Not surprisingly, my mood at this time of year turns towards thoughts of gratitude. You know, Thanksgiving and all. I'm glad to be in good health; I'm grateful for my lovely supportive friends; I'm appreciative of my career achievements. But those things are easy to be thankful for. They are obvious boons and blessings. Where I have reached real peace, though, are the places where I have fostered thanks for those things less evident.

I am thankful for the challenges life has thrown my way. No, really! It goes beyond the whole "what doesn't kill me makes me stronger" or even the belief that I am the sum total of my experiences, both the good and the bad. I am actually glad for the difficulties I have faced. I'm grateful for the heartaches, the illnesses, and the losses. Every challenge I have faced makes me a better counselor; every conflict I have had makes me a better friend.

Does it sound a little sappy? A bit Pollyanna? I don't care. All that matters to me is that some of the life experiences I used to feel shame around or tried to hide, I now proudly shine a spotlight upon. What I once saw as my weaknesses, I now know are my assets. I feel such freedom and joy in that mindset!

It's just a matter of perception, after all. So this Thursday, as you sit around the dinner table sharing with each other the blessings of your year, I encourage you to stretch a little. Try thanking the universe for something you might never have thought of as a "good" thing. Try to discover the amazing growth those kinds of experiences afforded you. You might find you have a lot more to be thankful for than you ever imagined.

Is brown rice really that different or better for you than white rice? Yes yes yes! That's because brown rice retains its natural bran covering, with only the tough outer hull being removed during the finishing process. White rice, on the other hand, is peeled and polished until it is stripped of 67% of its vitamin B3, 80% of B1, 90% of its B6, half its manganese and phosphorus, 60% of its iron, and ALL its dietary fiber and essential fatty acids.

Brown rice (not white rice) is an amazing food. The manganese in brown rice is essential for a healthy nervous system and is a major component in the production of cholesterol and the protection against free radicals. Rich in fiber and selenium, brown rice can assist in the prevention of colon and other cancers, and can also help maintain several major metabolic functions, including thyroid hormones, antioxidant production, and your immune system. Brown rice is also a "must have" if you're trying to lower your cholesterol or even just maintain the beneficial balance you already have. For postmenopausal women, brown rice is even more important in helping keep cholesterol and blood pressure down. The plant lignans present in brown rice even protect against heart disease! The whole grain nature of brown rice is a complex carbohydrate which digests slowly while also increasing your serotonin levels. The end result is steady energy and an overall feeling of calm and balance.

All that from a little grain of rice? It's pretty amazing, but it's all true. If eating brown rice isnŐt a current regular part of your diet, try slowly substituting it in to your normal meals. Instead of having vegetables over pasta, try it over brown rice. Switch out your usual side of starches for this super-food and take note of how your body thanks you.

*Scientific data found at www.whfoods.com

Ingredients:

1 cup brown basmati rice
2 cups water
1/2 cup dried cranberries Make sure they have no added sugar or sulfur.
1/2 cup chopped walnut pieces
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
a pinch of sea salt

Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 30 to 40 minutes
Serves: 4

Directions:

1. Rinse rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear
2. Add rice to water with a pinch of salt
3. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to simmer
4. Let simmer 15 minutes, then add the cranberries and walnuts to the top, do not stir!
5. Let cook another 15 to 25 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed
6. Remove from heat and add the chopped parsley
7. Fluff with a fork
8. Cover and let sit for another 3 to 5 minutes before serving

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To make this wonderful technique accessible to as many people as possible, private sessions are only $40 for one hour.

Call 646.246.7250 or email trishbalbert@gmail.com to schedule your appointment today!

email: trishbalbert@gmail.com

phone: 646-246-7250

web: http://www.awakenwellness.com