Nature has a soothing and
calming effect on my nerves.
Every year, our SHARAN team takes a trip to Nature. This
year we visited the Hidden Oasis near Pune and did activities
like trekking, swimming in the lake, walking on barefoot on the
soil, forest bathing, harvesting and more. Dr Suman Govil from
our team shares her experience of being in nature.
Nature is so generous and gives unconditionally. Whenever I get to
outdoor spaces, forests, hill stations, I experience the enormity
and abundance of nature. I also feel very nostalgic as it takes me
back to my student days and botany excursion trips. It instantly
uplifts my mood, my energy levels increase and I feel so fresh
and rejuvenated. Nature has a soothing and calming effect on my
nerves.
Cool and fresh breeze, sunlight coming filtered through the canopy
of trees, rustling sound of leaves, chirping of birds, squirrels
jumping from one branch to another; transports me to a feeling
of fullness, utmost joy and overall happiness.
I can literally communicate with the plants. When I look at
3-4 storeyed forests and see trees, birds and animals sharing the
same space, water, air, sunlight and coexisting happily; the
mad rush of the human race to possess things makes me feel very
small and I wish I never ever have to come back to experience the
stressful life in urban cities.
Exposure to nature works like an antidote for stress and it is high
time that we realise the importance of staying connected with nature
and try to spend at least two hours outdoors every day for our
physical, emotional and mental health.
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Raw Banana Stem Salad
Try out this interesting salad recipe. You may be
surprised at how delicious raw banana stem can taste! Apart from
usual salad ingredients, try to include one new nature’s offering
every week in your meals.
Ingredients
- 26” pc banana stem, chopped (soak in water post chopping)
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- ½ a green chilli, finely chopped
- 1” pc ginger (or to taste), grated
- Chaat masala to taste
- Unrefined salt to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander and mint leaves, for the garnish
Method
Drain and rinse the banana stem. Place in a mixing bowl and add the
tomatoes, onions, green chilli and grated ginger. Sprinkle chaat
masala over the salad. Add salt if required. Toss gently. Garnish
with coriander and mint leaves. Serve.
Variation
Add any other vegetables of choice.
Serves 4
Food For The Mind
FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP
If you love Facebook, then join us to be
supported on your plant based journey. We are offering
two possibilitie
1. SHARAN
India is SHARAN’s main Facebook page which you can like
and follow for getting useful daily updates and news from the plant
based health world. You will also get news about the latest SHARAN
events, see testimonials, and more.
2. SHARAN’s Vegan Support
Group is an open support group to know more about
vegan/plant-based lifestyle. Here you can ask questions and share
inspiring stories, tips, recipes, etc.
All our doctors and presenters will be here to answer
your questions and give you tips. If you have attended our events
join this group to be a part of our family.
Please like the main SHARAN page and join the group(s) applicable to
you.
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Nature is actually the Best Medicine!
The Earth is a living system and human beings are
fundamentally interconnected with Earth and with all life. Hence,
neither the Earth’s problems nor humanity’s problems can be resolved
without taking full account of this interconnection. Nature not only
heals, it soothes, restores, rejuvenates and reconnects us to what
our essential being is.
It is interesting to note a new branch called
Eco-psychology. It studies how immersion in nature benefits one’s
health and has found that 2 hours of a nature dose per week is
enough for people to stay healthy and experience a strong sense of
well-being! That’s how powerful Nature is! Read on to find out what
you can do in your day to day life, practically, to be connected to
Nature :
1. Go for a walk or a jog
Choose a nearby park or the beach and
go at least three times a week for a walk, jog and
eventually a run.
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2. Have plants at home
Having indoor plants or maintaining a
garden does a lot for your health. If you don’t have
a green thumb, hire a gardener; but just do it!
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3. Eat what Nature gives
Consuming natural and organic foods from Mother
Nature like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds have
been found not only to enhance health but also
reverse diseases.
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4. Sun-gaze
The sun’s energy vitalizes; soak in
it, every single day. Either from home or the
building terrace or the nearby park. It’s essential.
(Do not ever gaze directly into the full sun with
the eyes open, as this can damage the eyes)
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5. Plan Nature holidays
Camping, a resort in nature or an
organic farm are amazing places to enjoy a holiday.
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6. Hug a tree
It is an experience that you need to
experience.
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7. Understand Nature
Everyone acts according to their own
nature. Take time to understand your own nature and
other’s natures.
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8. Live according to Nature
Nature is abundant and only gives.
Nature is systematic and cyclical. When we live in
accordance with nature; we will be as calm, bright
and abundant as nature.
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