Meditation. I know, most people are like ummm … yea, what about it? Most people (at least in my experience) think mediation is weird. But, most people (at least in my experience) aren’t evolved enough to understand that meditation just might be the “cure” for all that ails us. SAY WHAT? Yea, I know … but hear me out.

NEWSFLASH to everyone sequestered during this COVID-19 outbreak … here’s a perfect, 15-minute, guided meditation with Dr. Elliot S. Dacher to get your mind in a good spot and help calm you while you pace the rooms in your house 😉 Presented by Rancho La Puerta.

It’s not a secret that stress kills. And I am a card-carrying member of the remove-the-toxic-shit from your life so you can live a longer (hopefully), healthy and disease-free life. Because when you’re stressed, your heart races. Your brain can’t concentrate. And your body doesn’t perform the way it should; the way it needs to. 

“Ongoing, chronic stress … can cause or exacerbate many serious health problems, including: Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and stroke.” ~ WebMD.com

And according to many health-industry professionals, meditation can be a useful tool in helping individuals lower their stress level. Anyway, on one particularly stressful evening, my favorite man suggested (well, it was a bit stronger than a mere suggestion) that I download the Headspace app so I could listen to something peaceful and fall asleep with a clear mind. “Ha, right,” I said. And then he reminded my cynical self not all that long ago, fell asleep with my head on his chest, whilst listening to “rain on the roof” (one of the Headspace options) or something like that. And yes, as much as I hate to admit it, he is/was right … so … “Fine. Whatever. I’ll do it.” And after one night, I was hooked. 

Anyway, although I have to remind myself to do it, I am “doing it” on a more regular basis and soon I hope to be “doing it” on the daily. At night, yes, but even a few minutes during the daytime hours would be a welcome addition to my crazy. ; )

“Meditation isn’t about becoming a different person, a new person, or even a better person. It’s about training in awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective. You’re not trying to turn off your thoughts or feelings. You’re learning to observe them without judgment. And eventually, you may start to better understand them as well.” ~ Headspace.com

DISCLAIMER: Our recipes are just that, ours. Some are modified versions of dishes we’ve had elsewhere or old-favorites that contained animal proteins that we replaced with plant-based options, while others are a concentrated effort of trial and error. But all are intended to be altered by you and made to suit your tastes. So if you want more garlic or none at all, go for it. You do you ; ) Now for the serious part … periodically this site does offer health, nutrition and exercise information. The information provided is not intended as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice given by a licensed physician or other health-care professional. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, consult your physician and never delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.