Nutrition: Squash: This cold and flu season, why not add some natural immune boosters into your diet on a regular basis? Garlic and other members of the allium family have been successfully used throughout history as the poor mans antibiotic. Ancient Egyptians were the first known culture to cultivate garlic and since its first days of cultivation it has been used for medicinal purposes. Only recently, has research begun to support all of the amazing health claims of this allium. The sulfur containing compounds – allicin, alliin, and dithiins – which are responsible for garlic’s odor, have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral qualities. Garlic is also an excellent source of manganese, B6, C, and selenium – nutrients that support cardiovascular health. Use garlic to spice any dish or roast on its own and serve with your favorite bread and cheese.

Yoga: Last month Past October, I introduced the idea of dharma and the twelve tenets along the path of dharma. The first of those tenets is the practice of patience. When I see the words that define patience – tolerant, steady, diligent, persevering – I have to giggle to myself. I know my own steadiness and diligence and there is nothing patient about them.

So I look again at the definition only to find the world calmly at the end. At first these seem like such opposite ways of being for me – I diligently work and try to calmly rest once my work is done. I’m wondering if health is somewhere in the balance between steadfastness and calm, diligence and ease, and perseverance and peace.

But these are only words and intellectual play until I practice finding the sensation within myself of the space between action and awareness. Each challenging conversation, each obstacle, and each goal that seems just out of reach are the perfect experiences to practice finding patience in action. This holiday season, I encourage you to play with the balance point of enduring with peaceful calm. What a perfect gift for you and the ones you love.

Stress Management: This November, during your busiest and most active moments, begin to practice mindfulness, presence, and calm. Your breath is the most direct route into these qualities. When you feel overscheduled, overwhelmed, or just frustrated -pause, feel your breath, and mindfully be with your present experience. Begin to notice if this shifts or transforms your experience.

Past October Monthly Tips