Celebrate the Fall Equinox

Today is the fall equinox which means day and night are about equal in length around the whole world. Here in the United States, days begin to become shorter and nights become longer. We think about the holidays approaching, the colder weather, and the year ending. Today we celebrate the concept of balance.

Balance is something we would all like to achieve, in one form or another. What is your work-life balance and how can you improve upon that? How is your mental and physical energy balanced? Do you need balancing of your chakras? Do you need more balance in your relationships with others? With your self? How can you keep your energy balanced as the holidays and other obligations approach? Whether you choose re-organizing your schedule, incorporating more physical exercise, changing your diet, or simply waking up a few minutes early, find new ways of balancing aspects of your life and you will see immediate improvement and a sense of refreshment and happiness.

However you wish to do it, celebrate the equinox by working on balancing something in your life, starting today.

Citrus Salt

I absolutely love spices even though I don't cook very much. I have even dedicated an entire cabinet to spices, vinegars and oils (and I probably need another!). This simple recipe is excellent on countless items - anything you would put salt and a touch of lemon on. Obvious items to sprinkle it on are fish and chicken, but use it on things like soups, dressings, margaritas, roasted veggies, you name it -- I have even used it on garlic bread!

What you'll need:

• 2-3 lemons (I need a few more lemons!)
• 2-3 limes
• 2 oranges
• 2 cups sea salt

Recipe:

1. Wash the fruits and dry. Zest them completely. I like equal parts of all 3 fruits but if you want more lemon flavor, add more lemon or reduce the amount of zest from the lime and orange.
2. Mix the zest with the 2 cups of sea salt and spread evenly over a baking sheet.
3. In a pre-heated oven about 250 degrees, bake the mixture for a couple of hours to ensure the zest has completely dried.
4. (optional) Pulse in a food processor or blender for even mixing and texture. This step ensures there are no clumps of zest or salt.
5. Funnel the salt into a cute container, a mason jar, or in a salt dish (mine needs a refill!)
6. Enjoy!

You could also try this with pepper but I have not tried it myself. If you have questions or comments please feel free to leave them below!

Mala and the Significance of Feldspar

Today I am receiving my first mala. A mala is also known as Hindu prayer beads, and is usually of a strand of 108 beads. There are variations in the way we use these malas across the world, but I believe what is best to keep in mind is what significance it has for you and why you are choosing to wear a mala.

How do you choose a mala? What is your intention with the #mala? What areas of life do you want to improve upon? What chakras are you trying to work on? Do you need grounding, lifting, joy, strength?

For me, I wanted to improve the creativity and inspiration aspects of my life, and I wanted a reminder of this on a daily basis by this and through my yoga practice. I chose a gray feldspar (plagioclase feldspar) dominant mala which is said to improve creativity and inspiration, reaching one's goals by new ways of thinking, and to help with finding lost things. Feldspar has a range of characteristics for healing such as feminine enhancing qualities, self respect and self awareness, and your ability to create a new life. Feldspar also enhances the alignment of all the chakras, supporting stability, courage, and insight.

The mala I chose also contains clear quartz, a stone said to enhance clarity. Also with turquoise, a stone for healing and protecting against negative energy. This lovely thing is adorned with a carved hsiu jade Buddha and a lovely burgundy tassel, to remind me of peace, discipline, and tranquility.

 I bought mine through Silver and Sage Jewelry (photo of mala to the right), which has a delightful range of malas and jewelry for both men and women. I had a hard time deciding because they are all so beautiful, but the intention of the mala is the most important - not the appearance of it.

If you are into making jewelry, I think it would be really wonderful if you created your own mala because it might create more significance for you. They make great gifts, too!

What stones have significance for you? How do you remind yourself each day of your goals and intentions?