As i near the homestretch of this Ayurvedic wellness retreat it feels like i have made some good progress. There is only so much you can do in a week, but i have learned a lot and got a few new tools to take home with me. This is really just the start of the changes that I want to put in place in my life. It is so clear that diet is just so important to feeling well, being energetic, happy, and well. In just a short few days I have managed to overcome my daily migraines and general malaise. I am feeling stronger, and more clear and have much more energy. With all that said, i cannot wait to eat a bowl of hummus again, or to enjoy my morning coffee which i have to say does perk me up a treat!
My afternoon walk on the beach just behind the retreat. Sneaky coffee time :)
Yesterdays Dinner was my favourite dish of my stay so far. They served us behind the beach in their outdoor restaurant. I was really craving some chapatis and something sweet and tasty and they must have read my mind. They called the main dish a pumpkin and carrot cake, but it was savoury. So gently breaded with something other than breadcrumbs (i will find out what it was today), and half dressed with the most incredible sauce! It tasted divine and was accompanied by a lovely mixed vegetable ensemble, lightly dressed with SOMETHING!
It's hard to work it out without asking because they have not even used any oil to prepare the entire dish! It feels oily, but that oil is from the food itself. As soon as i finished i had to have more, and then finally i went straight to the head chef and asked him to please show me how to make it! He agreed and today he will show me this dish. I am going to document it and this dish will be the first challenge for us all to make for the upcoming @ecoTrain Ayurvedic Cooking For Health Competition. Anyone who joins in for that is going to learn how to make some amazing dishes! Most of them are really easy to prepare, you just need to see how to do it!
Time is starting to fly, mainly because there are so many activities happening each day that i can just about fit it all in. We do choose what we want to do, and i am about the only person doing them! This place had to adapt to COVID, and the past two years most of the guests have just been Indians coming for a couple of days to eat, drink, and chill out. Thats NOT what this place was created for, and its only this past few weeks that they have started to reintroduce the Ayurvedic aspect back. Its nice in a way as i get lots of personal attention, and i think all the Staff are happy to be getting back on the right track!
A little pottery bowl i made for fun
I am duly impressed how well the chef and the doctor and everyone is so well informed and integrated into my program. When i arrive at the restaurant they have a specialised meal for me, personalised for my dosha and treatments. They serve me hot ginger water none stop and i have a cute little menu. The doctor helps advise the chef, and they are all very aware of how i am and what I am doing. That is real integrative holistic healing! I am in good hands, and i would definitely stay here for a whole month if i could afford it... but its a bit much with crypto crashing, and my main source of income suddenly stopped (i rent my Earthship home but now there are lockdowns again).
Anyways, as i said at the start, this is just the beginning! I will put a lot of time and effort into learning how to cook in this Ayurvedic style, and im considering cooking and delivering food from home when i go back. Its a great way for me to be inspired to cook more, learn more, share it with others, and who knows, maybe ill make some pocket money :)
So now its early morning on Day 4. I have just returned from a Pranayama session, which was nice and cozy with just two of us and the teacher. We. do it sat at the peak viewpoint spot which overlooks the entire beach and sea. Its a glorious view really, so special with the sea reflecting the morning sun with deep blue and red colours. I could have sat the for a while.. looking back i probably should have!
I am missing the morning Yoga session, mainly because im not feeling like it! Yoga can be great but im feeling physically a bit delicate and even sore in my belly. Ive had a few things going on and shifting and feel like stretching is not the best for me right now. Maybe later i will do some Qi Gong on the beach instead. I feel like i haven’t practiced that for SO long!
So lets see how the rest of the day will pan out. I can hardly wait to meet Chef and learn how to make that dish i had last night! How cool is that?! Ive never been able to eat such good food and then have the chef teach me how to make it! Lovin it!
So i hope you are well wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Maybe this post has perked your interest in Ayurveda. If so then do look out for the cooking competition coming up soon, its a great opportunity to learn how to cook in this way, you wont regret it!
much love xx <3 hari ommmmmmm