And here we are entering our 2nd pandemic summer.
Mixed feelings about welcoming back the warm, dry, long days of Vancouver Island and a possible end in sight for the pandemic as vaccinations are ramping up. But simultaneous apprehension about society opening up too quickly, whether our nervous systems are prepared to socialize again and unrest in many corners of the globe, esp in India, Colombia, Hong Kong, Fairy Creek (Pacheedaht First Nation) in our own backyard and most urgently, occupied Palestinian territory
As always, we have lovingly curated resources to continue supporting your nervous systems, providing insight on what is happening neurologically, as well as some strategies to help you stay regulated. We have also packed some thought-provoking Oscar winning films and a joyful selection of NPR tiny desk concerts. And a few tasty recipes to help you stay hydrated and also to beat the heat.
We encourage you to continue proceeding with caution by maintaining the 6 ft physical distancing, practicing good hygiene and masking up. As we remember that not all segments of our community have fair and equal access internet access, transportation and health care required to book and receive their COVID vaccine. Due to these inequalities, our general health and safety is still at risk.
Be kind, be safe and move through the world with compassion whenever you can for those around you and most importantly, yourselves.
- Joy (Mudita) Meditation – Jack Kornfield
Let yourself think of someone you care about. Picture them, remember them, see them in your mind’s eye or hold them in your heart. Imagine their happiest moment as a child. Then begin to wish them well: “May you be joyful. May you remember the child of spirit that was born in you. May your joy increase. May the causes for happiness and joy grow stronger in your life.” Then imagine this person wishing the same for you.
Visit www.jackkornfield.com for meditations, articles & other materials. - How to deal with Intense Emotions – A Therapist’s Approach to Grief and Sadness
Courtesy of Therapy in a Nutshell, most people don’t know how to deal with intense emotions like grief, sadness, etc. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I have found some strategies that work for me when I’m feeling strong feelings. - Brain fog: how trauma, uncertainty and isolation have affected our minds and memory
Courtesy of the Guardian: A scientific investigation into the complexities of how our nervous systems are responding to the phenomenon of a year of global lockdown. - Some Oscar winning short docs:
“Consumed” by Richard John Seymour
“Colette” by Anthony Giacchino and Alice Doyard, the link includes interviews with the film makers - Bhangra Lesson 1 in Wilderness – How to do Punjab Step
Courtesy of our very own Canadian pandemic celebrity who has lit up the lives of people all over the world, Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon :) - This month is an NPR Tiny Desk Concert playlist:
Moses Sumney: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Rahim AlHaj: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Lucius: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Rhiannon Giddens: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
Nubya Garcia: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
Michael Kiwanuka: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
Balún: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert - Arugula & Watermelon Salad, by Cookie and Kate
A refreshing, hydrating summer time favorite packed with good fats and electrolytes.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the juicy flesh of the watermelon clears heat, relieving both thirst and irritability. It is one of the few with the ability to help relieve heat exhaustion, also known as “summerheat”.
And in TCM, the bitterness of the arugula stimulates liver function as well as clear heat from the body, especially from the heart (insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, palpitations). It is also a tasty contrast to the saltiness of the feta and olives. - Frozen Baked Sweet Potato (冰烤地瓜), courtesy of Chef Jorge
An oxymoron-sounding name, but a real Taiwanese classic: Frozen Baked Sweet Potatoes. These are baked to caramel-sweet perfection, then frozen to achieve an almost popsicle-like texture. Not to mention a tasty frozen alternative to the usual summertime popsicles, free of synthetic dyes and high fructose corn syrup.
