dark. the dark can be construed as a negative thing, but then so can light.
some folks dont know that the mere presence of light can kill, it is so. if we always fear the dark we will never
know what goes on almost half of the time.
this brings us to our first topic of this introduction:
renewal
everything someone has told you about yourself can change, or already has. not just butterflies metamorph.
nature constantly reminds us of our cycles on a small level with the beating of our hearts, and at a large level with the seasons of time. However, interwoven within the small levels there are elements of large levels and vice-versa. these cyles are the catalysts of life. this we do know, there is a great deal of power in each plant, animal, and human system, and in the systems combined. new things are learned everyday. this brings us to topic two.
nurture
caring for life is the only requirement that nature gives us. what we choose to do is our own doing, the comfort created is a product of our attempts mixed with all the other variables. the culture of raising plants can adapt so that the grower may be rich or poor, young or old. nature reciprocates nurture in this way. we are very similar to plants and our differences aid each other like the balance of yin and yang. where plant life offers a home there is a luxurious spread of spiderwebs and a variety of species flourish. we could benefit greatly from building our cities towns, hamlets and villages, communities and neighborhoods based on these systems. if our buildings served an equal purpose for providing food, power, and shelter we could move closer to developing a model of society that closely related to our natural couterparts.
how to see through the veil
have you ever heard of the saying "curiosity killed the cat."?
do you know the rest of it?
most people dont, just like many people arent led to answers to many questions, or there is an answer and it doesnt quite fit. there are reasons, and answers that sometimes suprise, even though they are plausible and make sense. many answers cycle in multiple generations in threes (a legacy) or fives (an epic) many answers can be sleuthed by the seven generations. it is because the english language is fairly new, that it is made up of other languages. it was developed as the language of aristocratic travelers (who also included some secret codes too). we need to take the time to make massive amounts of thought into our language, and what it has been used for historically. the english language is crafty, and used for conquering, which is not to say that it should be done away with. for example swahili was created to be a business language, and is often used as such today, it is very sweet and enticing. it is important that we do not use our language to conquer or kill the creative process, english has been useful for creating computer languages.
so, of course the answer is.......
"satisfaction brough it back."
saving money sustainably
- drive less (carpool)
- eliminate processed foods and drinks (make your own using whole foods!)
- grow your own food (veggies,herbs, weeds and sprouts)
- entertain yourself
- go solar or get a windmill
- enough is plenty
- hand wash your clothes
- reduce use of the refridgerator (use a rootcellar)
- solar oven
- reduce use of electricity (enjoy natural living)
- dont buy plastic childrens toys (make your own)
- invent something
- invest in a sustainable future
- recycle, reuse, reduce
- start a freeschool
- collectivize resources dedication
amani (translates as; harmony, strength, peace, desires, wishes)
peace has entered our collective conscience, she has a place and is loved. though she be near or far, her presence is left. bringer of light, dark and all color, bearer of justice, freedom, harmony and wonder. the sun shines on her greener pastures and the moon calls forth her creatures to grow. we are all her products and learn from old wisdom. the path we follow has footsteps of all sizes.
thinking sustainably
when we think of george washington, its good to think about why he won. he had the most land, alot of slaves,
years of combat history, he wore indian skin leggings, and maybe had wooden teeth.... he was mean. so the things that are associated with him should be thought about likewise, two hundred years later we think, what have we gained? the kind of revolutionary that progresses a cause forward would be john chatham, otherwise known as "johnny appleseed". it is rumored that he left boston in 1792 (you can imagine a debauched civilization by then) for ohio with a model of change. he was a vegetarian, and aware of nature's cycles and used nurturing skill. his legacy is well known and his nurseries provided much more than just apples. more of todays revolutionaries could be armed with needle and thread, mortar and pestal, spoon and mixing bowl, hammer and ploughsares, seeds and rucksack. revolunary thought in this day and age is about retro-fit, and recycing. designing patterns in old systems that provide new function and beauty, much like life will inhabit a fallen tree. washington, like most presidents, died shortly after his term due to inclement weather (he got caught in the rain). there is a lot of stress associated with holding office. chatham lived to be seventy and died doing what he loved, traveling and being in the open country.if we want our revolution to be about; removing barriers, sustainability, equality, organic living, multiculturalism, more alternatives etc. then thats what we have to give. if we want our sustainability to be about individual gain and stress, then we do things the way george washington did it, and it still fails. protest makes people aware of problems. sustainability is about removing the problems. the tools you use are as important as how you make them, and what you use them for.not all revolutions have been won with force, some have been won with beautiful cultural traditions including ;
language, food, style, clothing, music and art. some benefit because they are tantalizingly exotic, healthy and organic. some succeed because they have been crafty and invented new tools and sub-cultures. what we have is a product of what is here, there, what has
been given to us, or what we create. what woud you choose? this quest is the very heart of living sustainably.
