Spring has always been my favorite time of year, when I feel most creative and joyful. As we cycle nearer to spring, I can feel my energy growing and swelling like the buds on the trees!
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| Shiva, Crafts Museum, New Delhi |
Many Hindus keep a fast all day, make offerings of flowers and incense, and chant to Shiva. They vigil all night, sing songs, and dance to the rhythm of the drums.
Agenda Today:
2- Add ground cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper to the milk and wisk to combine.
3- Combine the almonds, cashews, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds and grind into a fine powder. I used my coffee grinder and did it in 2 batches.
4- Add to the milk and mix well. Heat the milk again for a few seconds. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours.
5- Strain the mixture through a sieve. Serve chilled.
1. Mantra:
Today I will chant the Panchakshara mantra, which means "five letters" in Sanskrit, and refers to the five letters Na, Ma, Si, Va, and Ya:
Om (the primordial sound)
Namah (I honor)
Shivaya (the source of creation)
Hear the chant here.
This is a prayer to Shiva, who is the universal consciousness. Shiva is life potential and the ground out of which everything grows; Shiva is the space from where everything has come, where everything is sustained, and where everything eventually dissolves.
When I meditate on Shiva in this way, rather than as a blue-faced God-being, I get closer to the truth of the Hindu pantheon.
2. Journal:
3. New moon meditation and prayer:
As the moon waxes, I expand-- plant seeds, make connections, and begin new projects. This week I will make some plans for creative action.
5. Make Thandai:
Some Hindus observe a strict fast today, though many go on a diet of fruits and milk. This famous flavored milk is traditionally prepared to drink, and as an offering to Shiva.
Ingredients:
Today I will chant the Panchakshara mantra, which means "five letters" in Sanskrit, and refers to the five letters Na, Ma, Si, Va, and Ya:
Om (the primordial sound)
Namah (I honor)
Shivaya (the source of creation)
Hear the chant here.
When I meditate on Shiva in this way, rather than as a blue-faced God-being, I get closer to the truth of the Hindu pantheon.
This is my monthly time for “seeding” intentions. I write down what I hope to focus on in the next 30 days or so, and then give my ideas a period of gestation, like seeds in the soil, before I take action. Having this regular time each month to focus my goals has helped to give me clarity of purpose.
What creative paths am I starting down?
What do I need to clear from my path in order to create something new?
What creative paths am I starting down?
What do I need to clear from my path in order to create something new?
3. New moon meditation and prayer:
Shivratri is the darkest night of the month; it's an opportunity to give myself the experience of the vast emptiness that is the source of all creation.
Tonight I will light a small white candle on my altar. I will center, and feel myself fill with thankfulness for all I have now in my life. And I will ask Shiva to strip away my striving for comfort and safety, so that I can be open to the infinite possibilities.
4. Plan:
5. Make Thandai:
Some Hindus observe a strict fast today, though many go on a diet of fruits and milk. This famous flavored milk is traditionally prepared to drink, and as an offering to Shiva.
Ingredients:
- 1 c. whole milk
- 1-Tbsp. sugar
- 1/8 tsp. saffron strands
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. ground cardamom
- dash of ground black pepper
- 1-Tbsp. almonds
- 1-Tbsp. cashews
- 1/2-Tbsp. poppy seeds
- 1/2-Tbsp. fennel seeds
2- Add ground cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper to the milk and wisk to combine.
3- Combine the almonds, cashews, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds and grind into a fine powder. I used my coffee grinder and did it in 2 batches.
4- Add to the milk and mix well. Heat the milk again for a few seconds. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours.
5- Strain the mixture through a sieve. Serve chilled.
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