Yesterday
I saw some apples in a store marked “for juicing” because they were old and
wrinkly. Apples keep through the winter
of course and retain many excellent nutrients; but, just a word about Vitamin C
– something I learned someplace along the journey and stashed away in my mental
archive. The Vitamin C in fruit does us
good, but originally the plant had it in mind for its own consumption. While
the fruit looks plump and juicy, it still has lots of Vit C in it (well, levels
vary I guess, but even so). You can tell
when the stores of Vit C are running low because the fruit starts to fade and
get wrinkly. Even writing this I wonder
– is that true? Isn’t it just the water
levels diminishing? But then again, Vit
C is water soluble, so . . . But I pass
that on for your consideration.
For
those of you who like herbal teas, there’s a star among teas from Organic
India. Their enterprise is wonderful
anyway. The couple who started/run it
went to India to study under a spiritual teacher and stayed on. They live in an area affected by the Green
Revolution – Monsanto et al – where
many of the farmers had committed suicide by drinking the pesticides that were
part of the destructive package that had ruined them. Organic India was started to bring new hope and
revivify the land. At first the farmers
felt suspicious of Westerners with bright ideas, especially after their
experiences hitherto, but eventually a man with just three acres was willing to
give it a go – and his little farm thrived.
From that small beginning, Organic India has grown into a business
bringing hope to thousands of Indian farmers and restoring health to their
land. The particular tea I love is this one. I cannot adequately describe how
light, subtle, fragrant and delicious it is.
A heavenly tea. They sell it on Amazon.
Sometimes
I like to follow the old Book of Common Prayer for my quiet time. It starts with a confession that includes
these words: “We have left undone those things which we ought to have done and
done those things we ought not to have done, and there is no health in us.” And it made me think about the connections
between health and responsibility. I
mean, obviously if a landmine blows off your leg that’s not your fault; but in
the daily choices we make each little thing can be a step towards health, peace
and shining light. May God bless your
way today. May you walk in the
light. xxx