There are many ways to “Be Alive”! Today’s post references probiotics, flora, the beautiful beneficial bacteria that has a life and intelligence of its own that lives within us.
In 2015 I have gotten into making fermented foods. I had been on the fence for awhile knowing the full benefits of these powerhouse drinks and food. I already brine all my seeds and nuts, and what was holding me back was an inaccurate concept about “maintenance and time”. Often people I talked to would say “Oh, I tried that and I just couldn’t keep up with it”. Our thoughts really dictate so much of who we are and what we are open to! In my being I knew I wanted to do this at some point; readiness and timing are key!
I kept searching and found some passionate people who had incorporated fermentation into their everyday living. The tipping point for me was going to a “Fun with Fermentation” class offered by Marlene Connoly and Vicki Jenkins. There I fell in deep purple love with a year and a half aged beet kvass that Marlene graciously shared.
I have subscribed to Cultured Food for Life for awhile, and Donna Schwenk is THE most versatile, fluent fermenter I have ever seen about fermented foods. Check out her site and subscribe to her newsletter; she is inspirational! Cultured Food for Life
So after my class I decided to go “all out”.
I began with goat milk kefir, homemade sourdough bread, fermented cukes, kombucha (honey & sugar based), fermented ginger carrots, and the precious beet kvass. Each creation has its special bacterial signature that gives off a unique vibration. I “feel” this when I am around the food or drink or consume them. The overall all affect is that I am getting probiotics in their natural form and have not been sick this whole year!
It has also been a joy to pass on the beautiful live SCOBYS (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), kefir grains, and sourdough starters. For instance when I am on my cycle I use the beet kvass more for support. When I want something filling & of sustenance I have a little of the goat milk kefir (vanilla bean flavored). Did I mention that goat milk kefir is the one form of dairy that I tolerate and does not make my nose run?
I will be offering a *Fantastic Fermentation* class with Nicole Kraft October 9, 2016; 12:30-4:30pm should you be interested. Lastly, here is the text of the Be Alive dove art picture I posted….
Think freely. Practice patience. Smile often. Savor special moments. Live Creator’s message. Make new friends. Rediscover old ones. Tell those you love that you do. Feel deeply. Let go. Forgive. Pick some flowers. Share them. Keep a promise. Look for rainbows. Gaze at stars. See beauty everywhere. Work with your heart. Be wise. Understand. Take time for people. Make time for yourself. Hope. Grow. Be crazy. Count your blessings. Observe miracles. Make them happen. Discard worry. Give. Give in. Trust enough to receive. Laugh heartily. Spread joy. Take a chance. Reach out. Let someone in. Do something new. Slow down. Be soft sometimes. Celebrate life. Believe in yourself. Trust others. See a sunrise. Listen to the rain. Reminisce. Cry when you need to. Trust life. Have faith. Enjoy. Wonder. Comfort a friend. Have good ideas. Learn. Learn from mistakes. Create. Explore the unknown. Hug someone.
Susan James :: BCC, MSSW, LICSW 