“Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways. ”
― Oscar Wilde
I'm taking Oscar's lead and drinking in the colour of Autumn to be my nourishment, map for healthy home and cultivation of a peaceful space inside me. It's been a turbulent, devastating and chaotic summer for all. It's time to prepare body, mind and soul for the coming winter. Why Colour? Nature in Her indomitable Beingness has bestowed upon us the healing power of plants by colour and what the Veda's prescribed as the panacea for a changing season.
Fall colors are bright, deep and luscious. Leaves changing colour, harvest time and the sunset sky all signaling us to nourish our Soul's temple. My favorite autumn colour is orange. The colour of the 2nd chakra, healing and joy. A colour that grounds and soothes the nervous system. When seasons change our immune systems tend to be more susceptible to stress and sleep disruptions occur as we begin to adjust. The frequency of orange nourishes our endocrine pathways. Orange triggers a sense of relaxation and joy. Using spices like ginger, turmeric and cardamon in cooking aids in relieving these seasonal changes. I like to use sandalwood, cardamon and frankincense essential oils in my environment just as I start feeling the morning air is crisp and cool. These essential oils tell our bodies, minds and souls to slow down, warm up and to keep our inner being relaxed. I start making soups with colorful vegetables. I'm mindful to eat protein rich snacks throughout the day. My favorite pumpkin soup recipe will add a smile to your stomach and a sense of well being as we move forward into winter.
Warming Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 large pumpkin (about 3 pounds), or 3 cups canned pumpkin (preferably organic)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon ghee or olive oil
- 1 cup chopped leeks or onions
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves, ground
- 2 to 3 cups vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon tamari sauce
- 1 cup vanilla almond milk (regular milk is also fine)
- Nutmeg for garnish
Directions:
If using fresh pumpkin, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wash the pumpkin, cut in half, and remove seeds. Place the pumpkin halves face down in a baking pan. Pour in the water and cover pan with foil. Bake for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the pumpkin pulls out easily. Let cool; then remove the pumpkin pulp from the rind with a spoon. Place into a bowl and set aside. You should have about 3 cups of pumpkin pulp.
Heat a soup pot over medium heat and add the oil. Add the leeks and spices. Sauté for 4 or 5 minutes or until the leeks are translucent. Add some stock if the mixture begins to dry. Add the pumpkin pulp and continue to sauté for another 3 or 4 minutes. Add the aminos or tamari and brown the pumpkin pulp slightly. Add the vegetable stock to cover the pumpkin and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Using a hand blender or food processor, purée the soup to a smooth and creamy consistency, adding the milk as you purée the soup. Return the soup to the pot and reheat if necessary.
Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Tip: Don’t throw away the pumpkin seeds. You can make a tasty snack by roasting these hearty seeds, which are a good source of protein and zinc.
Serves 4 to 6
Wow Full Stop.
Appreciating all of your support and visits to my new website. My new Place in Space mariannenishifue.com. Communication a bit flakey m@mariannenishifue.com address has gone south. Try this one m.nishifue@gmail.com and let's start up a conversation.
Prague and I....Love this City's Vibe
I made it to Prague while I was visiting Berlin last month. Prague; one of the SolSitē essential oil blends that Martin+ Mo and Apothycaria has created. I can now say I experienced this exquisite and enchanting city. The SolSitē description says it all.
Charles IV, Luxembourg dynasty; abundant, rich. Underscored with the scent of roses roses roses with hints of rosemary, linden and rhododendrum. Deep velvet reds, gold and a heightened sense of luxury born from aristocracy as I walk by the scrolled marquis, pastry and clothier shops; ready to step into another era.
Find yourself transported to Prague, Jerusalem and Hong Kong. Find them at mint~able Martin+Mo's
Want Your Own Signature Scent?
Contact me directly m.nishifue@gmail.com to create your own signature essential oil scent, perfume + environment enhancer.
Just Colour, Angele Lange + I in Berlin
Exploring colour and scent with Angele Lange at her institute Just Colour in Berlin was a lesson in subtleness. She has created a beautiful venue to expand One's inner journey through Colour, Light and meaningful dialog. I was able to stretch my knowledge and collaborate with her to teach my Finding Equilibrium course on essential oils, Ayurveda and Colour. It was colourific! We are looking forward to the next time our hearts, noses and minds come together.
Want to engage your senses? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @AlchemistNishifue for future classes and topical information.
"The Best Way To Find Yourself Is In The Service of Others"
~ Mahatma Gandhi
For the entire month of October I will be donating 30% of my net profits to Habitat for Humanity
"Peace on the Wall" ©mariannenishifué 2017 Berlin
Here's to Surfing the Power of Colour, Season and Living in Balance
Joy Joy Joy
M
"Silicon Valley Portal" © mariannenishifué 2017