Healthy Habits and A Dessert Recipe...

We like things mystical here at Merkaba.
But it's been more like MISTYcal for much of the past week.
If Portugal experiences a few days of rain then we, by default of our mountain location, experience similar conditions but immersed in cloud. Like somewhere Frodo and them lot might have wandered through in Lord of the Rings.

Fall guys . . . the men of Merkaba (l-r) Jamie, Tommy and Dan stand and watch as Ewan topples a big tree

But lo, as the working week cleared it's way to the pinnacle, we were able to utilise the tree surgery skills of a visitor and collate much timber to keep us going for many an evening - and morning yoga in the winter - to come.
In the spirit of eco-loving, for every tree we chopped down,we have planted at least 10 in replacement throughout this year.

Logged on . . . an afternoon's work means months of firewood, and a nice excuse to plant more trees

As we said goodbye to baby Teila last week, we welcome Indigo, 2, and her mother Zoe. To see the joy on these little un's faces is an absolute delight. And they love the dogs, ducks and chickens too!

Indigo child . . . little Indie was always a shining injection of energy to any proceedings

We also took time to trim the garden area in preparation for fruit and veg growing season. If you are interested in any healthy, fun and literally fruitful farming experiences, please get in touch via Twitter, Facebook or email wearemerkaba@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, and in the spirit of creating regular and helpful content over the course of these blogs, there are five vibrant lifestyle recommendations that we have been enjoying this week. Plus a little dessert recipe for good measure!
Stay Unified,
Merkaba Community

HEALTH TIPS

Sun Gazing:

Plenty of research has now been done on this ancient practice that is regaining popularity.
Scans of a 70-year-old long-term sungazer showed a pineal gland [a really very brilliant part of the brain, right bang in the middle of it] three times larger than an average man. And the pineal gland is supposed to shrink as we age.
This would suggest sungazing is good for maintaining high spiritual enjoyment of life.
One man claims to have foregone food for EIGHT YEARS, existing on a 'diet' of just the sun's rays.
We only do it at sunrise or sunset, for the 10-15 minutes either side of it disappearing, as otherwise the light rays would burn too much.
And we can still eat plenty of healthy food too!

Amazing rays . . . sungazing puts things in perspective when you've been taking light in directly from such a long way

Hugs:

The energy exchange encourages empathy and understanding, teach us how to give and receive, relaxes muscles, boosts self-esteem, elevates serotonin levels, heals feelings of loneliness/isolation/anger, builds a sense of trust and even strengthens the immune system.

Yoga/Meditation:

One aim of the practice of yoga, in its earliest incarnations, was to restrict the fluctuations of consciousness.
Thus, in enjoying up to two hours daily as part of our regular morning routine, the best possible chance of level-headed thriving ensues.
Topped and/or tailed with breathing exercises/soundbowl healing meditations, these sessions also allow for ful oxygenation of the blood, resulting in greater efficiency and delivery of nutrients and healing entities throughout the body.

Fresh water:

We are privileged here at Merkaba to reside on the side of a crystal mountain through which all our water is filtered.
The benefits of drinking filtered water - as opposed to tap water which contains many additives including fluoride - include a purified pineal gland, which is the central node of the brain responsible for creative, free thought. The pineal gland is calcified by fluoride so drinking straight tap water may as well be a no-no if possible.

Turm' of our lives . . . this wonder root should be on everyone's shopping list right now

Turmeric:

Everyone - it seems - is on about how great turmeric is these days.
For years it was dismissed in the Western world as little more than a food colouring, but thanks to many recent studies can rightly be lauded for the healing, miraculous substance that it is.
It is anti-inflammatory, good for skin and brain health, helps fight cancer, diabetes, depression.
Thus, we like to enjoy it in the morning in a glass of hot water with lemon and black pepper.
Plus apple cider vinegar if one should feel so inclined.

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE

BlackBean Mint Chocolate Mousse with Toasted Peanut and Coconut Sugar Crumble

Beans means fine . . . this dessert packs a protein punch while satisfying taste buds too

Bit of a sweet treat this one... But nowhere near as 'naughty' as it feels!
Because of the black bean base, the mousse is actually a nutrient dense bombshell, packed with dates, cacao, coconut oil and a splash of freshly made, raw hemp milk.
Blended together - after thoroughly cooking the beans - and popping in the freezer will see you right.
For the crumble, mill up a cup full of peanuts, with a tablespoon or two of coconut palm sugar, plus a tablespoon of cacao nibs if available.
Fry the above mix in a generous amount of coconut oil.
The sugar, when fried, will melt around the peanut dust, forming a sweet and crispy crumbly topping that, when cooled and the sugar hardens, still offers crunch even the following day.

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