- eliminate processed foods and drinks (make your own using whole foods!)
- grow your own food (veggies,herbs, weeds and sprouts)
- entertain yourself
- go solar or get a windmill
- enough is plenty
- hand wash your clothes
- reduce use of the refridgerator (use a rootcellar)
- solar oven
- reduce use of electricity (enjoy natural living)
- dont buy plastic childrens toys (make your own)
- invent something
- invest in a sustainable future
- recycle, reuse, reduce
- start a freeschool
- collectivize resources
recognizing life forces
potential - possibilities of change and action
kinetic - change and action in motion
ionic - results of change
the three forms of energy transfers reflect the cylces of life within the rewal process. since natural science and phsical science are related there is a reason to share terms. in the life cycle of a plant the three phases may represent a wide range of possibilites, but time is running out if we dont prevent gmo and pesticides which will reduce monocrops to arrid deserts. there are somethings we dont have to repeat, and as a dandelion seed
which has grown and created its conversation, some say it is impossible for a plant to destroy tarmack, others have seen it happen in one season. the first phase, potential, is what an organism imagines (which is limitless). one has the potential to break free of the fetters that bind, to; collectivize, form networks and incubators for activity.
in the potential phase clear spaces and intentions can initiate warm results. this is where dreaming and seeing meaning is important, things dont happen here, they dont get done. nothing is finished, or begun. the process for realizing the project just starts. the potential is realized well after the true beginning of the project (which is part of another project). relax with the knowledge that you may not know where or how your project began, but find out as much information as you can about the subject. if your goal is to build a cabin in the woods its good to know how other people have done it. during this stage of development you are collecting ideas, obtain as much resource and information as possible.
the second phase, kinetic, is what an organism does with the resources and knowledge available. this is where dream becomes reality.
the third phase, ionic, is where actions and ideas meet.
utilizing neutral energy
ambiguity, ambulatory, neucleus
at the heart of neutrality are a lot of words and feelings commonly used in our society, they are also often misunderstood. subjective-self, objective-others,
conjective- unity of self and others (conjective also refers to the heart).
healing exits in the neutral space, and new experiences and terms are created. neutrality is not necessarily an absence of polar extremes, for it contains very thin lines to be crossed. in neutrality there is something to be learned, felt, and gained. one example of the inherent complexity in something as simple as neutrality is when using the common model of good vs. evil. you will find two opposite sides with very similar motives and reasons for perceiving their existence (i.e. anywhere rich will still lead poor), but adding a neutrale space is like inserting a wide range of other motives and reasons with very different outcomes, leveling the playing field. for this, artists and musicians, writers, and thinkers are often known as liberal. that is, they have the power of creating neutral spaces. if we think of social outcomes of war, both sides claim to be positve(good) and the other is negative(evil). this yields a situation where the polarity will switch according to who thinks they are winning and why, but the bulk of the mass, in scientific terms the battery itself, is neutral. in war both sides can conservatively be re-armed from the same battery.
likewise, in an argument, both sides place reasons for their cause from neutral territory. countries all claim the need for existence and autonomy. neutrality transcends politics, it is culture, and the means to improve. it is cooperation and joint competion to create better products and resources that are universally controlled. there is no need for genocide in neutrality. people learn to use resources better with neutrality, easing the burdens of over populated cities. systems could be redesigned and multifunctional in neutral space.
beauty is neutral space, as are libraries,forests, fields, water ways, parks, gardens, and composts. tuning into nature is a nice way to tap into neutral space. nature provides places where healing can occur, spending time breathing directly from plants one becomes part of an healing organic process. nature provides a place where healing can occu, if one spends time breathing directly from plants then one becomes part of the organic process. it feels a lot different sharing air with a forest or park than with the concrete of a housing project, highway or boulevard.
understanding how to reintroduce this knowledge back into society is also a part of the neutral process. to give you a further idea of the......
