Ardha Chandrasana (half Moon)+Indian Flavor Inspired Veggies and Quinoa=Fun and Friendly Quinoa

After a weekend of good girlfriend time and a stunning full moon I couldn’t think of a better yoga pose and recipe pairing than Ardha Chandrasana (half moon) and a Indian Flavor inspired quinoa and veggie dish. This weeks pairing is inspired by the importance of friendship and support in our lives. This has become even more apparent to me in the past month as I have been re-defining for me what it means to first connect with myself, and then reach out and connect with others. One of the biggest things that has opened up for me is how important it is to have good friends in my life who are there to laugh, play, cry, listen, and share space with me. In Brene Brown’s Book, The Gifts of Imperfection, she summarizes this perfectly by saying, “When we’re looking for compassion, we need someone who is deeply rooted, able to bend, and, most of all, we need someone who embraces us for our strengths and struggles…” I can say I enjoy doing things alone, but the authentic connections and friendships I continue to bring into my life feeds and nourishes my soul in an unique and different way.

The theme of friendship and support inspired me to pair half moon asana and this weeks recipe. In the pose half moon, the whole pose is supported by only one leg (see link for more detailed description and execution of pose). While this pose is totally achieve-able on your own, the support of a teacher, friend, or wall adds a different quality to the pose. I have experienced half moon both ways, alone and with support; each offers a uniquely different experience for me in the pose. Alone the pose feels awesome, but I can say when one of my teachers comes over and gives me an assist in half moon, time stands still for a moment, as I experience openings in my body I never even knew were possible to feel. The same theme of support also translates into the recipe this week. The veggies and quinoa that I paired together in this recipe are super tasty on their own, but when you bring the ingredients all together, a new burst of flavor and nourishment become present.

This week as you are enjoying the physical experience of half moon and the fun and friendly quinoa recipe, reach out, connect, play, let go, and enjoy all the supportive friendships you have in your life. And if you feel like you don’t have these kind of relationships presently in your life, set an intention that this is the kind of relationship you want to attract into your life. Write out a list of qualities you would like in a supportive friend, and then get out there and start connecting ;)!. Have an awesome week!

Connecting and Supporting YOU this week,

Melanie

Fun and Friendly Quinoa:

You will need a medium saucepan and a large fry pan.

Ingredients:
-3/4 cup Quinoa
-1 1/2 cup of either vegetable broth or water
-1/2 tsp of salt

-2 tbsps. of Olive Oil
-2 cloves of minced garlic
-1-2 tsps. of fresh ginger (you can always add more depending on your love of ginger)
-1-2 tsps. of tumeric (start with this and add more for stronger flavor if you like)
-1 bunch of swiss chard chopped
-1/2 cup of fresh broccoli (optional)
-1/2 cup of chopped carrots (optional)
-1/2 tsp of sea salt (you can add more if needed)
-1/2 of fresh squeezed lemon

Preparation/Cooking:
In a medium saucepan bring the water or veggie broth to a boil and add in quinoa and 1/2 tsp of salt. Cook on a simmer until quinoa is tender (approx 20 minutes).
Meanwhile in a large fry pan on a medium hight heat cook the garlic, oil, tumeric, and ginger for approx 45 seconds. From there add all the veggies and lemon juice. Reduce heat to medium and cover/cook veggies for about 4-5 minutes until tender. Add the quinoa to the veggie mixture and combine together adding the extra sea salt. You can add more seasoning if needed. Serve and Enjoy!