A long awaited Sunday Session finally comes to fruition as we decide to go Mexican theme to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Mike prepares guacamole and salsa verde, Mandy slow cooks pulled chicken, Heather spoils us with black bean dip and pico de gallo, and I contribute mexican style street corn. The night also would not be complete without Mike’s marvelous margaritas – Don Julio or Patrón?
Our eyes are literally feasting on all of the tasty colours of this spread as we get our hands right into the mix! One of the most satisfying pleasures about eating with your hands is that instant connection you get by touching your food and guiding it to your mouth. It’s also more fun when you can engage with your meal and create do it yourself tacos while experimenting with different versions of toppings. The key to a successful mexican night is always fresh herbs and abundance of lime juice. We harvest fresh cilantro from the back garden for the salsa, garnishing and guacamole. Every one has opted for different tortillas – whole wheat, corn, and flour, which were then lightly heated on the pan with some olive oil.
A brief history on elotes – corn on the cob, this humble crop was first domesticated in Honduras in the 6600BC and quickly became ubiquitous throughout Mexico. Due to it’s affordability, street vendors would boil or roast them serving on a stick or just the husk as a handle – which easily became a beloved and popular street snack, by sprinkling seasoning or slathering sauce on top. I prepared my corn first by simmering in a boiling pot and transferred them over to the grill to obtain that perfect charred exterior – that magically highlights these golden cones. This technique ensures the corn stays juicy, retaining its sweetness without drying out on the barbecue. Remember to rotate the cobs so they get even colouring all around. I substituted cotija cheese with parmesan, and no one even noticed the difference, as the corn was devoured within seconds. There is absolutely no way to eat this messy corn on the cob gracefully, so prepare for a fiesta in your mouth! A quick squeeze of lime is the secret to elevating this crowd pleaser to the next level.
I regretfully postpone churros for another night as I conserve my energy for conducting the evening smudge. With the arrival of summer and visitors to Bermuda, there seems to be less and less time for decompressing and disconnecting with the world. While trying to remain sociable and involved, it can sometimes start to take a toll on me, and taking a few steps back to re-center and find balance once again is so important. Tonight, we do a meditation on accepting the present moment, letting go of the clutter and noise that distracts us, and just sitting still for a few minutes allowing our minds to settle and connect inwards, with our spiritual realm.
I introduce a new “grounding” or “earthing” exercise with the group tonight. What happens to the human body when we walk Barefoot on Earth? After 20 minutes of this natural grounding exercise, it has shown to improve facial circulation. Place your bare feet directly on the earth, what sensations do you feel? When we remove barriers that keep us from being in complete contact with nature, that keep us from the natural healing powers of our planet, we can begin to recharge and re-establish that connection with our roots. No socks, no shoes – as the rubber on the soles are good insulators from electrical conduction, causing us to disconnect with our world. The Earth carries negative ions which are electron rich, and can help transfer antioxidants to us to destroy free radicals. Allow your feet to absorb the negative electrons. This grounding energy flows through your physical body and helps to align your body with your surroundings, vibrating at the same potential as the earth. This simple connection can enhance our health and provide feelings of well-being. We take 10 mins to walk around the hammock outside, gently placing our feet on the grass and feel the coldness, dampness, and the blades between our toes. Deep breathing and converting new oxygen for our cells at the same time is also beneficial. Try closing your eyes, do your sensations alter? Explore clockwise and counterclockwise paths. Potential treatments of this earthing technique is beneficial against chronic stress, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve sleep, and help with anxiety. How does this work? When grounded – the stress hormone cortisol normalize, helping to control blood sugar levels, regular metabolism, and reduced inflammation.
To conclude tonight’s ceremony, I want to speak about the lotus flower. It is a sacred symbol of the divine in many spiritual traditions and it represents purity and non-attachment. It also represents the heart, not the physical heart, but the spiritual heart – heart opening. The lotus is the perfect reflection of new beginnings, growth, and enlightenment. Closed lotus has infinite potential, waiting to unfold and blossom. Are you ready for the best version of yourself? Buddhist compare the opening of the lotus flower petals to the unfolding of the divine within you. Rooted in muddy waters at the very bottom of a pond, emerging from a dark murky place, through mud it rises growing tall and strong through the water, breaking out the surface every morning, reaching for the sunlight, and finally – blooming in the glow and warmth of the sun. A sign of rebirth, resurrection, and new opportunities.
We now put our hands in the yoga lotus mudra position, which represents your lotus flower. It is an extension of your body and heart and soul that will collects all the positive energy. Bring it down to your heart’s center. Hands in prayer. 2 rounds of deep breaths. namaste.
Sunday Sessions 