Kansas City Star

KC Symphony violinist's vegan Key lime pie is cashew creamy Kansas City Star Violinist Stirling Trent plucks the tastiest fruits and vegetables when creating vegan dishes in his Kansas City kitchen. Prior to becoming Kansas City Symphony's associate principal second violin, Trent lived on both coasts first as a graduate of ...

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KC Symphony violinist's vegan Key lime pie is cashew creamy - Kansas City Star

Reducetarian, flexitarian, vegetariantheres a diet out there for everyone. Thats why its more important than ever to make sure we get it all straight.

One diet (or lifestyle) thats been gaining in popularity among nutritionists, celebrities andmillennialsis the plant-based diet.The diet mostly appeals to anyone whos looking to live a healthier lifestyle,but its smaller environmental footprintmakes it particularly appealing to millennials.

If youve heard people talking about a plant-based diet, you may have thought this was basically just another word for veganism, but youd be wrong. Really wrong. And were going to explain why.

Vegans abstain from eating any animal products. According to The Vegan Society, Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.This means that many vegans also dont purchase leather goods. But it doesnt necessarily mean theyre eating lots of plant-based meals. Vegans could get through life eating processed foods and snubbing their veggies just like anyone else. Think potato chips, gummy candy, and even Oreos.

A plant-based diet, on the other hand, emphasizes eating whole fruits and vegetables, consuming lots of whole grains, and staying away from (or at least minimizing)the intake of animal products and processed foods for health reasons. That means that evenvegan dessertsmade withrefined sugar or bleached flourare out.

There are no strict guidelines or definitions for what constitute a plant-based diet other than focusing on eating lots of fresh produce and minimally processed foods. Some people on a plant-based diet dont eat any animal products, while others will eat a restricted amount. Its flexible in that way, but strict in its focus on eating whole foods.

Were not saying that a vegan cant be on a plant-based diet or vice versa, but the two are not interchangeable and we want to make sure you know it.

Link:

There's A Big Difference Between A Plant-Based Diet And A Vegan Diet - HuffPost

Cashews have changed the game for vegan cheeses. They add a creamy, decadent flavor that cookbook authors and chefs have adopted in almost every new recipe I come across.

Vegan brands like Miyokos Kitchen offer up artisanal flavors like Mt. Vesuvius Black Ash and Aged English Smoked Farmhouse as cashew-based options.

Unfortunately, if you have a sensitive gutor suffer from irritable bowel syndromeyou may have a hard time digesting these nuts. Those who cant tolerate cashews are often sensitive to FODMAPssugars and fibers that arent digested by the small intestines. (If you find you also have a problem with onions and garlic, low-FODMAP options might be worth a try.)

My other irritation with cashews is they have to be soakedsometimes up to two hoursbefore they can blend into a cheese sauce.

Extensive prep time is fine on a Saturday afternoon but not on nights when both my husband and I work late. Or, lets be honest, when Ive decided were having nachos for dinner and I forgot to soak the nuts in the first place.

Thankfully, there are nut-free recipes out there that are simple, healthy and delicious. Americas Test Kitchenthe Emmy-award winning cooking showincludes a nacho cheese recipe in its new book, Vegan for Everybody (Americas Test Kitchen, $29.95).

I was dubious when I looked at the ingredients alongside the picture in the book. I thought there was no way a mixture that blended boiled potatoes and carrots along with vinegar and nutritional yeast would come out anything like nacho cheese. Plus, the vinegar sounded gross.

I was completely wrong. The sauce came out smooth, tangy and with an unmistakable nacho cheese flavor and texture. Processing the potatoes released starch that gave it a gluey, stretchy consistency. Sauted adobo peppers and onions added a Tex-Mex kick.

Use it as a chip dip or a topping on your taco salad. Reheat on the stovetop, or microwave in 30-second spurts, adding water when needed.

If youre in the mood for a mac-and-cheese style topping, check out the velvety cheez sauce in Vegan Vittles, by Jo Stepaniak (Book Publishing Co., $19.95).

I got the original version of this cookbook in 2000my first year as a vegan. I remember flipping through the pages on multiple trips to the college bookstore, trying to justify the $13 purchase on my 19-year-old budget.

This is still my go-to topping for macaroni almost 20 years later. Like the nacho recipe, it has a potato and carrot base that you blend after boiling. But this one adds firm silken tofu and lemon sauce to give it a creamier texture.

