You may know that over the past years, I've developed a dedicated meditation practice. This practice has transformed both how I think of myself, and how I interact with the world. I'm supported in this practice by the community and teachings offered at The Interdependence Project (IDP), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to making secular Buddhist teachings relevant to and interconnected 21st century life. IDP's original home on the Bowery in NYC can no longer contain the growth of programming and membership, and they

are raising money to fund a move to a new space and provide additional courses like yoga and movement classes, arts and activism, and have a community center.  As a member of the first class of graduates from the Buddhist Studies program and currently in the teacher training program, I am very excited to see how The IDP has grown since it's conception 2007. When we have more space, I will be part of the yoga teaching staff. 

Please take a moment and think about allocating some of your resources to the important work of this organization. Your investment will literally lay the foundation for creating a more mindful society at a time when we all could do well to pay a little more attention. Help support the IDP and those who "sit down and rise up".  There are ways to get involved if you are unable to donate. Please click this link for more information The IDP Building Bridges Capital Campaign.  I've made a personal commitment to IDP to raise $540.00 by April 22, 2011, and would love it if you'd help me and sponsor $36 or 1 square foot of space. Any donation helps! 

What Can I Give, What Can I Get?

December 2010 - April 2011

Donate or Pledge:

Floorboard: 

$36 = 1 square foot for the year 

Brick: 

$108 = 3 square feet, plus it's auspicious! 

Mortar: 

$216  = 6 square feet, space for one new meditator! 

Foundation: 

$540 = 15 square feet, space for one office workstation - Match Ethan! 

Cornerstone:  

$1080 = 30 square feet, super auspicious!

Food Focus:  Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has the highest nutritional profile and cooks the fastest of all grains. It is an extremely high-energy grain and has been grown and consumed for about 8,000 years on the high plains of the Andes Mountains in South America. The Incas were able to run such long distances at such a high altitude because of this powerful grain.

Characteristics

• Contains all eight amino acids to make it a complete protein
• Has a protein content equal to milk
• High in B vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium & vitamin E
• Gluten-free; easy to digest
• Ideal food for endurance
• Strengthens the kidneys, heart, and lungs

Uses

When quinoa is cooked, the outer germ surrounding the seed breaks open to form a crunchy coil while the inner grain becomes soft and translucent. This double texture makes it delicious, versatile and fun to eat. To save time, cook a lot of quinoa at once and eat it many times. Quinoa can be reheated with a splash of soy or nut milk for breakfast porridge (see recipe below); you can add dried fruit, nuts and cinnamon for a sweet treat. Add finely chopped raw vegetables and dressing for a cooling salad or add chopped cooked root vegetables for a warming side dish. Store dry, uncooked quinoa in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly closed glass jar for up to one year.

red and white quinoa

Preparation  Before cooking, quinoa must be rinsed to remove the toxic (but naturally occurring) bitter coating, called saponin. Saponin, when removed from quinoa, produces a soapy solution in water. Quinoa is normally rinsed before it is packaged and sold, but it is best to rinse again at home before use.  Place quinoa in a grain strainer and rinse thoroughly with water.

Basic Quinoa

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Serves 4

Ingredients:                       

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

seasonings to taste

Directions:

• Rinse quinoa well with cool water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
• Combine quinoa and water in a saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to a simmer and continue to cook covered for 15 minutes or until all water has been absorbed. 
• Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes covered; fluff with a fork.
• Season as you like.

*For a delicious toasted flavor, dry roast for 5 minutes in saucepan before adding liquid. 

Recipe of the Month: Quinoa Breakfast

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Serves 4

Ingredients:

3 cups water                                                              

1 cup quinoa    

1/4 cup raisins                                                          

1/4 cup almonds

1/4 cup diced squash                                                 

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/4 cup thinly sliced carrot rounds                              

1/4 cup soy or nut milk

Directions:

·       Rinse quinoa well with cool water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.

·       Bring 3 cups of water to a boil.

·       In the meantime, wash quinoa.

·       Add to boiling water.

·       Reduce heat to a light boil and simmer 20 minutes.

·       While cooking add squash, carrots, raisins, almonds, sesame seeds.

·       After cooking add milk substitute.

Asana of the Month

ardha padmasana - half lotus pose