Vegetarian Awareness Month

In celebration of National Vegetarian Awareness, October 2011 – Here is an easy recipe for Weight Watcher’s Vegetarian Chili.  Photo taken at the Silverlake Farmer’s Market, Los Angeles.  Share your favorite Vege-Burger.

Ingredients

• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 1/2 cups diced peeled butternut squash
• 2 yellow squash or zucchini, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 jalapeno
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can red beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/3 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients in the slow cooker, except honey and barbecue sauce. Then mix well
2. Cover and cook 4-5 hours on high, or 8-10 on low
3. Add the barbecue sauce and honey, stir and serve

                            ENJOY

We Celebrate Autumn Equinox 2011

Celebrating Autumn Equinox 2011
Friday   September 23
2:05AM West Coast       5.05 AM East Coast

It is a time to set the focus only on feeling and expressing gratitude with others all that has been received. Together we begin a walk into the West by slowing down. It’s a good time to get to know yourself by asking:

• What are the fruits of my harvest this year?
• How have I changed?  Thoughts?  Emotions?  Spiritual growth?
• How am I more aware?
• How has my consciousness changed?
• Who am I now?

Between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice, we reflect on all that has happened since the Winter Solstice 2010. Because it’s a time to get the ‘soil’ ready for planting new seeds at the Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012, ask yourself:

• Who do I want to be?
• What positive thoughts am I going to hold throughout 2012?
• For 2012 what seeds do I want to plant for self, family, others and earth wellness?
• What action can I take throughout 2012 that can sustain earth wellness, peace, love, joy or harmony for seven generations into the future?

When we open our eyes, we see beyond ourselves.

When we open our ears, we listen beyond ourselves.

When we give ourselves over to this attraction we grow in self-awareness.

Grandmother Twylah Hurd Nitwch, Seneca Elder & Teacher

Mexican Water Farms

The Xochimilca people of ancient Mexico were skillful water farmers. Their floating farms were called chinampas and were placed on top of the swampy Lake Xochimilco.  Built from cane structures, then filled with mud from the bottom of the lake these platform garden beds were huge and anchored in place by the trees that lined the shore. These ancient Mexican farmers grew vegetables, flowers and herbs that were fertilized with the rich nutrients culled from the bottom of the lake. Today these gardens can still be seen when visiting the Mexican ecological park, the Parque Natural Xochimilco.   For more information, visit.

Note of interest: The Shambhalla Institute is having a special workshop to celebrate and honor Cinco de Mayo for more information on this event, click here.

Happy Earth Day! The Shambhalla Institute Team

We give thanks to the enlightened teachers who have gone before us and those today that help us rediscover our balance, respect and oneness with the Natural world. We are One – One is All.

To Mother Earth we give thanks and deep appreciation for giving all that is needed for our life; To the Spirit of Water and all life in water; To the Plant Kingdom who sustains many life forms; To all the Edibles and Medicine Herbs who sustain life with health and pleasure; To the Animal Life who teach us about ourselves; To the  Tree Kingdom who support our breath, strength and peace; The Bird and other Air People who give songs, colors and beauty; The Nine Sacred Directions who speak to us through the wind; To the Thunder Beings who renew life by bringing all varieties of moisture; To Grandfather Sun who is our life; To Grandmother Moon who sustains beauty with reflection; To the Great Mystery, Divine Creator for continually sending the forces of Love, Peace, Joy and Harmony.