Be cautious when blending the potato, carrot and water mixture in both recipes. If the liquid is still hot, it can force the lid on the blenderor food processorto pop open. I know this from experience. If you want to blend while the ingredients are still hot, only fill up the container halfway.

For a tangy salad topper or sandwich filling, try the Greek tofu feta recipe in Stepaniaks latest book, Low-FODMAP and Vegan (Book Publishing Co., $17.95).

The brinewhich mixes apple cider vinegar, water, miso and oreganotakes about 3 minutes to make. Cut some extra-firm tofu into cubes and let it soak overnight. I ate the cubes solo, but crumble and toss on top of pasta to get a more realistic feta feel.

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Love vegan cheese but can't eat cashews? Nut-free recipes come to rescue - Fredericksburg.com

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WAXAHACHIE From the vineyards of Texas to the breweries of the Metroplex, one Waxahachie couple is providing downtown patrons an opportunity to kick back, relax and indulge in the finer spirits and brews that the state has to offer.

He dreamt of a barbecue restaurant. She wanted a winery. So, naturally, they settled on a wine bar.

Work began to transform a vacant ground floor studio at the historic Rogers Hotel just after the New Year and wrapped with an April 22 soft opening before officially cutting the ceremonial ribbon Wednesday, May 17 to announce the opening of Cork and Keg the newest wine-bar-and-craft-beer venue in Waxahachie.

I was in the natural gas energy sector for 39 years in Houston and I married a young lady here in Waxahachie three years ago. I commuted for two years and last year my company was sold. So for the last year, I was trying to decide what to do, said Mark Hillegeist, who co-owns the wine bar with his wife, Phyllis Hyatt. I have always wanted to have a restaurant. I always thought I would have a barbecue place or a steak house. My wife always wanted a wine bar. We love to go to wine bars and wineries, so we came up with the idea to open up a wine bar.

The restaurant features wine, craft beers, and small plate items on its menu like crab cakes, hot wings, flatbread, and bruschetta. Already on tap are beers from Deep Ellum Brewing Company in Dallas, Rahr and Sons Brewing Company in Fort Worth and Revolver Brewing out of Granbury.

"We went to the grand opening and had a great time. Because of how crowded it was we sat outside," wrote Bentley Beck on the Cork and Keg Facebook page. "Great beer choices, and for being "bar" food it was really good! [The] atmosphere was very laid back, even when it was packed, we could still carry on a conversation with everyone who joined us. Gold star service from Samantha our waitress, she checked in on us and paid attention anytime someone joined our party to get them drinks. All around five stars, we need more places like this in Waxahachie!"

Laurie Burrow Muirhead also gave the new venue a five-star Facebook review and stated the Cork and Keg is "exactly what Waxahachie needed."

"Upscale but relaxing environment. The staff is great and the food is really good," Muirhead stated. "We are excited for them to have a larger menu and live music which the owners said is coming soon. We usually drive to Bishop Arts when we want this kind of atmosphere so it's great that we can stay in town to have that now."

Beers range from $3-8 for a 16-ounce glass and wine runs between $6-7 a glass. Wine options include keg and bottles from California, Washington, France, and Australia, among others. As of Friday afternoon, beers on tap included Rahr and Sons Dadgum, Saint Arnold Summer Pils, Revolver Blood and Honey, Shiner Bock and Lizard Scorcher.

Specials change daily and are posted to the Cork and Keg Facebook page, which can be found by searching "Cork & Keg."

We are going to focus on a relaxing atmosphere with some good music and some TV monitors in case the game is on. It is going to be a place that people can come to relax, have a drink, learn a little bit about wine and wine pairings. We are also going to serve some craft beers. So they can learn about craft beers and have some really good small plate foods, Hillegeist said. Instead of a place that you can go in and leave, it will be more of a place that you can go to sit back and relax and casually talk to people. I hope to have a little bit of live music once or twice a month and would also like to bring in a comedian once a month.

The restaurant is open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Cork and Keg can also be rented out for private parties.

Continue reading here:

Newest craft beer and wine bar, Cork and Keg, opens its doors as a member of the Waxahachie Chamber - Waxahachie Daily Light

Top Livingston County Area News Get the Latest on 93.5 FM

A crowdfunding project has been launched to help turn one Howell alley into a relaxing and beautiful destination.

The Downtown Development Authority, in collaboration with the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Howell, and local leaders are asking the community for $12,000 that, if met, will be matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for improvements to Peanut Row Alley. The Peanut Row alleyway is located downtown behind the Dairy Queen and Uptown Coffeehouse.

DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly said they are hoping to turn the alley into more of a place that people will walk to, rather than just walk through. Some of the plans include placing comfortable, unique furniture in the alley as a place for people to relax, sip on coffee, or enjoy music like that which is played during their Rock the Block event. Other plans for the alley include a human sized chessboard, and interactive chalkboard, vibrant flowerbeds, and new overhead lighting. Art will also be hung on the alley walls.

Edgerly said they have worked with experts and have spent the past year collecting these ideas and suggestions from residents and business owners. They have until June 30th to meet the goal if they want the funds matched by the MEDCs Public Spaces Community Places program. There are ten tiers of donating to choose from with incentives at each level. More information can be found through the link. (MK)

Back to WHMI Home Page

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Crowdfunding Project To Help Downtown Howell Alley Improvements - WHMI

The Italian American Cultural Society of New Jersey invites members of the public to its June dinner meeting on June 8 at 7 p.m. at Frankie Feds, 831 Route 33, Freehold Township. The restaurant is BYOB. The cost is $35 per person for members and $45 for non-members. Cash is preferred, no credit cards. To reserve seating, call Anthony Grassi at 917-743-3311 or Richard Favara at 732-861-9465.

DeBows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 571 and Route 537, Jackson, will host its annual flea market and bake sale on June 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend. There will be a food concession with breakfast and lunch items. Interested vendors may call Sue at 732-928-0352 to reserve table space ($10). Details: debowsumc.org

A meeting of the Monmouth County Retired Educators Association will be held on June 13 at the Spring Lake Manor, Spring Lake, at 11 a.m. Monmouth County Surrogate Rosemarie Peters will discuss wills and the Surrogates Office. The associations annual philanthropic award will be presented. Members are asked to bring a non-perishable donation for the food bank and school supplies for Bridges at the Shore. For luncheon reservations, contact Sue at 732 995-7754. New members are always welcome.

The Monmouth County Retired Educators Association will sponsor a member and family picnic at Oak Tree Lodge, Wall Township, on June 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be food, entertainment, games and activities. The cost is $5 for members; non-member guests, $35. Children under 5 are free. Guests age 5 to 11 are $15 per person. Details: Sue, 732 995-7754.

On June 5 at 6 p.m., the Jackson Library will host Martin Mosho as he discusses Unsung Heroines The Role of Women in the American Civil War. Mosho will discuss womens roles as volunteers, nurses, spies and combatants. The program is for adults and registration is required. Details: 732-928-4400 and press option 4.

The Jackson Rotary Club will sponsor a bus trip to the Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, on June 11. Cost of the trip is $34 which includes bus transportation, sandwich, chips and beverage on the bus, $25 back in slot play from the casino and gratuity for the driver. Bus leaves at noon and returns at 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit local organizations. For reservations, call Tom Barchie, 732-207-4029 or 732-849-6309.

The Jim Hall Memorial Homeless Vets Motorcycle Run and BBQ/Picnic will be held at noon June 24 at Jackson Elks Lodge No. 2744, 1059 East Veterans Highway, Jackson. Tickets are $25. Registration for the ride starts at 9 a.m. and the ride kicks off at 10 a.m. Food, beverages, entertainment by the Mangos and vendors. Proceeds of the day benefit homeless veterans. Details: joelamo90@gmail.com

The Monmouth County Park System is seeking vendors for its Eco-Elephant Family Flea Market to be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 17 at the Dorbrook Recreation Area, Route 537, Colts Neck. Individuals, businesses, nonprofits and crafters are welcome. Vendors must provide their own table and merchandise. Cost: $30 per space. Reserve a space at http://www.MonmouthCountyParks.com. Details: Al Weaver, 732-542-1642, ext. 31.

A program on the Art of Meditation for Beginners will be held at the Jackson Library from 10-11:30 a.m. June 6. The program is for adults. Participants will learn about different techniques of meditation that may work best for them. Program led by Shazia Zaman. Wear comfortable clothes. No experience required. The program is free and walk-ins are welcome. Details: 732-928-4400.

The film Under One Sky: Arab Women in North America Talk About the Hijab will be shown at the Jackson Library at 7 p.m. June 12. The film is for adults. Arab women living in North America explain the ideologies behind the hijab (veil). Followed by Q&A with Mariam Jalabi, director, Syrian National Coalition, United Nations. The program is free and registration is required. Details: 732-928-4400.

