Healing Lesson 3

Finding Balance, Finding Your Talent
   Sometimes we spend a lifetime searching for what we are supposed to be doing and realize too late that it's been staring us in the face the whole time. I'm talking about finding our talents, the gift or gifts we are given to use for the good of others. I remember as a child of eleven asking my mom if I was gifted at playing the violin. I thought I was. The sounds I made sounded great to my unschooled ear and as I played, I envisioned adoring fans swooning at the sounds I produced. My mom didn't enjoy the noise quite the same and explained to me that if I was to become talented at playing the violin, I would have to practice what the teacher suggested I practice rather than my own creations. Eventually, my family got tired of hearing my squeaky renditions of concert classics instead of the steady improvement of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and cancelled the violin lessons. I never picked up a violin again and I never found my musical gift.

An individual's talent may not manifest itself in the obvious ways, like in music or mathematics or art. It may be a quiet talent that enables you to see in people's actions what they won't say with words or a talent that allows you to create calm in chaos or bring peace during times of animosity.

Preparing and presenting food to your family is a talent and a blessing. It offers a purpose that can give fulfillment and joy if you allow it to. Food is the best form of medicine and as such, the healthy food you prepare for your family is a gift, not only to them but to yourself as well and that gift can bless you in ways you never imagined. Have you ever helped an elderly person across the street or spent time with someone who has no family? Have you given money to a person less fortunate than you or helped a child attain a significant goal? If you have, then you know how wonderful that feels, like you're connected to a greater purpose and cause. It is a sense of joy and peace that puts your ego-self aside and brings purity of mind and purpose.

You are giving the same blessing to your family with a health-filled meal as you give when you are helping others, whether the creation is from a recipe or from scratch. Allow yourself to feel the same joy and purpose. Open yourself and acknowledge that this is a gift and a talent you give each and every day to the family you love and treasure. Find the balance and you will find the talent, it's been there all the time staring at you from the shiny surface of your pots and pans! You are incredible!

Spicing It Up!- Parsley

John calls me a culinary composer. He says the way I combine a handful of this with a pinch of that is like I'm conducting an aria. I think he exaggerates, but will gladly take the compliment. I admit that when preparing dinner I can sometimes get a little carried away with my spices and herbs. I love nothing more than mixing them up and tasting the outcome. In my years of composing I have discovered a few secrets to spicing up dishes that bring out the medicinal qualities as well as the flavour of the herbs and spices used.

Parsley is a herb known for its versatility and ability to complement without dominating. Easy to grow on a window sill or in the garden, it can be harvested and dried throughout the late spring, summer and fall. As a base for a herb mix, it not only adds colour and taste, but also a good supply of beta-carotene and vitamin C. It matches well with chervil, chives and tarragon for a fines herbes or as a bouquet garni with thyme, marjoram and bay leaves.
Use: Plain or in blends for omelets, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soups, pasta, vegetable stir fries and as an after dinner breath freshener.
Storing Tip: To preserve for up to ten days in the fridge, cut off stem ends with scissors or a sharp knife, cutting on a diagonal. Stand herb in a half-full glass of water and put a plastic bag over the top. Use as needed.

Asparagus and Folic Acid

Asparagus, like onions is a member of the lily family and have been cultivated for over 2000 years. Green is the most popular and abundant, but you may also find a white variety, which is the same as green only it's grown underground.

Great for dieters, asparagus contains only 24 calories per 100 grams, but is packed with folic acid, vitamin A and vitamin C. It has a mild detoxifying and diuretic effect so would be a great food to use during a gentle detoxification. It also contains glutathione, an antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic phytochemical or phytonutrients.

To prepare cut off hard base of stock and steam for about five to seven minutes. It can also be chopped into pieces and used in stir fries. To try a delicious side dish of Asparagus and Dijon Mustard Sauce with Tarragon.