Kate Schwabacher, L.Ac.

Happy Mahashivaratri! Listen and learn about Shiva from wonderful teacher Dr. Robert Svoboda

10+ years ago @themindfulbody, a woman took my yoga class and heard me say that when menstruating it’s wise to rest. I found out today, all these years later, that it stuck with her and she thinks of it often. I can’t think of another memory I’d rather be associated with. Menstrual health is womxn’s health is societal health. We cannot do it alone; healthy humans are a product of the systems they live in. How can we all support other bleeding bodies, especially BEFORE they ...show signs of distress? Can we support ourselves and others (& in some cases demand) more rest than usual while menstruating? even if we don’t feel terrible? even when we could keep to a busy schedule? It’s the opposite of what Western society has trained us to do, but these are the keys that heal. And lastly, can we bring men into the conversation? Especially men in positions of power in the workplace? These would be radical changes for generations to come. I know it’s not as easy as just deciding to rest for many people who have parenting demands or work deadlines that can’t be postponed, and I believe it’s still worth the time to explore how we might improve where we are now. I know I’ve posted about this before, but like I said, I’m happy to have the message of resting during menses be my calling card. Plus there’s still much work to be done...(just leave the heavy lifting for mid-cycle )

Have you noticed more trees losing their leaves? Have you watched the sun going down so early and rising so late? Listen to the natural world around you and quiet the whirl of anxiety and make 2021 the best year yet urgency. This is a time for quiet, for introspection, for listening, for sleep, for gentleness, for processing, for tears, for preservation of the spark (yang) deep within you that will give rise to growth in the *future*. Can we trust that we, like nature aroun...d us, will grow in leaps and bounds when the time is right? More notes from me on this topic along with three gifts that make meals more enjoyable are in the that’ll land in your inbox later today. Thank you to all who have let me know how much you’re enjoying these newsletters; it makes my heart feel so warm to hear it. Slow down blessings

The season is short and the time is now to enjoy sunchokes! One of my favorite foods... I hope the taste brings some joy to your day. Can be found at local farmers markets and some natural markets. <3 https://www.abeautifulplate.com/roasted-sunchokes/

Wish you were reminded when the next full moon is or what seasonal shifts to make now? You'll get both of those in my newsletter now. :) Sign up with the link below and keep an eye out on Thursdays. Unsubscribe any time you like and then resubscribe too! I don't want to clutter your inbox; I want to show you how to make life more enjoyable! xo ... https://www.villageacupunctureandayurveda.com/newsletter

Lentil soup for breakfast (thanks @solfoodca ! )before a day at the office. I love starting my day with lentils anytime of year but especially in this chilly weather. They’re light yet provide wonderful stable energy for the day ahead. With most types of lentils, if you soak them overnight they cook in 15 min or less in the morning- not too shabby. Have you tried lentils for breakfast? With some good buttered toast...

Full Moon and eclipse and...my first official day in my new office! I found the perfect spot to soak in the sun and eat lunch after treating patients this morning. I hope you’re all being extra gentle with yourselves today. It’s the perfect day to do the quiet nourishing things like meditation, simple yoga asana, and abhyanga. Notice the sheen on my skin: morning oiling was just what I needed today to start the day right. Sending love to all who need a little extra today!*... *Little Guy woke me by smothering me in kisses today, so I too am appreciating extra love.

When feelings of happiness are so strong that they bubble up inside you to become tears... Me explaining tears of joy to my son this morning when I was telling him how much my husband and I love him and are grateful for him everyday. In a time where tears seem natural to release with regularity, I hope that some of those times can be tears of joy too. Happy Thanksgiving

Two beverages to make the day *after* Thanksgiving a little brighter. Recipes go out in tomorrow. Link to sign up in bio. Shown: decaf tulsi chai on the way to work. I’ve cut back on caffeine (& I was just a tea drinker to start with) but my hormones are loving it. Love, your vata-pitta mama practitioner