Rose Cottage

 Being human can be thought of as a dance of finding balance between our connections and our own unique spark, our place and purpose.  In Okinawa, home of more centenarians than most other areas of the globe, discovering one's purpose is a key factor to well being, and is called Ikigai . When we align with our values and purpose, we are more content in good times, and resilient in times of stress. This in turn can lead to enhanced health and wellbeing.  Some factors which promote my sense of well being include enjoying a mainly whole foods diet (with a preponderance of local,  fiber rich foods, fresh when possible), moving throughout the day, spending time outside, connecting with friends and family, and engaging in creative pursuits.   For over 40 years, I've been engaged in Healing Arts as a Licensed Massage Therapist, and feel inspiring others fulfills my sense of purpose. I've always identified a creative, and enjoy teaching creating and healing. ...

 Yesterday I crotched a little Nebaaru-kun amigurumi ❤  Nebaaru-kun and Raku vase  I've been reading 'Cultured, how ancient foods can feed our microbiome,' by Katherine Harmon Courage. Her chapter on bean ferments, including Natto, (popular in Japan) had this sweet bit: 'In Japan, charming characters pop up almost everywhere - on mobile phones, on bags, practically out of the ether. There are countless cute animals, but there is also a cranky egg and a depressed burned roll. 'And the character de résistance: Nebaru-kun, or Little Sticky Boy. ... He is the natto character, meant to represent the dynamic nature of natto!' I found this amigurumi cupcake pattern , which even included a cherry on top, that I adapted for the topknot! In Japan, human in Nebaaru-kun costumes can stretch up/ spring tall, to mimic the sticky natto threads. Nebaaru-kun In process Fermented foods are eaten in cultures around the world, and are often included daily by folks who live lon...

 In this recent video , Sachiaki Takamiya talks about different ways we can protect our gut health, which in turn enhances our general health.  Picked garlic, cilantro, Miso, Kim chi, tofu Many of these concepts are familiar and  ones I already incorporate into my life.  Living on the West Coast, I have enjoyed rice, Miso and yes, tofu for decades.  Moderate movement - ideal if it's both enjoyable and not overly strenuous.  Last year i discovered the Japanese morning exercises in comments on another health thread.   Doing movement that exercises arms and legs for 6-10 minutes early in the day 'turns on' our lymph flow - increasing the benefits of movement throughout the day! I also enjoy Qigong, Breema, gardening, walking and dance, and encourage other folks to find movement they enjoy! Sleep and stress - as Sachiaki mentions, getting adequate sleep is so helpful for general health. And keep manageable stress at a minimum - slow down! One tip f...

  Fermented foods come in many forms, and can offer great support for gut health.  Asian countries have many processes for fermenting beans - in Japan, one of these is Natto. I was intrigued to discover rather than purchasing inoculant, you can use a handful of mint stalks! (The first Natto was likely made using rice stalks.) Natto with avocado and fresh herbs On his ikigai diet youtube channel, health enthsiast Sachiaki Takamiya offers videos with  tips and recipes for making this superfood at home, plus info on healthy lifestyle. Protein levels in fermented beans are often double that in the same beans when simple cooked.  I enjoyed this video , highlighting 4 generations of a family (4-88) evoking good health and daily natto, plus the process and health benefits.  In the Shiga prefecture, it is common for elders to eat soybean natto several times a week, along with seaweed, vegetables and other whole and fermented food. As in the Blue Zone Okinawa, many cont...