misunderstandings people have of true neutrality;
1). the idea that to be apathetic is neutral,
2). that neutral exists outside of good or evil,
3). and that neutrality is some sort of balance point between good and evil.
a better way of thinking about it is to say good and evil are gradiations of neutral. another example of this appears in societal terms. in the 1800s people werent insane. because the term wasnt used. if someone felt psychologically ill, they were called "alienated". psychologists were called "alienists". as the definitions of good and bad swing like a pendulum, neutrality has difficult space holding them. especially when they act like they cant be held.neutrality contains good and evil. neutrality often has to create new spaces for good and bad, filling points on a page like stars in the sky. but that also makes being neutral very nurtitive.
getting lost
(a.k.a. how to find yourself)
getting lost can be very important if you want to have a good sense of direction. learning to do it can teach you to become more relaxed when you really find yourself completely lost. you can also get an opportunity to experience a part of the world, and yourself, you never thought you'd see. getting lost doesnt have to be difficult, once you have a practical sense you'll find it a lot easier.
materials needed;
do *not* bring a map (unless you really feel that you'll be lost forever)
food (a days worth if necessary)
water (or access to it)
comfortable clothes for expected weather ("don't get lost without your raincoat!")
steps for getting lost;
1). don't be afraid of getting lost, in fact, don't even think about it as being lost. think of this as a new experience, life is full of them. we can experience more from our culture if we allow ourselves the ability to gently collect information from the stimulus around us.
2). getting lost builds greater social networks. chances are, you have people in your own neighborhood you don't know. new people move in all the time, new babies are born, relationships change. thinking of getting lost as expanding your neighborhood awareness.
3). take note of everything around you. don't try to look for familiar things only. embrace the new sights, smells, sounds. let them become familiar by circling through areas little by little. begin to recongnize each landmark.
4). greet each stranger with familiarity; smile, say hello. don't expect anything, not even that they may know the area fully.
5). spend some time getting lost before you spend time trying to find your way. just experience being lost without fear or value. breathe normally.
6). take time to do something else; eat food, relax and have tea, talk to someone, compose a song, write in a journal, listen to the birds, daydream.
7). if anyone approaches you with aggression and asks what are you doing hanging around, tell them that you're lost, their attitude will usually change, and more likely than not they will direct you to a known location.
8). getting lost provides stories and shared community with prior social networks. tell your friends about the crazy time you being lost and chances are they'll go get lost there too.
9). getting lost brings you to interesting places you never knew existed.
10). getting lost can help you find new connections to familiar places.
11). getting lost can help you connect familiar places to new ones too.
12). being lost puts us in a state of vulnerability and renewal to others and ourselves, but within a realm of cultural norms. its not against the law to be lost, and people tend to open themselves up to the vulnerability and share dialogue and resources.
13). being lost can be a harmless way to create amazing opportunities to discover.
14). getting lost can be a form of exploration.
15). becoming familiar with new areas clears preconcieved notions we have about unkown places, it also helps prepare us if we should need to visit that area in the future. (i.e. "san fransisco? sure i know it well, ive been lost there many times.")
16). getting lost somewhere allows you to spend more time in a place and talk to new people.
17. begin to see being lost as spending time, not wasting time. afford yourself the luxury. consider it time spent neutrally.
18. do some warm up excercises with your mind, body and soul.
be a good loser
sometimes its important to know how to lose, and be loose. dandelions often experience this, getting ripped out or blown with the wind, not familiar with the new are. being a good loser ties in with knowing how to get lost, in fact, it is an entire philosophy. there are some sayings that go along with the philosophy as well, "quitters never win", "two-time loser", and others. contrary to some popular opinion, there are benefits to losing (i.e. you always get asked to play, someone else gets to feel good about themselves because someone else gets to be the "alpha"). losing involves some basic steps followed methodically;
1). dont try to win. this also means dont try to lose right away, make the process long, drawn out and sometimes agonizing.
2). dont try to lose. losing should be graceful, spontanious and surprising.
3). admit defeat, embrace it humbly, without humility. use it as an opportunity to improve.
4). play to tie. this is how chess players become champions.