The Jackson Library will host the seventh annual Verity Academy Piano Recital from 2-4 p.m. June 17. Classical music will be performed by students of the Verity Academy. All ages welcome. Registration required. To register, call 732-928-4400 and press option 4.

The Jackson Library will host a Red Cross blood drive from 2-7 p.m. July 31. Anyone who is at least 17 years old, weighs a minimum of 110 pounds and is in generally good health can donate blood. All blood types are needed. Donors should bring a photo ID. Visit http://www.redcross.org to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

Look for turtles, egrets, herons, ospreys and other wildlife during a boat tour of the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell. Each 45-minute tour leaves from the Visitor Center, Windeler Road, Howell. Tours are offered at the top of the hour from 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, May 6 through Sept. 4. Wednesday tours are offered at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. from July 5 through Aug. 30. Evening tours are offered on the first Friday of each month May through September; call 732-751-9453 as times vary for the evening tours. All tours are weather and water level dependent. The fee is $6 per adult and $4 per child age 12 and under.

A coloring for adults program will be held at the Jackson Library from 10-11:30 a.m. June 20. Rediscover the joys of coloring. Coloring sheets and art supplies provided along with light refreshment and relaxing music. Adults 18 and over. Seating limited. Registration required. Registration is open now. Details: 732-928-4400.

Adults 18 and over can create their own rainbow clay necklace at 2 p.m. June 22 at the Jackson Library. Supplies provided. Seating is limited. Registration required. Registration opens June 9. Details: 732-928-4400.

The Jackson Library will host an Adventure in Art workshop from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 10. The workshop includes hands-on instruction by artist Nancy Bonta Voitko. Adults 18 and over. Seating limited. Registration required. Registration opens May 8. Details: 732-928-4400.

The Upper Freehold-Allentown Municipal Alliance will host Bike Night 2017 on June 7. All makes and models of bikes are welcome. American and metric bikes will be present. A car show will be held on June 28. All makes and models of cars are welcome. Both events will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Roost at the Cream Ridge Golf Course, 181 Route 539, Upper Freehold Township. Door prizes, judging, awards, music, food and beverages. Vendor opportunities are available. There is no entry fee, but donations for the alliance are accepted. Details:609-758-7738, ext. 230.

The Jackson Librarys knitting group, Knit-Chat-Chain, is seeking donations of yarn and wool. The members of the group create sweaters, hats, scarves and blankets to donate to charity. Yarn donations may be brought to the Circulation Desk during library hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details: 732-928-4400.

New Jersey Blood Services is in need of volunteers to work blood drives in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Tasks include assisting donors with registration, watching donors for post-donation reactions and responding to their needs. Details: Jan Zepka, 732-616-8741.

St. Aloysius Church, 935 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson, offers support groups to help people better understand their feelings and to meet others who are dealing with the same life issues. A bereavement support group meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. and a divorced and separated support group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Both meetings are held in the parish office. A freewill donation of $5 is requested. Details: Email St AloysiusGonzagaGroup@gmail.com.

Items for the Datebook may be sent to gmntnews@newspapermediagroup.com. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.

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Tri-Town News Datebook, May 24 - centraljersey.com

NEW YORK,May 22, 2017/PRNewswire/ --

Highlights

The global organic food & beverage market is expected to reachUSD 320.5 billionby 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.

Growing popularity of non-GMO products among consumers, owing to the health benefits associated with their consumption, is expected to drive the demand over the forecast period.

Fruits and vegetables dominated the global organic food market accounted for over 37% of revenue share in 2015. Furthermore, increasing consumption of meat and poultry products resulted in the fastest growth of the segment and is expected to grow substantially at a CAGR of 13% over the forecast period.

Non-dairy beverages such as rice, soymilk, and oat beverages accounted for over 33% of the total share of organic beverages market in 2015. However, beer and wine is projected to grow substantially at a CAGR of 13.5% over the forecast period owing to increasing global economic conditions and high consumption of a broad range of flavored beverages.

Further key findings from the report suggest: The global organic food market was valued atUSD 77.4 billionin 2015 and is expected to witness highest growth inAsia Pacificfrom 2016 to 2025

Fruits & vegetables emerged as the largest organic food product segment in 2015 and is estimated to generate revenue overUSD 110 billionby 2025

Frozen & processed food demand was overUSD 11 billionin 2015 and is anticipated to witness significant growth over the next few years

Beverage market is estimated to exceedUSD 55 billionby 2025, and anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 13.1% over the next nine years

Coffee & tea is expected to emerge as the fastest growing sector with a CAGR of more than 15% from 2016 to 2025

The U.S. is the largest market inNorth Americaand was valued over 40 billion in 2015, owing to the growing consumer resistance for genetically modified and chemically grown crops in the region

The industry inAsia Pacificis projected to witness fastest growth over the forecast period and account for over 12% of global revenue by 2025.Asia Pacificis projected to witness highest growth on account of growing agriculture sector in the region coupled with robust domestic demand has led to significant demand for the product.

