Zoom Link here
passcode: 6!ngLOFj

Recap:

Speed Journal:

What flower do you think of when you think of childhood?

Write down 3 words to describe it.

~ Do these qualities reflect what you know you want more of in your life? Or qualities you know are part of your true nature?

~ What is the meal you want most right now? What would you make for yourself and some of your favorite people?

Be open to the idea that this is the thing that will nourish your body and heart most right now.

What are 3 words you’d use to describe the meal?

What is your intention in joining Nourishing Abundance?

What is your goal for the end of the 5 weeks?

Whatever you have going on, we invite everyone to look at the emotional aspects ~ 

What are you worried about? Is anything weighing on your heart? 

Notice symptoms you’re experiencing & look deeper: is there something you don’t want to look at, or are afraid of?

Be a witness to what’s arising within.

Intro to Mighty Networks - where we can connect and share lots of resources !!

Share a selfie!

Everyone is invited to take a selfie now, and again at the end of the month.

Vulnerability, and a great way to see progress. We would love to see these on our Mighty Networks page!

How to use your flower essences ~ Start using them at least 5x/day

1.  Joy Juice Mist - Spray around your head/crown

2.  Saguaro Flower & Awakened Understanding Elixirs - Add at least 5 drops each to drinks

3.  Inner Knowing Anointing Oil - 1 drop on your wrist, rub in with the other wrist 

*We’ll do more later with acupressure points!

4.  & extra treat: Cherry Cola Herbal Soda - add a full dropper for 8 oz of soda water *plus your Saguaro elixir!!

Hello Nourishing Abundance Family!Thanks for taking the plunge with us :))  We hope it’s been as refreshing as this river jump!Here is the link for our 2nd Zoom Live recording from last night:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/_-i9QeoEsoJt1Au84ROXXOvqzd264WS0kKfpHR30gphbMo2DgpSZ57q_Q2z86axI.7JzyBt9MNlkKjDQJ

Passcode: =6vUnv3c

We also have this in the Mighty Networks “Course Material” page for you.  Click here to join: https://www.lotusweiinstitute.com/share/ak33sX4Cl2LEPMHl?utm_source=manual

Chef Justin and I would love to hear from you on what would you specifically like to learn during the Live Zoom events: Would you like to learn about certain foods and how to cook them?  Would you like to learn more about Chinese medicine and how to choose lifestyle and foods? -Please send us your top 5 “Would love to hear about…” to us by just replying to this email!And I would like to offer a free 20 min personal Zoom call to everyone in our group, I feel that there have been some questions that may allow me to answer better on a call. And also to give me a chance to get to know everyone and help us shape this course just for you!Please use this link for and chose “Alan Chang” and it will give you choice of times.https://lotuswei.as.me/lotuswei-wholesale-callI would love to hear from you this week :))
Here is last night’s recap:
Exploring routines ~

1. “One” minute meditation ~ allow whatever comes up, without judgment

*Cindy asked can you please share the phrases used on MN?

1. Movement: Tai Chi ~ wake up the mind, body and spirit
2. Start with 33-88 Spinal Twists
3. Hug a tree - Creating connection between the earth, your body & the sky.

Hold your hands with fingers gently spread and pointed towards each other and move your hands up with the In-Breath and move your hands down with the Out-Breath.

1. If you are inspired!  Do a full squat with hands close to your body and stand slowly and spread your arms wide like a tree.
2. Time for a Refreshment - Cherry Cola Float!

2 dropperfuls of cola concentrate for one cup of soda water. Add your flower essences!For a special treat, top with (slightly softened) raw dairy ice cream!

1. Journal Prompts and Share

I feel free to be playful when…Good sleep + nourishing meals for the day, being in the garden, in water, in nature, when happy! When free of health worries…
What is something you’ve noticed in the last week in your routine/nourishment or otherwise? Difficulty with stillness while eating, need for more living/raw food, satisfaction of having enough protein–how different/much better it feels! inspiration to make summer food with a heat wave, needing to run to comfort food when outside element, noticing pain/discomfort associated with certain foods

More Journal prompts for the week: 

- I find myself worrying about others when…

- How do I bring Joy to others?

1. Some summer food recommendations:

Fennel, great for digestion, Yogurt, very cooling, Cilantro and mint,
Heartier vegetables: bitter melon - balanced and cooling, Eggplant, Summer squash, cucumber, zucchini
Fermented foodsEasy way to ferment:Use the left-over juice in a fermented bottle and just add shredded beets! Why’s it so good for us?  It helps to bring more good bacteria into our small intestinal system to digest and absorb food.
Raw or cooked veggies, is one better?Fresh is full of nutrients & can be revitalizing, but everyone is different - play around with how raw makes you feel versus cooked…Alan likes a lot of raw veggies when it’s hot to help cool, and less raw when it’s cooler, but it depends on your digestive system and what’s best for you.
Justin is expert on Raw foods and different fun ways to eat them! Reach out to him by email if you want to learn more!Use your Joy Juice constantly! Keep noticing anything that comes up, look out for more fun stuff in Mighty Networks.