5). use the opportunity to appreciate cooperation.
finding information
the necessary steps of increasing our awareness and awakening to new learning is to have access to the tools of knowledge. if someone did it, said it, or heard it, healed it ,mealed it, or sealed it; there is or was some kind of record, and someone knows something about it.
whatsoever is commonly known has a origin and source and if
you've heard about it, others have too.humans have kept records for
thousands of years. some records sound great, some give us information
about who owns what, other sources tell us when to grow seeds.
keeping a healthy organized system is truly a wonderful thing to pass on to
others who are also interested. traditional cultures commonly feed
someone prior to obtaining information. a full stomach and time to
digest allow a person the ability to feel more comfortable talking.
this also gives ample time for someone to breathe and get lots of
oxygen to the brain.
breathing well is also important when listening, one absorbs
information and lets the breath become regular. if someone has a hard
time remembering, give them time to breath. this will aid bodily
functions. then the person can converse with a relaxed flow, letting
time unfold wholistically. only the militarily minded use methods of
torture, pain and discomfort. the testamony they earn is likewise
distraught.
engage people from their perspective, and point of view, not from the
side you are on. don't debate. if and when possible have audio and
video recorders.
steps for information awareness;
1). fourth class mail is used for books and c.d.s it is much cheaer
than other delivery rates
2). a release of information (roi) is for medical information
3). internet search engines, like library systems are keyword specific
be very well -chosen and find information quicker
4. know what questions to ask and not to ask when reviewing each individual.
6. anticipate thier answer, how does it differ from yours? what are
the facts? sources?
7. read old books and newspapers, find out the perspectives, history
and related issues.
8. study linearly and chronologically.
9. listen to the moon and wind, find out what nature and your
instincts tell you.
10. make it known to as many people as possible that you are gathering
information, see what you get.
11. get a mailing address, phone number, and email address on a
homeade card and distribute it asking for information about your
topic.
12. ask people to get you in contact with others who might know
something. sometimes the people you meet are imprtant for who you will
know in common.
13. create your own library or research facility, greenhouse/lab, and
invite others to join.
14. find out how information you know is related the information others have
15 avoid gossip and irreputable sources
16. don't have expectations of what you wish to find out.
17. make your questions clear and short.
18. get answers in writing or audio/video transcript, trying to
remember everything everyone says leaves out the minute details that
answer questions.
19. always be friendly with everyone you talk to.
how to start seeds
1). seeds like clean environments. use castile, or plant based soap to prepare materials.
2). place seeds on a moist cheese cloth, on a plate.
3).add water, and change water everyday.
4). cover with another cheese cloth, and an upside plate on top, give room for air.
5). plant the embrios when mature and healthy.
6). don't forget to water and transplant into a bigger pot, you're a parent!
1. collect organic seeds (from friends, garden, organic, non gmo produce from stores)
2. start a seed library. people can check seeds out and back in from seeds they collect at harvest.
3. prepare the soil by stirring the ground (add humus, peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, worms, sand, minerals, and other nutrients.
4. plant seeds according to zone season,sun. make sure seeds are properly cared for.
5. plant flowers in the first quarter of the new moon.
6. know your zones.
7. know many varieties and uses for plants
8. use weeds.
9. seeds like to hibernate in clean, cool dark places.
10. safe space for storing seeds (sterility, clean and healthy, no chemicals
11. use castile soaps to clean spaces and for pest deterent
12. use chili, garlic, and mint for pest deterent (mix a few grains with water, and spray
13. become familiar with plant families.
14. remember that the ground is a living organism, a hole is a womb.
15. check your soil for toxins.
16. learn many ways to make the most life.
17. plants need nutrition, good soil, light, dark, love, and water.
18. use companion planting, plants with lots of friends attract more flying friendlies to pollinate.
19. when you sow seeds yourself you know what they look like as they grow. this way tendying to them is easier.
20. don't pull any plant that you don't know the name and use for.
21. weeds feed insects and pests. if there are no weeds, they'll eat your garden.
22. arrange your seedlings according to type and how much space you'll need.
23. if you grow vertically with fanciful hills and trellisses you'll get a better yield.
how to grow a living/nursery garden
this type of garden does not kill plants at harvest and is very helpful for starting nurseries. plants grown in this environment include; potato,lettuce, celery, onion, brasica, perennials and some annuals, like basil, which can be cloned. this garden is also good for seed starting from carrots and other root crops
1). harvest greens by the leaf and not the plant.
2). bok choy lettuce, celery can be regrown from the root butt.
