The Dacha Project: Complete Sustainable Living

My brother, Sam, recently went on a trip to his friends' place up near Ithaca, New York. This is the third year he's gone to visit and every time he gets back I have endless questions because it isn't any old house or apartment, it is the Dacha Project. Below he writes of his experience because it is oh-so unique and wonderful!

Vast green hills and valleys line the winding roads with the bright sun shining through a cloudy blue sky. A few barns scatter along the sides with the occasional group of cows or horses; a clear indicator that I'm close. Pulling up to the driveway about a mile down North Wood Road, a friendly little sign reading "Dacha" painted in purple greets you. Up the bumpy, curvy gravel, you see some baby trees that were planted the first year the Dacha was started. After a slight bend, you arrive at the house. It is a sustainable home that runs on veggie oil and one solar panel (eventually they plan to run fully on solar energy). It gets its running water from a well. This house is entirely off-the-grid; the power goes out in Freeville, NY, and my friends have no idea. This house was built by 6 of my friends who got an idea to create a space for creativity, love, and environmentally friendly endeavors in the beautiful area right outside of Ithaca, New York. The word "dacha" is a Russian word (2/3 of the crew are Russian) roughly meaning a retreat home within nature.

Along with powering their own home, they also grow fuel for themselves. An abundant garden filled with kale, peppers, broccoli, cucumbers, and other veggies supply them with staples for cooking. Every morning I was there, we had potatoes and veggies cut up and cooked with eggs that were from the hens who live around the corner. I don't consume dairy, but if I wanted to, there was fresh milk--that had been squeezed by my friend early that morning, I might add--from the cow who lives down the path in the neighbor's yard. My friends don't buy these products from their neighbors, they trade. They'll give the neighbors veggies, a helping hand, or they volunteer to herd and take care of their animals in exchange for eggs and milk (and whatever else they might need). That's how it works up there: The barter system is in full affect in Ithaca and the surrounding areas. "You need some help with your car? Perfect. I know a guy who is a mechanic and could use some extra hands moving into his new home." It's pretty incredible. Of course, the most incredible part of it all is being able to live on a completely sustainable system, right down to the food you cook for dinner.

Every piece of the Dacha is a product of hard labor from these 6 people and their loving, devoted friends and family whom they welcome to come visit year-round. Whenever I go, I always bring my tools and make it a point to help them with whatever project they happen to be working on. I receive so much love, energy, and enlightenment from the Dacha and the people who inhabit it that I want to give back; it's a peaceful give-and-take. That's what makes the system work so well.

- Sam Forney

How do you "Center Your Health?"

I named my health counseling and yoga business after a short phrase that encompasses so much in just 3 little words: Center Your Health. Health isn't just about how well you eat, but also about how much you exercise, how much time you devote to self-care, how much energy you put into things like your career and relationships, and overall how well you take care of your health. My practice comes from a holistic standpoint, meaning that I incorporate an integrative approach to health and wellness. I believe it's important to nourish your body, mind and spirit. In doing so, we improve the quality of our lives resulting in an overall feeling of health and happiness. So, below are the 3 ways that I center my health on a consistent basis. What are yours?

How I Center My Health:

1. Each morning I roll out of bed and onto my yoga mat where I allow my body to move however it needs to. Generally, this means a few rounds of sun salutations followed by some gentle stretches and maybe an inversion (I love to stand on my head). I then sit in silence for anywhere from just 60 seconds to as long as 30 minutes (depending on how much time I have or how I'm feeling) and breathe deeply. I follow my breath, listen to the silence (or the birds chirping outside), silently repeat my mantra until I awaken with a smile and give gratitude to all of the countless blessings in my life.

2. I prepare wholesome, real foods from the Earth each day and drink plenty of water. A whole foods diet healed my IBS and anxiety disorder and continues to heal me whenever I need it to. When I eat real food, my body is balanced meaning for me: I sleep well, have my stress under control, experience healthy regularity (wink, wink), can think more clear and concentrate each day as well as have lots of energy! Basically, whole foods allow my body and mind to function at their best. The energy and love that I put into preparing the foods I eat nourish my body and soul on such a deep level. I also enjoy sharing food I've prepared with others so that they get a healthy dose of "Vitamin L." It's such a beautiful thing.

3. I do what I love, each day. Whether it be my job, practicing yoga, taking a jog around my lovely town, visiting with friends or family, journaling, playing with food in the kitchen, creating a piece of art, etc. I like to think of filling each day up with as many wonderful things as I can, or at least making the best of every experience so that I'm living the best life possible! On the days when I'm not so gung-ho, I'll jot down some things that I'm grateful for in my gratitude journal by my bed. This always ends with me drifting off to sleep with a smile because even when there are patches of grey in our lives, we still have SO many things to be thankful for.

Now it's your turn. What are the 3 ways that you Center Your Health? Post your ways below or jot them down for you to keep somewhere as a reminder to care for yourself on all different levels and live your best life!

Looking for Calm? Spray Some Rescue Remedy!

Those of you who are close to me have probably had me offer you a spritz of Remedy Rescue when you seemed stressed around me. I swear by this stuff and never leave the house without it. If you are known to get anxious and need something natural to take the edge off and bring you back down, read up on Rescue Remedy and pick up a bottle (or pastilles) at your local health food store. Hopefully you'll find just as much relief as I do from it!