July 16th Session Replay Here!

Saguaro Cactus Journal Prompts & Focus Points 

Ultimately, all forms of fear strategically prevent you from being your best self, and consequently offering your greatest service to the world. Subconsciously, you may find it easier to slip back into patterns of comfort, distraction and misalignment, rather than do the inner work to take charge, change your MO and realize your greatest potential, aka evolve.

• What is stopping you from following your intuition?
• When do you feel most distracted throughout the day?
• Where do subconscious fears block you from embodying the best version of yourself?
• Do you wish you had more energy or strength in your relationships?
• When do you think you need support the most this week? How can you prepare to support yourself during that time?

For everyone, Saguaro awakens a joyful anticipation of needs, a framework of strength and tireless virtuous service. It elicits the righteous, gentle warrior within us, along with the protector of the people & the land.

Learn More Here 

Be on the lookout for recipes this week!  And make sure to keeptaking your flower essences It’s time to begin adding new actions to our routines.  Be observant and curious with your new additions.  Transform your habits.

~morning phone and coffee time transform into peaceful moments of reflection & meditation
~rigid exercise turns into energetic flows of Tai Chi
~clearvite transforms into a banana chocolate smoothie
~water transforms into herbal tea
~grocery shopping transforms into a scavenger hunt instead of a chore
~tasks become fulfilling gifts to yourself and others!

Saguaro brings out the ease of action to transform the ordinary and mundane into abundance for ourselves and others; without wanting in return.  Everything feels like a gift!

Quick recap and points from our Session Yesterday

Justin & Alan led various sessions focusing on mindfulness, relaxation, and Tai Chi movements, as well as a trip through The SAN Center to see Justin in the kitchen for a demonstration of cooking techniques. He also shared recipes for making chia pudding and a salmon dish with vegetables, discussing the health benefits of the ingredients and the concept of licorice root being the "harmonizer" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The team also discussed their personal experiences, with Justin encouraging experimentation and feedback to improve future sessions and recipes.

Achieving Relaxation and Mindfulness with meditation. 
Practice in the morning and throughout the day, with the number of breaths chosen at random or based on personal preference.

Tai Chi Movement Guidance Session

Alan led a session focusing on Tai Chi movements. He provided guidance on the exercises, observing the participants' movements and offering pointers for improvement. The session included spinal twists and a review of the previous week's exercises. We also explored the principle of concentrating and releasing energy, using examples like regulating breath while running or holding one's breath while submerging in water.

Alan led a demonstration and explanation of the Tai Chi movement called "Ward off" and its related exercise. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the energy movements within the body and visualizing a "ball of energy" surrounding oneself. The aim is to develop a stronger sense of internal and external energy, and to create a healthier boundary between oneself and the environment. Ming was able to understand and visualize the exercise as a soap bubble stretching and moving.

Chia Pudding Recipe and Nutritional Benefits

Justin shared a recipe for making chia pudding as a nutritious and easy-to-prepare dish. He demonstrated how to make the pudding using chia seeds, honey, vanilla extract, and water, and suggested adding various ingredients like maple syrup, pumpkin seeds, cherries, beet powder, and amla powder to enhance its nutritional value and taste. He also discussed the health benefits of these ingredients and how to incorporate them into meals. Additionally, he shared his personal experiences with the benefits of consuming chia pudding, aloe vera juice, and Indian gooseberry. Lastly, he provided tips on knife care and cutting techniques to ensure smooth and even cooking.

Justin's Herbal Cooking and Nutrition Tips

Justin prepared a salmon dish with vegetables, using avocado oil, eggs, and anti-inflammatory herbs like tarragon, thyme, and fennel seed. He shared a recipe for a TCM blend with adaptogens like goji berries and astragalus, explaining the decoction process of extracting nutrients by simmering herbs. Justin confirmed this process could also make sangria. He detailed using chia seeds for beverages, steeping herbs longer for decoctions. Justin reuses herbs from sangria to make syrups for baking. For moist chicken, he boils it with ginger, licorice, and astragalus, using the flavorful broth for soup.

TCM Concepts, Clearvite Supplement, and Recipes

Justin explained the concept of the "harmonizer" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how it balances the body's systems. He suggested that the Clearvite supplement could help with this balance by aiding hormones and energy levels. Cindy expressed her intention to try the suggested recipes, and Justin encouraged her to experiment with the supplement at different times of day to find what works best for her. He also offered to include specific ingredients and cooking instructions in future recipes based on the group's questions and suggestions. Margaret brought up her concerns about the edibility and taste of sea moss, and Justin shared his experience using it in soups for its unique flavor profile.