3). basil can be cloned very easily by placing in a glass of water in sunlight, and change the water to keep it fresh taking onlyh larger leaves at harvest.
4). tomatoes can be cloned continually in a greenhouse cross pollinate with mother plants.
5). potatoes can be encouraged to grow eyes by placing them in a paper bag w/ an apple.
how to grow a garden in containers
To grow healthy container plants, you need to do a little research about your plants. For example, how far apart should they be? How tall will they grow? This is particularly important if you are planting a window box with a variety of plants. For example, if sunflowers need constant sun, don't plant them with a flower that cannot endure full sun. companion planting is helpful for maximum potential. In container gardening, you also need to ensure that plants have effective drainage and good soil. Place small rocks at the bottom of your containers so water will drain, and dampen potting soil before placing it in the pot.
how to harvest the garden
Take plants and seeds for harvest just before or at their peak (some seeds can be harvested long after their peak when they are dry. e.g. corn, amaranth, onion, garlic, greens). Prepare an area for drying by cleaning it with castile soap and allowing to completely dry. Like young seedlings harvests should be done in a clean environment. If you are collecting tomatoes remember they ripen quickest in darness rather than light. potatoes, pumpkins and squash can be stored in a cool, clean basement.You can save your vegetable seeds by drying them (you can use a plate, or the top of a plastic container, piece of wood, metal, etc.) . If You are hanging plants don't forget to make sure there is good airflow, or there will be mold.
starting a seed library
- first collect enough seeds to share.
- dry and store seeds.
A good seed library starts with good gardeners. Before you start handing out seeds you should provide courses in gardening (and free seeds) to individuals interested in seed sharing. Next, each individual checks out an appropriate number of seeds for their garden, after harvesting participants can check-in seeds from their harvest. These individuals might also be willing to help teach the next generation of seed library gardeners.
how to grow a wildlife garden
this by far is the most controversial section of this writing, and consequently one that has taken the most thought. all life needs food, forests dont always have abundant food, and forests are disappearing. we can choose to take responsibility to restore wildlife's natural suroundings by planting fruit and nut trees along with other things animals eat. one of the easiest ways to attract wildlife is to provide clean water from two or three sources. if you decide to plant non natives, use containers to prevent invasive growth. animals do not like strong herbs and prefer sweet things. there are creatures in the forest you'll never see. it is important to provide for them as well. they are on the ground and in the air.
the controversy is heated by combustion, development has moved into the forests already depleting resources. find out what used to grow in your area, and grow it. ancient varieties are hearty, colorful and more nutritious. many are still available. more reason to try and recieve nature's teachings is to observe her process, do what she does. forest soil can be acidic and will discriminate against what it doesnt want. containers with forest soil and coconut fiber can be placed higher up for hanging plants too, like blueberries.
each region has its own guides available at the local cooperative extension or agricultural college (although they use this information for opposing reasons). watch what animals eat and some bury seeds in a new place.
green compost (vegetables, grass, green stems),water,soil,worms,sand
brown compost (leaf matter, plants, brown stems)
straw
seeds (pumpkin, mushroom, sunflower, greens, cucuburtis)
dig a 3 to 5 foot hole and cover with layers of green, brown, straw, soil, and worms. plant some seeds (or seedlings) into a heavy layer of soil. dont grow herbs in your compost garden, or anything delicate. this garden should not be the main compost, just a subsidiary, and something to support wildlife.any time the compost and plants get too wet, prop plants up or string them vertically, add more soil and sand then straw. water when necessary.
how to pick and prepare produce for sale and presentation;
1). Produce must be free from insects.
2). Grocers want produce in small, medium, and large size bunches.
3). Bunches (of each size), must be equal.
4).When removing produce, pick largest first.
5). One does not need to kill plants to pick produce
make baby food
from a weeds perspective, feeding babies means giving the most nutrition to thrive and produce. most baby food follows the opposite process. think about how difficult a baby's day must be, nutritionally its the same. as the day progresses, stresses increase. many babies (and older folks) start the day with oatmeal, which automatically makes on tired, its over cooked and depleted of nutrient, fruit adds fuel. for lunch its processed cooked food or sometimes some fresh vegetable and fruit. by dinner its processed cooked vegetables. not a very healthy way to gain momentum and store energy reserves. these children are often irritable.
