Dosha-licious: Kaphalicious

This is the third in a 3-part series on the doshas - an Ayurvedic term which refers to the fundamental bio-energies of life, based on the five elements of nature. Space and air combine for Vata dosha, fire mainly with water gives Pitta dosha, water with earth make Kapha dosha. Please see the prior posts to learn more about Vata and Pitta dosha, and get a recipe ideal for each.

Kaphalicious

Kapha, we may not say it often enough, but we need you. We need your sweet, steady, devoted nurturance and care. We need your enticing aromatics, sumptuous meals, birthday remembrances, the shoulder to cry on, and the way you connect our families and friends and hold together our togetherness.

We need the compassionate counsel, calm and comfort you bring to us and our world. Gosh, if it weren’t for your qualities of water and earth, we might spin out or burn up. You are a forever friend, cuddly pal, giggly, supportive, open armed, big-hearted, warm embrace.

Kapha people give with a generosity so constant that they sometimes may feel their gifts are taken for granted. In truth, we do have a culture that somewhat takes them for granted - think of all the teachers, nurses, counselors, and mamas who give and give and often only get recognized when they are gone.

If you ever feel forgotten or unappreciated Kapha, just remember you are the never ending, always abundant, nurturing presence of love. Drop into your heart and feel that truth. In there, you are exactly who we need, at every give moment, more than most people will ever truly know. Thank you for your magnanimous willingness to nourish and protect our world.

To be Kaphalicious

• Wake up every day at sunrise

• Start each day with rigorous exercise

• Be a leafy green, plant powered goddess. Enjoy protein focused, whole foods.

• Spice your meals: ginger, cinnamon, clove and pepper are good spices for you.

• Spice your life: changes things up, try new things, challenge yourself.

• Dance more, laugh more, shake it up as often as you can.

• Love, as you do so well, but with an attitude of trust, acceptance, ease.

• Faith: It helps to offer yourself to a higher purpose, practice, ideal or spiritual presence. In that space you will feel the fullness of your beautiful heart appreciated and reciprocated in a way no human love can match.

Please share with your Kapha friends to let them know how much you appreciate them. Or, invite them over for Lentil Porridge. Morning, noon or night, this is the perfect bowl of warmth to keep their hearts light.

Kapha-Balancing Breakfast Lentil Porridge
Adapted from Sahara Rose’s new book, Eat Feel Fresh

Serves 3

Ingredients

1 cup lentils
2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
1.5 cups water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon clove
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 pinch pink salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

The night before, rinse the lentils well until the water runs clear. Place in a bowl, add water to cover and let soak overnight.

In the morning, drain the lentils and put them in a large saucepan. Add coconut milk, water, spices, salt and pepper.

Over medium high eat, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 4-5 minutes. Ladle into serving bowls and enjoy warm.

Pressure Cooker: Combine all ingredients and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Release pressure manually.