Winter Holiday Spirit
By Lisa Solis DeLong RN, CSO Thriving Leader Collaborative
I love the shift in energy that happens this time of year. In a world that often feels so focused on instant gratification and personal advancement, it does my heart good to see people focus more on giving to others and sharing light and love with the world.
As we find ourselves enveloped in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to let the magical holiday spirit get lost. Along with the pressure of shopping lists and constant motion, the holidays also carry memories of past sorrows and joy.
Personally, while I currently experience this holiday season with less hustle and bustle since my kids are grown, I have also seen the “behind the scenes” that many people experience around this time of year which often includes feelings of stress or anxiety.
So let us take a collective breath and honor the true spirit of this year-end season with a nourishing pause, as we attend to our spirit amidst the complexities of our lived experiences.
The way I see it is, it’s a beautiful thing to play a part in orchestrating the magic of the season and to bring joy to those around you, but not if our minds get caught up focusing on thoughts of time, money and preparation to “make” it all happen…all of which contributes to internal unrest.
My desire for you is that you will be able to experience this season deeply grounded and rooted in inner peace, calm and joy.
To add some good vibrations and inner glow to your holidays, try this cherished ancient elixir. In Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil is classified as a Rasayana, or an herb that promotes overall health and boosts longevity. For 3,000 years, tea from this herb has been prepared daily and is believed to help balance the chakras, or energy centers, in the body.
According to Nick Polizzi, Host of Healing Kitchen: Let Food Be Thy Medicine
& Founder of The Sacred Science, holy basil is referred to as the “elixir of life,” or “tulsi” in India. It can be found growing around the most revered Hindu shrines and temples. Aromatic and delicious, this fix-all has found its way into many surrounding cultures, including those of Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
This power herb has withstood the scrutiny of science as well. Holy basil is rich in antioxidants; is extremely detoxifying; regulates the adrenal system (making it an effective anti-stress tonic); and possesses unusually high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, which is an essential omega 3 that reduces inflammation.
You are invited to give yourself a moment of intentional stillness and reflection to fill up your cup. We truly can nourish ourselves amidst the whirlwind of festivities when we create sacred pauses every day that bring us home to ourselves.
This time-tested formula is one to keep close at hand during the cold months. From all of us at Thriving Leader Collaborative, wishing you a winter full of connection, self-nourishment and joy!
Holy Basil Elixir
(Serves 1)
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/4 teaspoon cumin, ground
1/2 teaspoon cloves, ground
1/3 teaspoon green cardamom, crushed
1 to 2 teaspoons holy basil (also known as tulsi)
1/2 teaspoon honey
Splash of coconut or oat milk
Preparation
– Place all the herbs along with the water in a small pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.
– Strain the herbs, then pour the tea into a mug or cup.
– Stir in the honey and milk of your choice.
– Enjoy!
Sacred Cookbook: Forgotten Healing Recipes Of The Ancients. It’s loaded with the most powerful healing recipes we’ve come across in our travels around the world – and they’re all delicious… Click here to take a peek!