baby food doesnt have to be gross. it just has to be mush. if you start with fresh ingredients and keep it ra, soaked and sprouted, babies and their families will enjoy flavors and energy.
if your toys were brightly colored and your food was muttled, which would you chew on? wouldnt it be a good idea to serve raw food when things are the most vibrant?
greens can be juiced, tomato soup can be raw, carrots can be mashed, if you cook, never overboil. precious nutrients will be lost. always allow food to sit unheated, let most of the cooking take place while cooling after the boil. this way its not necessary to blow on a childs food (which they may not like, especially if you smoke). dont spice a babys food, when they are old enough make a small portion available for them to try and use (for example a pinch of salt, cinnamon, and others on a saucer).
make sabji
sabji is an asian dish consisting of vegetables in a spicy sauce. a friend of mine once told me a story about his grandfather who had been a revolutionary in india during the 1940's. he said they always had food cooking in case someone from another town or village would come. they were always fed before talking or meeting. this way travelers and messengers were healthy and alert. sabji is served in ashrams throughout the world because it is very healthy and filling. the mixture creates a medicinal and hearty meal. served with a grain (like barley) or flat bread called "nan"
materials:
base: carrots, potato,yam or other roots
onion and garlic (optional)
cocnut milk
water
sprouted nuts
fruit
curry
olive oil or ghee
any vegetable will do (leafy greens, peppers, broccoli, beans, turnips, and other things that take 10-30 minutes to cook).
this type of cooking is very easy and efficient because you can do it all in one pot. making heaps of food is quick too. heat curry then add water, bring to a boil, add vegetables (roots first, and tender things last). cook for twenty five minutes. add more curry, and let cool for 15 minutes (or more) this cooling step is very important, this gives the flavors time to mingle. you can stir clockwise, and counterclockwise during this step for added flavor. reheat to a boil and seve, the room should smell like incense. this type of food is really healthy, and also is very inexpensive.
*this recipe requires over night soaking
ingredients:
sprouted grains,
nuts, dried fruit (especially coconut),
spices,
hemp milk
use enough hemp milk to cover by two-thirds, stir and let sit for eight hours, stir again and eat.
make jess everything's super hot chocolate
use what ya got!
hemp milk, soymilk, water, rice milk, almond milk
cocoa powder
sucanat, stevia (sugar)
coconut butter, coconut shredded
goji berries
agave nectar
maca powder
ginger tea (real ginger if youre living on the edge)
cayenne powder
kava (if sore muscles)
carob (if yer feelin real fun)
honey (optional)
and remember, nothing matters, hula hoop!
a panacea is a plant that can heal (m)anything(s). it is most often taken orally in small amounts, whenever a person is down, they either smell or ingest the plant, as a "pick me up". this way the plant gradually has a way to become integrated into the bodys systems, over time. too much of a good thing is wasteful, so this is a healing method that should be mtered, some pnaceas do very well with food and are nutirtious;
tumerick- Curcuma longa syn. C. domestica (Zingiberaceae) is native to India and southern Asia where it is extensively cultivated. Best known for its bright yellow color and spicy taste to lovers of Indian food, its medicinal value is not so well known. However, recent research has confirmed the effects traditionally associated in ancient practices in the treatment of digestive and liver problems. The herb has also been shown to inhibit blood-clotting, relieve inflammatory conditions and help lower cholesterol levels.main properties: Stimulates secretion of bile, anti-inflammatory, eases stomach pain, antioxidant, antibacterial.
dock - N.O. Polygonaceae A common plant like the Common Dock, but handsomer, and distinguished by its sharp-pointed leaves being narrower and longer. It grows about 3 feet high, having erect, round, striated stems and small greenish flowers, turning brown when ripe. The root has been used in drinks and decoctions for scurvy and as a general blood cleanser. main properties: tonic,alertive,laxative
aloe/agave - main properties: The drug Aloes is one of the safest and best warm and stimulating purgatives to persons of sedentary habits and phlegmatic constitutions. An ordinary small dose takes from 15 to 18 hours to produce an effect. Its action is exerted mainly on the large intestine, for which reason, also it is useful as a vermifuge.