Slow Down at Meal Time

We live in a fast paced world. People are on the go, multi-tasking, planning and thinking ahead. In a busy world, people also eat on the go; in the car, at their desks, standing up, walking down the street, barely taking the time to enjoy their meal. When we eat quickly, we tend to eat more, therefore consuming more calories.

 Digestion begins in the mouth. Slowing down to completely chew your food, allows the release of digestive enzymes that break down food and greater assimilation of nutrients. Whole foods, especially whole grains, must be mixed with saliva and chewed until they become liquid to release their full nutritional value. Because digestion becomes so efficient when you chew your food thoroughly, your body will begin to feel wonderfully light. To get into the habit of chewing correctly, try counting the chews in each bite, aiming for 30 to 50 times. It helps if you put your fork down between bites.

 The New York Times reported on a few scientific studies to support the claim that eating slowly is a method for consuming fewer calories. Who could imagine that losing weight is as simple as taking a few more minutes to slow down and eat what is already on your plate?

5 Tips to Slow Down at Meal Time:

1. Take 3 deep breaths before your meal.

2. Place your fork down between each bite, or use chopsticks to eat.

3. Chew your food at least 30-50 times before swallowing.

4. Savor the flavors and textures that are happening in your mouth.

5. Eat in a calm, relaxed atmosphere as often as possible.

Information adapted from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

CYH's Song of the Moment: Ready, Able by Grizzly Bear

I have a long list of favorite songs, and this is one of them on the list. It's from Grizzly Bear's album, Veckatimist (2009), which is on my top 10 best album list of all time. Gorgeous.

Tulsi Tea - Benefits of Holy Basil

During my first trip to India in 2009, I was introduced to Tulsi tea, also known as 'holy basil' tea. I was told to drink it each day I was there to keep my immune system strong. Apparently, it worked because I remained healthy throughout and following my trip. I brought some back with me and have been hooked ever since! Luckily, Organic India makes a delicious line of Tulsi tea's that you can find here at all health food stores, and even in some supermarkets. I swear by the original flavor, but they have many different kinds. My favorite flavor is the Honey Chamomile all summer long, then I fall in love with the Orange Mint during the Fall and enjoy the Vanilla Creme when it's colder. My tastes clearly change with the seasons! If you see a box the next time you're food shopping, give it a try! Read below for all of the wonderful health benefits of this holy basil tea.

About Tulsi Tea

Tulsi tea, which originated in India thousands of years ago, is known for its rich antioxidant and adaptogenic properties that are known to promote wellness by building the body’s immune system, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity. It is recognized as one of India's most sacred herbs because of its health benefits and healing properties. Tulsi Tea's antioxidants protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals that facilitate the cause and progression of various types of diseases. Also referred to as holy basil tea, this herbal brew’s adaptogens serve as powerful anti-stress agents that protect your body from a wide range of health concerns. The adaptogens guard against and deal with physical, chemical, environmental, and emotional factors that produce high levels of stress that compromise physical and mental health.

Potential Health Benefits of Tulsi Tea

· Strengthens the immune system, promotes longevity and enhances well-being.

· Promotes heart health by lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure.

· Reduces the negative physical and psychological effects of stress.

· Increases the body’s efficiency in using oxygen, which improves stamina, strength and endurance.

· Promotes respiratory health.

· Helps with digestion and gastrointestinal problems.

· Neutralizes dangerous biochemicals that contribute to cancer, degenerative diseases and premature aging.

· Facilitates healthy liver function.

· Reduces cell and tissue damage from sun rays, radiation therapy and other radiation sources.

· Relieves inflammation from arthritis and other diseases.

· Helps fight infections.

Art Journaling

Before I am a yoga teacher, holistic health coach or corporate wellness director, I am a multimedia artist.

I draw, paint, sculpt, take photographs, make jewelry, collage, scrapbook, craft, journal, and create delicious meals. Creativity seeps out of my pores. I think in colors, shapes and designs. I'm a natural illustrator so when I hear certain words or sentences, a design or idea immediately transforms in my mind.

Myself as an artist is constantly evolving, and throughout the past few years I've been expressing myself best through art journaling. This is a chance for me to take my love of mixed media and bring it all together. I sit down, grab my sketchbook, jot down some thoughts (either how I'm feeling at that moment, a song lyric that I can't get enough of, a colorful word, etc.), then allow myself to play! I'll sketch around the words, cut and paste images on the page, paint, scribble, etc.

Some of the pages are personal, for no one's eyes other than mine. Others are meaningless and quite silly (see citrus doodles on right!). Either way, this art form has resonated with me the most out of any other particular medium because I'm free to incorporate all the different aspects of art that I love onto one page. That creative freedom is so liberating! Then of course after I'm finished creating in my art journal, I enter my kitchen where my creativity has been taken to a whole other level and my tools are foods, spices and herbs. Even while planning my yoga classes, I'm designing routines to dance through with my students.

Art is everywhere. From as young as I can remember, I always said that I would be an artist. And here I am, in my 30's, creating art each and every day.