Hey there! 👋

I hope you've been enjoying our weekly emails about Brazilian design. Today, I want to take a moment to share a delicious recipe that's perfect for this time of year: my healing broth. But before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you a little bit about myself and why this broth is so helpful during the season.

As a passionate advocate for consciousness and well-being, I have dedicated the past 15 years to acquiring certifications in various health and healing practices. Although teaching is not my main profession, I am committed to guiding and supporting a small group of dedicated students worldwide on their path to living a more conscious life.

And it's not just about health and wellness; it extends to nurturing our relationships and the planet as well. Embracing a conscious lifestyle means being mindful of our internal experiences and how they influence the world around us. As we approach the holiday season, creating space for grounding and balance becomes vital in order to fully embrace the abundance of energy that the end of the year brings.

For me, achieving that balance starts with paying attention to my diet, as it serves as an indicator of the state of my mind and emotions. Right before the holidays, when I often feel drained from all the busyness, I have developed a special end-of-year tradition to help me reset: drinking healing broth for about 3-5 days as part of my cleansing diet. This practice allows me to heal, cleanse, and get ready for the new year.

Making this healing broth is incredibly simple, and it provides comforting warmth. During the cleansing days, I also incorporate different teas like hibiscus or caffeine-free herbal blends into my daily routine. Alongside the broth, I enjoy a selection of fruits, probiotic-rich snacks like coconut yogurt and kombucha, and even golden milk.

Golden Milk.

Slowing down my digestive system by reducing solid food intake for a few days allows me to be more mindful of what I eat and how I savor each bite. It calms my mind and helps me navigate my day with greater mindfulness. This gradual cleansing approach truly allows me to embrace the magic of the season.

Of course, cleansing may not be suitable for everyone, so consulting a doctor is always recommended. But even if you choose not to do the cleanse, you can still use this recipe as a base for cooking other foods or reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods for a few days.

The holiday season holds different meanings for each person, but finding balance and nurturing ourselves with consciousness can guide us on our path. So, whether you're trying my healing broth or exploring other wellness practices, I encourage you to take the time to slow down and prioritize your well-being.

Another way to do this is by tidying up, getting rid of what is no longer needed, and refreshing parts of the home. This year, we are spending the holidays at our house in Basalt, CO. While organizing the living room, I noticed that the sofa cushions were in need of new upholstery. So I took measurements and started searching for upholstery fabrics online. I plan to have new and beautiful ones made once I arrive in Brazil. For now, I've stored the worn-out ones we currently have, giving our living area a more minimalistic and refreshed look.

Within my own home, I also noticed that we've been so busy that we haven't always taken the time to truly connect with each other. So, my husband and I have made a commitment to establish a new habit - pausing and making eye contact when we speak. It’s so simple and easy, and yet I caught ourselves talking to each other on the go! This is the kind of connection we seek and something we want to teach our little ones.

By focusing on what's happening in our own lives, in our own heads and hearts, we can find room for improvement, growth, and creating beauty and comfort. This mind-body-space occupation is healthy and necessary for starting the new year on the right foot.

Wishing you a joyful and balanced holiday season!

Ariel, Founder of Artekura.

Healing Broth Recipe 

Ingredients:

3 liters filtered water

1 tablespoon coconut oil, or extra-virgin olive oil

1 white onion, peeled and quartered

1 head of garlic, smashed

2 thumb-sized piece of ginger, roughly chopped (with skin)

2 thumb-sized piece of turmeric, roughly chopped (with skin)

1 cup spinach

3 carrots, roughly cut

2 celery sticks, roughly cut

½ cup dried shiitake mushrooms

30-50g dried wakame seaweed

1 tablespoon peppercorns

1/2 tablespoon coconut aminos

1/2 tablespoon Himalayan salt

A bunch of fresh cilantro, or other herb of your choice.

Instructions:

Simply add everything to a large pot. Bring to a boil then simmer, with the lid on, for about one to two hours. Once everything has been cooked down, strain the liquid into a large bowl. Serve immediately with some fresh herbs, for decoration or cool for later. It also freezes well.