labrador-tea (ledum groendandicum),
arrow root - Maranta arundinacea (Marantaceae) is native to South America and the Caribbean. The local indigenous people use its root as a poultice for smallpox sores, and as an infusion for urinary infections. Arrowroot is used in herbal medicine in much the same manner as slippery elm (Ulmus Rubra), as a soothing demulcent and a nutrient of benefit in convalescence and for easing digestion. It helps to relieve acidity, indigestion and colic, and is mildly laxative. It may be applied as an ointment or poultice mixed with some other antiseptic herbs such as comfrey.MAIN PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory, digestive, antiseptic
sesame -Sesamum indicum (Pedaliaceae)Native to Africa, sesame is now cultivated in many tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. In ancient Egypt, the seeds were eaten and also pressed to yield oil, which was burned in lamps and used to make ointments. Sesame is used in China to redress afflictions of the liver and kidneys. The seeds are prescribed for problems such as dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and blurred vision. Owing to their lubricating effect within the digestive tract, the seeds are also considered a remedy for constipation. Sesame seed oil benefits the skin and is used as a base for cosmetics. A decoction of the root is
used in various traditions to treat coughs and asthma.maian properties: Digestive, aromatic, antispasmodic.
slippery elm, is a small tree abundant in various parts of North America.The branches are very rough, the leaves long, unequally toothed, rough with hairs on both sides, the leaf-buds covered with a dense yellow Wool. The flowers are stalkless.The bark, which is the only part used, is collected in spring from the bole and larger branches and dried.The powdered bark is sold in two forms: a coarse powder for use as poultices and a fine powder for making a mucilaginous drink.
main properties:Demulcent, emollient, expectorant, diuretic, nutritive.
It not only has a most soothing and healing action on all the parts it comes in contact with, but in addition possesses as much nutrition as is contained in oatmeal, and when made into gruel forms a wholesome and sustaining food for infants and invalids. It forms the basis of many patent foods.
Slippery Elm Food is generally made by mixing a teaspoonful of the powder into a thin and perfectly smooth paste with cold water and then pouring on a pint of boiling water, steadily stirring meanwhile. It can, if desired, be flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg or lemon rind. This makes an excellent drink in cases of irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, and taken at night will induce sleep.
Taken unsweetened, three times a day, Elm Food gives excellent results in gastritis, gastric catarrh, mucous colitis and enteritis, being tolerated by the stomach when all other foods fail, and is of great value in bronchitis, bleeding from the lungs and consumption (being most healing to the lungs), soothing a cough and building up and preventing wasting. A Slippery Elm compound excellent for coughs is made as follows: Cut obliquely one or more ounces of bark into pieces about the thickness of a match; add a pinch of Cayenne flavour with a slice of lemon and sweeten, infusing the whole in a pint of boiling water and letting it stand for 25 minutes. Take this frequently in small doses: for a consumptive patient, about a pint a day is recommended. It is considered one of the best remedies that can be given as it combines both demulcent and stimulating properties. Being mucilaginous, it rolls up the mucous material so troublesome to the patient and passes it down through the intestines.
In typhoid fever, the Slippery Elm drink, prepared as for coughs, is recommended, serving a threefold purpose, to cleanse, heal and strengthen, the patient being allowed to drink as much as desired until thirst has abated, and other remedies can be used. If the patient is not thirsty, a dose of 2 large tablespoonfuls every hour for an adult has been prescribed.The bark is an ingredient in various lung medicines. A valuable remedy for Bronchitis and all diseases of the throat and lungs is compounded as follows: 1 teaspoonful Flax seed, 1 OZ. Slippery Elm bark, 1 OZ. Thoroughwort, 1 stick Liquorice, 1 quart water. Simmer slowly for 20 minutes. Strain and add 1 pint of the best vinegar and 1/2 pint of sugar. When cold, bottle. Dose: 1 tablespoonful two or three times a day.
The Red Indians have long used this viscous inner bark to prepare a healing salve, and in herbal medicine a Slippery Elm bark powder is considered one of the best possible poultices for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns and all inflamed surfaces, soothing, healing and reducing pain and inflammation.
It is made as follows: Mix the powder with hot water to form the required consistency, spread smoothly upon soft cotton cloth and apply over the parts affected. It is unfailing in cases of suppurations, abscesses, wounds of all kinds, congestion, eruptions, swollen glands, etc. In simple inflammation, it may be applied directly over the part affected; to abscesses and old wounds, it should be placed between cloths. If applied to parts of the body where there is hair, the face of the poultice should be smeared with olive oil before applying.
