Winter Delicately

Recently, I was taking some time to enjoy the winter sunshine in the garden. It had rained the day before and the air was fresh and clean. The sunshine on my face was soft and delicate. Pure joy was found in this simple moment of stopping and sitting in the winter sun.

As I wandered around the garden, I found that I was absorbing a quality of delicacy from everything that I looked at and felt. The baby plants that were pushing up through the soil in response to the rain were delicate in their new birth. The occasional song of a bird was delicate in its call, quiet and melodious instead of insistent and active as in other seasons.

Residual droplets of water on hidden leaves showed the delicacy of the relationship between plant and water. The fragility of new buds were delicate and easily destroyed through mindlessly brushing against them. The delicate whisper of potential hung in the air. With the deepening of my inner stillness, I could expand my Self to feel the possibilities that were being nurtured in the earth, the air, my life.

When the rain returned, I went back inside to give myself nourishment and comfort through delicious winter foods. One of my favorite ways to do this is through broths. Drink a cup in the morning or make a heartier version into soup for the evening meal. Either way, winter is for broth.

Some are delicate and earthy, like the Carrot Burdock Soup below. Burdock is a unique root that is full of benefits as a blood purifier, diuretic, and to strengthen  the lymph system. Add the beta carotene of the carrot and your immune system will sing! Sesame oil supports healthy digestion, is anti-inflammatory and good for heart health. Enjoy!

Carrot Burdock Soup

9 c. water

1# burdock root

2# carrots

Dash salt

½ Tbsp. sesame oil

1. Put water and salt to boil in a large soup pot.
2. Grate burdock and carrots.
3. Add to water. Bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat and simmer 25 minutes.
5. Cool until you can strain the vegetables through a cloth without burning your hands. Squeeze as much liquid out as possible.
6. Return the liquid to the pot.
7. Add sesame oil, reheat and serve.

Keep your eyes open for next month’s blog on Bone Broths.