Cook and nourish yourself with whole foods

 Eat foods that are as close to nature as possible. We have been making lots of warming soups with garlic, ginger, galangal, seaweeds, reishi, shiitake, goji and organic vegetables, making the most of the fresh produce we have access to. Medicinal plants and herbs can be our allies in this time. A lot of them we can grow ourselves, like antivirals olive leaf, thyme, ginger and nervines such as chamomile and lemon balm. Gardening (even weeding) is grounding, getting our hands in the earth connects us to the earth and to ourselves.

Rediscover the comfort of cookbooks, try new dishes, or revisit much-loved family recipes. Allow yourself to be fully present in the process, knowing the ritual of eating-in may directly improve your wellbeing while nourishing those you love - even if you are cooking for one. Try to support your local community and purchase quality produce from small businesses. They need us now more than ever

Support your community

Be kind to everyone, you don’t always know what they are going through. Help where you can, keep yourself centred by watching your thoughts, breath work, rest, and being present in the moment. Play with your children and really allow their state of being to merge with your own. They are free from the stressors of this situation. Many small businesses are adapting, support where you can by ordering a takeaway meal from your favourite local, or order books, natural wine or chocolate to your door. If you can’t make it to your class, there are some great resources for Qi Gong, Yoga and Kundalini Yoga online. Our healthcare workers need our support in this time. Staying home is the best way we can help. 

Be mindful of your thoughts

Fear attracts fear and depletes our immune system. Our collective beliefs and actions create our reality. Compassion, gratitude and love will boost immunity and vitality. Stay informed, though do not succumb to the hysteria. Connect with friends and family online. Follow new voices, and discover unique perspectives: try Bruce Lipton, Joe Dispenza, Charles Eisentein, Damon Gameau and Jeff Brown. Or avoid social media if it isn’t helping. You have the responsibility for what enters your field. Be mindful of what you put into your body. Emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Awaken your creativity

We are all artists, though the ego sometimes says otherwise. More than ever, the world needs you and your uniqueness. Get out the paints and let your creativity run free. You don’t have to show anyone, just create for yourself, or for a friend or loved one to show them that you care. Write whatever you are feeling and onto the page, keep it to yourself, or share with others. Even in isolation we are not alone.

Strengthen and protect your immune system naturally 

We are taking vitamin C daily and immune-boosting herbals such as astragalus, andrographis, thyme, echinacea, elderberry, cat’s claw and medicinal mushrooms reishi, turkey tail and shiitake. It is also important to regulate the nervous system with adaptogenic herbs such as withania. L-Lysine can prevent viral replication.

Try to avoid sugary processed foods, alcohol, cold damp foods, fried foods, non organic dairy and protein and highly acid foods such as coffee. Enjoy warm, mineral-rich broths, soups and congee like this Superfeast recipe with chicken and added herbs such as elderberry, ginger, garlic, shiitake, seaweed, cayenne and lemon. Eat a variety of coloured vegetables, green leafy herbs such as parsley, coriander, thyme, and oregano. Sip herbal teas such as liquorice, cat’s claw, olive leaf, elderberry, nigella sativa and stay hydrated with good quality water.

Learn to just be 

Now is the time, if you can, to take rest. Even if it's just prioritising sleep and honouring your body's daily rhythm. This will serve you more than you can imagine. So many of us are addicted to our outward expression, to ‘doing’, to being busy and productive. Use this time and take advantage of not being scheduled. Concentrate on your personal or family values. This is an incredibly potent time to ramp up your spiritual practice. Know that the cosmos loves us and want the best for us. We are agents of the light and love will set us free. The kingdom of heaven is within you, do not let the fear consume you.

When we slow down and get into the rest and digest response we can learn to share, to find peace with ourselves, use our intuition and to most importantly LOVE each other. There will always be a tomorrow, we must trust the nature of our earth. 

With hope, in Love, 

Emica x