Watch the Replay Here

Quick recap

We started with guided meditation and movement sessions, focusing on breath awareness, heartbeat awareness, and the practice of Tai Chi for relaxation and emotional grounding. The group also shared experiences of heightened awareness with health, wellness, relationships, and emotions.  Lastly, Justin introduced various cooking techniques and ingredients, emphasizing the importance of balancing cooling and heating foods and the benefits of compounding in cooking.

Guidance around next steps!

Reassess your goals and continue practicing Tai Chi movements and breathing techniques.

Be on the lookout for recipes incorporating the compounding ingredients techniques demonstrated during the cooking segment.

Try the stomach massage technique for digestion a few times a day to see long term results.

Be mindful of cooling and heating foods based on individual needs and seasonal changes.

Continue practicing awareness techniques and share progress of your successes in future sessions.

Focus on what it means to move into the heart meridian, your innermost essence of strengths and sense of self. 

Summary

Meditation Session and Awareness Practices

Alan led a meditation session, focusing on breath awareness and heartbeat awareness. He also discussed the importance of maintaining everyday awareness, which can be applied to various activities such as cooking or walking. The group was encouraged to share their experiences and newfound awareness. Justin also discussed flower essences and their path into the heart.

Newfound Awareness, “All of the little efforts add up to a holistic healing.” 

Alan found that awareness of his heartbeat throughout the day helped with connecting to others and his environment. Cindy recognized a struggle with patience in achieving her health goals, finding that patience was a key to letting the healing process work. Andrea shared her experience of ease when she was less strict with her routines, leading to amiable & fun family meal time and less worry. Annie found her light!  She set boundaries and made extra effort to connect with nature which provided space for focusing on her own needs and self care. Ming discussed his experiences with Tai Chi to ground back into her spirit,using inner knowing to experience her inner voice and releasing excess energies. Karen mentioned her positive experiences with incorporating Clearvite, Cherry Cola, and Tai Chi which has helped bring awareness to patience through the process of doing the small things to create a long term outcome. Margaret shared her experiences from a family trip where she noticed the need to create space for herself and not be influenced by others' energies.  Food prep, time for tai chi in nature, and skipping a pizza outing provided the space she needed.  Justin reflected on his realization about his irritation and impatience finding its way into his tone even when not irritated. Awareness around the irritation was all it took to transform it into curiosity. 

Tai Chi, Belly Massage, and Spinal Flexibility

Alan emphasized the importance of keeping the spine stationary while the rest of the body turns. The group practiced a new movement and other exercises aimed at improving spinal flexibility and loosening the back.

Energy Ball Creation and Tai Chi Practice

Alan introduced a new approach to creating and manipulating an 'energy ball' through coordinated movements of the legs, waist, and upper body. The aim is to move energy from the stomach to the heart, emitting the body's energy. He led on the activation of meridians in the body to build energy in the Dantian. Alan also introduced a posture called "carrying the tiger to the top of the mountain," which involves picking up an imaginary tiger and carrying it up while using large muscle groups and focusing on mental energetics.

Breathing Technique and Exercise Benefits

Alan explained a breathing technique, emphasizing that exhalation should occur when going down and inhalation when coming up. He encouraged Ming to experiment with different breathing patterns to find what feels most natural. Karen asked about the pace of the movements, to which Alan advised a moderate pace. Alan also discussed the benefits of the exercise, including improved digestion, increased blood volume, and creating more balanced neurotransmission and brain chemistry. In response to Margaret's question, Alan suggested waiting 20-30 minutes after eating to do the exercise. The group then moved to the kitchen, where Justin demonstrated food preparation.

Cooking With Compounding: Enhancing Flavor and Nutrition

Justin discussed the concept of compounding in cooking, emphasizing the addition of extra flavor, nutrients, and ingredients to create unique and healthy dishes. He shared his approach to using Ayurvedic, Chinese Medicine, and Western herbalism ingredients, such as barley, coriander seed, fennel seed, dried licorice, astragalus, green cardamom, and ginger. He demonstrated this by using barley instead of rice in a recipe and adding various ingredients to the rice. He also shared a recipe for a ground pork mixture, incorporating ingredients like garlic, pickled bamboo shoot, tofu, and chili, and explained the benefits of using tofu for its detoxifying properties. Lastly, he suggested using precooked beets, avocado, and smoked oysters to create a colorful and flavorful compound spread for crackers.

Stomach Massage, Exercise, and Cooking Demonstration

Justin shared various techniques for stomach massage and exercise to improve digestion and overall health. 

Watch Replay Here

Watch Replay Here ->

Speed Journal Questions

-What is a time or day that you found noticed yourself limiting joy?

-What are 3 words to describe how you have shifted over the past 5 weeks?

-What familial/generational trauma have you noticed come up? How did you react? What did you do to deal with your reaction?

-How can childlike curiosity help move through a hard moment of irritation?

-When have you felt the need to stand up for what you need or want? How could you ask or be clear about your needs?

-When have you been more vulnerable or open in the past 5 weeks when you might not have been previously?

-How do others benefit from our own happiness and strengths?

-Have you noticed a desire to be surrounded by a positive community?