Read the full report:http://www.reportlinker.com/p04899231/Organic-Foods-And-Beverages-Market-Analysis-By-Product-Fruits-Vegetables-Meat-Fish-Poultry-Dairy-Products-Frozen-Processed-Food-Organic-Beverages-Non-Dairy-Coffee-Tea-Beer-Wine-And-Segment-Forecasts.html

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Organic Foods And Beverages Market Is Expected To Reach 320.5 Billion USD By 2025 - VendingMarketWatch

A one-hour meditation class incorporating sound and scent is coming to North Fork Yoga Shala in Greenport this weekend.

The event, dubbed Sounds for a Calm Mind: Magnetic Sound Bath Meditation with Aromatherapy,will take place at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 27.

If you read the above headline, you might be wondering what a magnetic sound bath meditation is. So first, an explanation.

Invented by sound artist and creative technologist MJ Caselden, magnetic sound bath creates mantra-like vibrations that guide listeners into deep states of rest for relaxation, contemplation and clarity, reads a description of the event.

It creates vibrations, said Maria Christodoulou, founder of the wellness retreat planning service Bliss Without Bother, the events organizer.Youre laying down, listening and meditating without having to do anything. You go into a dreamlike state.

Christina Daigneault, founder of Orchard Aromatherapy and co-author of a forthcoming book, Plant-Powered Beauty (2018), will provide aromatic scents from organic essential oils during the meditation to complement the vibrations of magnetic sound.

You do not need to be a practicing meditator to participate.

Anybody can do this, Christodoulou said. You really just lay there and relax. You let the sounds and scents immerse you and you let things go.

Meditators are then encouraged to talk about their experience following the session. Participants can also enjoy herbal tea from the Greenport boutiqueTea & Tchotchkes.

The studio also occupies a former Masonic temple, an inviting space that sets the stage for relaxation.

Its a beautiful building. The energy in the room really spoke to me, Christodoulou said.

Pre-registration is recommended and can be done here. The fee is $40. For more information e-mail Christodoulou atmaria@blisswithoutbother.com.

North Fork Yoga Shala is located at 430 Main Street in Greenport.

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Magnetic sound bath meditation and aromatherapy in Greenport this weekend - Northforker (blog)

Begin Slideshow 5

Photo: Bob Luckey Jr. / Hearst Connecticut Media

Kaia Yoga owner Gina Norman practices yoga at her business in Old Greenwich, Conn., Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Kaia Yoga owner Gina Norman practices yoga at her business in Old Greenwich, Conn., Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Kaia Yoga owner Gina Norman practices yoga at her business in Old Greenwich, Conn., Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Kaia Yoga owner Gina Norman practices yoga at her business in Old Greenwich, Conn., Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Ashley Mossberg of Kaia Yoga speaks about yoga training at Kaia Yoga in Old Greenwich, Conn., Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Ashley Mossberg of Kaia Yoga speaks about yoga training at Kaia Yoga in Old Greenwich, Conn., Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Kaia Yoga owner Gina Norman speaks about meditation at her yoga business in Old Greenwich, Conn., Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Kaia Yoga owner Gina Norman speaks about meditation at her yoga business in Old Greenwich, Conn., Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Yoga training program information can be seen on the wall at Kaia Yoga in Old Greenwich, Conn., Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Yoga training program information can be seen on the wall at Kaia Yoga in Old Greenwich, Conn., Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Kaia Yoga expands meditation course offerings

Local studio Kaia Yoga will soon host new meditation teaching classes in response to a booming demand nationally for meditation and mindfulness training. The industry passed the $1 billion revenue mark in 2015, according to industry research group IBISWorld, with much of that coming from the corporate sector.

More than 20 percent of companies had adopted mindfulness training programs as of a 2016 study by the National Business Group on Health and Fidelity Investments. An additional 21 percent planned to introduce programs this year, the study found.

Kaia Yoga, which has two locations in Greenwich as well as in Darien and Westport, has witnessed increasing demand from businesses and local schools asking them to lead wellness days and people wanting to learn how to teach the practices, said Kaia co-owner Gina Norman.

