Reaching out, reaching up.

Lately I've been dedicating myself to find inner peace. I've been really pushing myself mentally and physically with my yoga practice as well as trying to control my thoughts. Just like anything, these things take ample practice and sincere focus. I've always struggled to find inner peace. I have many wars internally with myself, my past, my adversities. We all do. I do feel it takes a strong person to control their thoughts and to have power over how they think and what comes into their mind. I've had a weak mind and even weaker will for many years. I would say I'm trying to be more positive but it really irritates me people who claim to be all about positivity and PMA. To me, its unrealistic. There is an intrinsic balance to life, no good without bad. So how can you accurately measure your one sided ' positivity' without equating it with something equally as negative? If you've never been though much or anything difficult, how happy can you really be if you've never had anything bad to compare it to? I feel that people who have really struggled in life relish the taste of pure joy much sweeter than those who have had a cake walk life [see what I did there?]. Take solace in that if you've ever felt with something tragic. I do. So, for me control is about balance. It's about realistic intentions. I don't daydream about a perfect life. I make it happen. I don't strive for happiness one day, I achieve contentment now. Where I am now, is exactly where I should be and I am grateful for every breathe I take, knowing it could easily be my last. I'll never grasp people that have constant unfulfilled objectives. Now is the time. Go out there and do the things you want to do. Don't settle and wrap yourself in complacency. That's too easy. You can never keep doing the same things and expect any change to come. You must make it happen. Initiative is everything. Things don't fall in your lap. Intend to expand and progress with every fiber of your soul.

Can't buy me love

It's always been hard for me to relate to people who have had an easy or privileged life. Perhaps it's because I was made fun of as a youth for wearing hand me downs and not being able to take fancy vacations, etc. Now don't get me wrong, I had plenty, just never anything in excess. Obviously now I am extremely grateful that I wasn't spoiled, for if I had been, I do feel like I would be an unappreciative possession focused asshole. The thing is, I don't understand people who claim to be humble yet parade their wealth or material things around for approval. It's bogus. Don't be hypocritical. Have integrity with yourself. It's so easy to spew insincere ideals around about loving a harmonious, spiritual life as a lot of people I know say. Living them is a whole other thing. The luxuries of life can be taken from you at any point. They are utterly meaningless in the long run. Sure, people like nice things here and there. I can especially appreciate nice things being that I never really had them as an adolescence. But, lately, every time I want something material I look deep within to ask myself- "do I really need this?" The answer usually is a resounding 'no'. The truth is- I have everything I need. That's probably why I have such an abhorrence for Christmas. It's so acutely focused on materials. Although I gather wanting to buy things for people you love, I really just reject the whole idea of it. I don't buy into overly commercialized Hallmark holidays. Greed and competition are the cornerstone of this countries demise. The desire to have more than others separates us. We feel the need to prove ourselves with wealth and privilege, never noticing how vapid and sad these things project our intentions. I'd much rather make something as a gift than cheapen a relationship with something anyone could give. It just seems so thoughtless and lazy to me. Some of the most unhappy and miserable people I know try to convince themselves they are happy with their lavish possessions but they aren't fooling me or anyone really. Invest yourself into tangible and rewarding avenues. Elevate your heart and soul into honorable paths and you will be the richest person in the world.

Vegan African stew

It's freezing here in Austin. It's about 31 degrees and freezing rain. I was really craving something warm and satisfying. This stew hit the spot and was very flavorful. High in antioxidants,  vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, folate, protein. It's gluten, grain, meat and dairy free.  It's also low is sodium and fat as well as being an alkalizing meal. Eating alkalized foods is important because having an overall acidic ph makes you susceptible to diseases, infections etc. most cancers thrive in an overly acidic environment.  

Ingredients [I used all organic]

-2 cans crushed tomatoes [salt free is possible]

-1 can chickpeas

-1 white onion, diced

-2 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed 

-2 cups of water 

-1 sweet potato, cubed

-1 eggplant, cubed 

-2 cups baby spinach

- handful of raw peanuts or cashews

-1 tsp coriander

-1 tsp ginger

-1 tsp cumin

- olive oil 

-salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, heat up some olive oil and then add onion and brown for about 4-5 minutes. Then add garlic to onion and brown for 1 more minute. Stir in coriander, ginger and cumin. Then stir in crushed tomatoes and chickpeas until combined. Add water, eggplant, sweet potato and peanuts. Bring to a simmer then let reduce over low heat until consistency is stew like. Once satisfied, stir in baby spinach and enjoy! Serves about 8. 

Day 30- simplicity

Last day in 30 day of gratitude. I really enjoyed doing this. Today I want to pay my respect to simplicity. It's amazing how complicated we can make our lives and day to day situations. And why? Where does it get us? No where. Everything in life is fundamentally simple. We just have to allow ourselves to be. You don't need to waste energy overreacting. I think that everyone wants the same things; happiness, health and love. Is it really that hard to obtain these things? Or are we just creating metal blocks and personal obstacles? Tell people how you feel. Stop holding back. Believe in yourself. Lift others up. Give everything you've got to something you're passionate about. That's really all there is to it. Sure, there will be hiccups. That's life. It's how you deal with things that counts.