Winter Gratitudes
As I sit to write, curled up with a cup of steaming golden milk (recipe below), I gaze out the window at my backyard. A few weeks ago, I was enjoying the locust tree filled with its dazzling, sunshine-yellow leaves. I anticipated the on-coming disappointment of the winter season in the backyard without the summer abundance that drew me to it. The day the frost finally sent the locust leaves fluttering to the ground, I woke to find I had a clear view of the lush green hills with a dragon-like mist, worthy of a Chinese painting. I share this because it seems like an apt metaphor for this year.
While we are accustomed to our freedom of movement in the world and dislike feeling imposed limitations, something happens when we slow down. We embrace the literal and metaphorical winter. I hear it again and again from friends and patients in this strange pandemic time…how much they are enjoying doing less. We have discovered new talents and let go of careers and friendships that are no longer nourishing and enjoyable. We are learning to take breaks from the hamster wheel of duty and obligation. These are the invitations of this time.
What happens if you shed your dazzling coat for a little while? What is waiting there silently (and maybe, urgently) in the background? What happens if you take a break from doing what you “should” be doing and tend to a quiet impulse? What are the gifts of this challenging time?
Feeling gratitude, in this holiday season, for the simple pleasures and for all of you, my fellow humans.
Warmly, Dr. Ajana Miki
Golden Milk recipe
(approach like an alchemist, this is a suggestion, play with it until you find what tastes just right to you)
One cup of milk of choice (traditionally that would be raw, grass-fed milk but macadamia, soy, hemp, oat are great non-dairy options)
Add turmeric: ½ tsp of paste or powder. If you are using fresh turmeric, grate or chop an inch or so.
Add ginger. Grate or chop a half inch.
Add a pinch of black pepper (to strengthen the properties of the turmeric).
Add a pat of grass fed butter or ghee or coconut oil (to increase the absorption of the turmeric).
Simmer over medium heat, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Do not boil.
Remove from heat, strain and add sweetener: stevia, honey, or maple syrup.
Optional alchemical touches to play with: add a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of vanilla, a pinch or a few crushed pods of cardamom, or a splash of rose water.