Since Norman and her husband, fellow yoga instructor Stan Woodman, opened their first yoga studio in Greenwich in 2006, their brand has grown to four locations employing roughly 70 instructors. Lately, theyre focused on increasing their educational elements as they need more teachers and people look to learn the details of meditation.

Meditations popularity has grown dramatically in the last few years, Norman said. People are finally seeped in yoga enough that theyre looking for the next step, she said. And, theres science behind it now. There are lots of studies showing how it changes the brain.

In response to the trend, Kaia Yoga plans to introduce a new meditation teaching program that builds on other classes it has long hosted and will begin the first weekend in July. Kaias new yoga 100 hour meditation program begins by introducing students to the basics and developing their own practice, which includes studying mindfulness as a component. Its geared toward yoga students and teachers as well as other professionals who can use it in their work such as social workers, teachers and therapists, Norman said.

The full program takes place over four intense weekends spread out over several months that include full 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. days over a Friday and Saturday and costs $1,700. The program also includes required reading, some papers and weekly study groups. With most peoples schedules, it typically takes six to seven months to complete, Norman said.

To earn the resulting mediation teaching certification, students are then required to complete a written and oral exam. The 100-hours program also includes a second track, where students can choose to focus on Buddhist studies instead of meditation instructing.

The interest has been growing a lot in meditation, so weve been working on developing our education pieces to expand and strengthen peoples knowledge. ...We want to build a community, Norman said.

There are many types of meditation, she added, and the one being taught through the upcoming courses she calls the brushing teeth meditation, because it keeps you in a healthy place. We teach pure mindfulness meditation, which teaches you how to be awake so you know how to be present, she said.

There are a number of misconceptions about meditation, she said, and one of them is that all types are about keeping you zen all the time.

Were not necessarily trying to shut thoughts down (through meditation), but distinguish between thoughts and being present.

Contact the writer at mbennett@greenwichtime.com

Excerpt from:

Kaia Yoga expands meditation course offerings - Greenwich Time

In our first installment of the Meditation How-Tos marriage advice series, the Kundalini guide behind Benshen , Desiree Pais, gives you the step-by-step methods you need to practice to stay focused and calm before, during, and after you tie the knot.

Im about to tell you the secret to planning the best wedding of your life. No, I dont have the worlds top wedding planner in my phone book, and I cant lend you my best friend who would make THE greatest maid of honor (well, maybe we can negotiate that...she IS a Sagittarius and loves a good party). The secret to planning the best wedding of your life is adding meditation to your daily routine.

Planning one of the most important days of your life can, unfortunately, come with a heavy dose of stress . From finding the dream venue to dealing with family, trying to make everything perfect can leave you more frazzled than Anne Hathaways hair in the beginning of The Devil Wears Prada . Everyone knows the benefits of meditation when it comes to overall health and wellnesswhy not apply it when life gets a little (or a lot) crazier while planning your big day? And trust me, I know you already have a lot going on and learning how to meditate can seem like learning Mandarin, so Im going to teach you a simple meditation that is almost effortless. If practiced daily, it will leave you feeling calm , yet energized and will diminish the stress when it pops up.

See more: Say Namaste to These Luxe Yoga Retreats, Perfect for Bachelorette Parties

When were stressed out , our body secretes hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that, over time, leave us feeling agitated, irritated, and, eventually, exhausted. This stress is caused by our sympathetic nervous systemthe trigger for our fight-or-flight instinctkicking in to deal with whatever pressure is in front of us, like when mom and dad want a big wedding in Houston but you really want that dreamy small wedding off the coast of Italy. Over the course of the many months it takes to plan a wedding, all these incidents can leave our sympathetic nervous system firing at full capacity all the time, wreaking havoc on our bodies. One of the best ways to counteract this is a three-minute meditation called left-nostril breathingit activates our parasympathetic nervous system, the part of our brain that signals our body to rest and relax. It's simple, extremely effective, and if practiced daily, will leave you feeling calm and radiant leading all the way up to your big day (and beyond!).

Thats it!

Desiree Pais is a meditation and Kundalini yoga guide, and a natural beauty alchemist. She is currently pursuing a master's degree at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and studied Daoist Healing with Grandmaster Sung Baek. She teaches Kundalini yoga and meditation classes and workshops around New York City. She aims to make these ancient practices available to anyone who is interested in using this profound practice to create the life they want to experience.

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Marriage Advice 101: Meditation How-Tos From a Kundalini Guide - Brides.com