Fresh Country Air

Toxic gases, dust, chemical fumes, and so forth all take the form of positive ions when released into the atmosphere, and these big spongy ions trap and absorb the light little negative ions, leaving the air virtually devoid of vitality. Pure country air contains an average ratio of two or three negative ions for every positive ion. In cities, the ratio drops drastically to one negative ion for every 300-600 postive ions. Negative ions, or chee, are thus the vital difference between pure and polluted air, not oxygen. The Tao of Health... Daniel P Read

Moderation

Moderation is considered a key part of ones personal development in Taoist philosophy and religion and is one of the three jewels of Taoist thought. There is nothing that cannot be moderated including ones actions, ones desires and even thoughts. It is believed that by doing so one achieves a more natural state, faces less resistance in life and recognises their limits.

"To know when you have enough is to be rich beyond measure."

Author Lao Tzu

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Curry

1 butternut squash peeled and chopped into 1 inch chunks (approx. 6 c)

2 tbsp olive oil, divided

1 yellow onion, peeled and chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp curry powder

1/2 tsp ground ginger

6 c low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

1 can (approx. 14 oz) coconut milk

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. Toss squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Roast for 3o minutes or until tender. Set squash aside.

3. Heat remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Add onoin and saute 10 minutes. Add spices, stirring mixture occasionally for 1 minute.

4. Add broth, coconut milk, and roasted squash. Bring mixture to a boil. Lower heat and simmer about 10 minutes to allow flavor to blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Carefully transfer mixture to a blender and blend until soup is smooth. Or use an immersion blender if available.

Half Lotus Pose

This is a common posture for meditation. From a seated position cross the legs. Place one foot on top of the opposite thigh. Place the hands on the knees. Touch the first finger with the thumb and extend the other fingers out. The hands can also be placed in front of the chest in prayer position for meditation.

Note regarding your leg position:

There are several different leg positions that are possible while seated this way. The first and simplest is the Burmese position, in which the legs are crossed and both feet rest flat on the floor. The knees should also rest on the floor, though sometimes it takes a bit of exercise to be able to get the legs to drop that far. After awhile the muscles will loosen up and the knees will begin to drop.

Another position is the half lotus, described above, where the left foot is placed up onto the right thigh and the right leg is tucked under. This position is slightly asymmetrical and sometimes the upper body needs to compensate in order to keep itself absolutely straight.

The most stable of all the positions is the full lotus, where each foot is placed up on the opposite thigh. This is perfectly symmetrical and very solid. Stability and efficiency are the important reasons sitting cross-legged on the floor works so well.

Keep in mind, what is most important is what you do with your mind, not what you do with your feet or legs.