In Indian culture the kitchen is a very sacred place and the act of cooking itself is not taken light to heart. Eating and cooking is philosophical with roots stemming from Ayurveda (a Sanskrit word, meaning the science of life), India’s ancient healthcare system. Ayurveda dictates that with a mind, body and spirit approach to health and well-being, you can achieve perfect equilibrium and balance in your body, whereas imbalances such as indigestion, can cause illness and diseases. Once we attain a ‘balanced body’ this leads to balance in our lives—not an easy task, but when we’re living a balanced life this is the pathway to bliss!
You’ve always heard the saying, put a little love into your cooking. Ayurvedic principles give the nod to that statement, agreeing that the mindset you are in when cooking will determine the outcome of the meal and the energy that it radiates. Creating positive vibes in the kitchen will translate into the food you create, making it more digestible, more palatable which your loved ones will definitely feel.
According to Ayurveda, a diet rich in wholesome and fresh foods, builds 'ojas' (vigor) equating to good health and immunity
About a year ago on a cold winter’s evening, we taught a cooking class in the west end of the GTA. Having a ‘full-house’ that night, I distinctly remember this night because something felt a little odd. Couldn’t put my finger on it, but it was a bizarre feeling or almost awkward energy in the room. No matter how much we tried engaging the group to create a fun atmosphere, the energy was disappointingly flat. Fortunately that only happened the one time over the course of our classes in the last seventeen years - perhaps it can be attributed to the energy in the room!
That said, the next time you’re stressing over a meal, why not put on the candles and your favourite CD to create some positive energy and you’ll find the food will taste that much better. For me, the candles aren’t just for the special meals!
More on Ayurveda in time to come…
A teaspoon of: Keane. Listening to: Somewhere Only We Know.