In older wounds, an excellent antiseptic poultice is prepared by mixing with warm water or an infusion of Wormwood, equal parts of Slippery Elm powder and very fine charcoal and applying immediately over the infected part. It has been asserted that a pinch of the Slippery Elm powder put into a hollow tooth stops the ache and greatly delays decay, if used as soon as there is any sign of decay.
white willow, -Salix alba (Salicaceae) is native to Europe but is also found in North Africa and Asia. White willow is an excellent remedy for arthritic and rheumatic pain, affecting the joints like knees and hips. Famous as the original source of salicylic acid,first isolated in 1838 and synthetically produced in the laboratory in 1899, white willow and closely related species have been used for thousands of years in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America to relieve joint pain and manage fevers. The Greek physician Discorides in the 1st century AD, suggested taking "willow leaves, mashed with a little pepper and drunk with wine"to relieve lower back pain.
main properties: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, reduces fever, anti-rheumatic, astringent.
cayenne.Capsicum minimum (ROXB.) Cayenne or Capsicum derives its name from the Greek, 'to bite,' in allusion to the hot pungent properties of the fruits and seeds. Cayenne pepper was introduced into Britain from India in 1548, MAIN PROPERTIES -A powerful local stimulant, with no narcotic effect largely used in hot climates as a condiment, and most useful in atony of the intestines and stomach. It should not be used in ordinary gastric catarrh. For persons addicted to drink it seems to be useful possibly by reducing the dilated blood-vessels and thus relieving chronic congestion. It is often added to tonics and is said to be unequalled for warding off diseases. Herbalists use it largely in pill form and powdered. Externally it is a strong rubefacient and acts gently with no danger of vesication; is applied as a cataplasm or as a liniment; it can be mixed with 10 to 20 per cent of cotton-seed oil. The powder or the tincture is beneficial for relaxed uvula. A preparation in use in the West Indies called Mandram, for weak digestion and loss of appetite, is made of thinly sliced and unskinned cucumbers, shallots, chives, or onions, lemon or lime juice, Madeira, and a few pods of bird pepper well mashed up in the liquids. It can be used as a chutney.
---Doses---For a gargle: 1/2 drachm of powder to 1 pint of boiling water, or 1/2 fluid ounce of the tincture to 8 fluid ounces of rose water. If the throat is very sensitive it can be given in pill form - generally made with 1 to 10 grains powder. The infusion is made with 2 drachms to 1/2 pint boiling water taken in 1/2 fluid ounce doses. The tincture is used as a paint for chilblains.
Meditation
this type of action is as useful for the anachist, angry teen, bushman, mendicant religious pilgrim, constructuion worler, or public bus rider. it is extremely useful for everyone else too. its not just sitting around wasting time. meditation plays an important part of the life cycle. it exists in a neutral space, where healing takes place. while a person is meditating they consume only air and sense. it is a time to align cosmic and internal body forces and energies. when we meditate much of what we do in life becomes a product of this time and our dreams.
). wear loose comfortable clothing
2). sit with your postarier firmly planted
3). become fully aware of your breathing and its connection with all other life. let your breath touch you and complete you, let your breath fill your diaphram. inhale and exhale fully with a measured rhythm. find purpose in your breath and know that it sustains all.
4). sit with your back and shoulders held high, do this by keeping your head straight.
5). feel relaxed by dropping your gaze to a space in front of your on the ground, this obviously will help you feel grounded. feel free to see anything that goes fro all the senses. dont try to block too much out. if you become overwhelmed return your gaze to a comfortable place and breathe with focused intent.
6). keep your body still, fidgeting may lead to pain, or more pain. feel your body's nerves. dont try to place value on sensations. let the feelings pass. if you itch, feel it too. when uncomfortable sensations and feelings arize allow more oxygen to reach all parts of the body, this will place each organ in the neutral space, breathe.
7). dont try to find a way to make meditation work, its not going to work, unless of course, you get paid to breath. each experience is an individual organic process, and is random, chaotic, cyclical, and more. no meditation sessions are the same.
8). meditation is a time to recharge the bodys energies. much like sleep or eating during meditation an individual experiences an ability. it is a time for processing, and rejuvenation.
9). sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours. give your self enough time to experience the full process of meditation.
10). meditation with other people can increase the flow of energy exponentially and help peoiple sit a little longer.
12). begin ot think of meditation as spending time, not wasting it. afford yourself the luxury as you would buy food.
