February 2025 – Rebirth into Coherence

Laure of Nature

Feb 46 min read

Inspirations:

Thankfully, this January has been an enjoyable one for me and my family, as we were fortunate enough to be able to embark on a little adventure to Brazil - to visit my oldest son - and didn’t return until the middle of the month!

Experiencing the end of the year closer to the Sun was quite different. The heat felt extremely beneficial, and the country's diversity and colours were delightful. I indulged in what I miss most at this time of year: Light and Warmth! In a way, coming back made us appreciate the seasons more, as there are only two seasons in the northern part of this huge country where we spent most of our time. Being back now, I can really notice the seasonal change of Imbolc (on 1st of February, the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and symbolizing renewal, hope and the return of light); there are occasional days that show hints that the earth is readying itself for a significant burst of growth. The first snowdrops are emerging, the light is slowly returning and the birds are beginning to sing!

I feel that this time is more symbolic of rebirth and new start than the 1st of January. It is the period where the fading darkness and shadows can remind us of the things we can let go of, while bringing in what we want to birth-in for the Spring season. It is the time for planting seeds for growth.

On a bigger level, could it also be a time when we need to raise the vibration of the planet by being more in coherence with it and with our source? Could it be that mankind has not been taking the right direction into healing this earth and that now is the time to consider a coherence that rises from the heart rather than the mind? Could it be humanity's rebirth? I find this poem from Azrya Bequer so profound. Do follow her if you can as she has had her home taken by the flames in LA recently.

The "flow state" occurs when our hearts, minds, and bodies are unified, fostering a deep connection with ourselves and others. This connection, or coherence, is felt when we align with our environment and with Mother Earth. Studies show that emotions like appreciation, love, and compassion enhance heart rhythm coherence, linked to wellbeing, emotional stability, and mindfulness. Stress affects everyone differently, causing fluctuations in heart coherence. However, we can train our hearts to maintain coherence more often and inspire others by embracing a deep appreciation for life.

How can we make our hearts work better from a place of coherence?

Going back to the breath will always bring you back to a basic state of coherence. Counting your breath from 10 down to 1, breathing through your nose and focusing on a point where the air flow in and out.
Meditate: spend 15 minutes daily emptying your mind and creating space for compassion and self love.
Gratitude, appreciation, compassion, or love are all emotions that will help you be in a state of coherence. Feel it with all your physical body and bring it into the area of your heart.
Connect with nature as soon as you get the chance and notice the beauty around you.

I am incredibly thankful that I managed to complete the 21-day Abundance and Meditation Challenge by Deepak Chopra with a few friends (via WhatsApp). It truly helped me return to daily meditation while I was in Brazil, especially during our retreat in the Amazon where I was surrounded by wildness. It also assisted me in transitioning back into the daily life when I returned home, maintaining a deep connection to love and life, appreciation and finding my centre by learning to focus on both the sensations and the rest of the body in the present moment. It helped me be more aware of the things that don't align with my values (incoherence), stand up for who I am and be more in the flow.

As spring approaches, I feel a strong urge to cleanse and detoxify my liver. There are numerous effective supplements for this, especially those containing Milk Thistle. Reintroducing 'green juicing' a few times each week and to eat salads when I can and reduce carbs to transition towards a keto diet. I enjoy following Dr Eric Berg on this area, his videos are always so clear and helpful. Additionally, I like to restart my castor oil packing to soothe the area and enhance liver function. (Do get in touch if you want more details).

This month I wanted to share one of my last creations: a rice pudding made with coconut milk, shredded coconut and miso! It is inspired from the coconut pudding we had in Brazil (called Pudim) that are much sweeter, as they tend to use condensed milk. I used 100g of rice for 1 litre of coconut milk, brought it to a boil, and cooked it slowly until the rice became cooked and sticky. Then, I added a tablespoon of coconut sugar for sweetness and a tablespoon of miso. It's excellent for boosting gut health and adds an extra umami flavour to your dish!

Alternatively, you could try making amazake. It is a Japanese fermented rice dessert made with koji. It is fantastic for cleansing the digestive system and enhancing enzyme production! (Just take a few moments to imagine what a healthy traditional rice pudding may taste like and you've arrived at amazake!).

My mantra for this month:

The future is mine to create

I feel therefore I exist

GOOD TO KNOW:

> New Markets:

We are staring 2 new markets this month, on top of our existing ones: one in Wenvoe, 2nd Saturday of the month and Chepstow, 4th Sunday of the month.

> South Wales Fermentation Revolution:

The WhatsApp group for fermentation enthusiasts is growing with each market and event I attend, welcoming new fermenters. If you are keen on learning and sharing your fermentation experiences, kindly provide your phone number to join us! (07515493402) Please note that the group is open to those residing in the South to West Wales region.

> Initiatives for Promoting Wellness: Our mission is to share our expertise with a broader audience and make the wonderful world of fermentation accessible to all! If you know of anyone keen on exploring fermentation, whether they're individuals, communities, or organisations, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We offer engaging presentations, hands-on demonstrations, enriching workshops, and delightful tasting experiences, showcasing water kefir and sauerkraut. Let's spread the joy of fermentation together! Click here to get a glimpse!

> Bridge Studio News: We are currently focusing on expanding our offerings to more independent shops further afield. We are proud to have our team building up with Lavinia on the Kraut making and Sophie, making 1st and 2nd fermentation Water Kefir, as well as covering for a couple of markets monthly! We are on the look out for delivery drivers to cover for some of Alan's shift from time to time.

> Website links and references: We have a page on our website featuring links to authors, books, and podcasts that we enjoy... Check it out!

> Accessories: Absorb Glasses and T-Shirts: Our vibrant T-shirts and drinking glasses are available for online orders or can be bought at markets.

> Drinking Water Kefir for better health: If you want to drink our Water Kefir regularly to support your health, there are 2 money-saving options available:

Join our subscription scheme by filling in this document and emailing it back to us at (absorbhealth@outlook.com) *.
Learn how to make it yourself! We can sell you some grains, give you a receipt and teach you all you need to know!

*We deliver all around Cardiff and surrounding area - and further afield (see below).

> Grouped Deliveries outside of Cardiff: We have 2 separate delivery runs each month that go east of Cardiff one week and west of Cardiff on the other. Please get in touch if you live in the areas detailed below and want a Water Kefir delivery:

. Gower, Mumbles, Swansea, Swansea Valleys to Pontardawe and Ystradgynlais: Next runs are Thurs 6.02 & 6.03

. Newport, Monmouthshire and Bristol: Thurs 20.02 & 20.03

WORKSHOPS and TALKS on Fermentation and Digestive Health:

We have already delivered 3 workshops since our return but there are still a few more planned up until the end of March 2025:

. Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff on Sat 01.03.25

. Coed Hills Rural Art Space, St. Hilary, Nr Cowbridge on Sat 29.03.25

. Global Gardens Sat 26.04.25

Please check out our linktree for all the information!

Please check my calendar for the latest updates on which markets I'll be attending in the next couple of months and links to workshops (some will be updated later)!

WATER KEFIR

Flavour of the Month:

Our immune boosting

Elderberry, Hibiscus and juniper berry

is back in stock this month.

Do your bit for the environment and remember to return your empty bottles and sauerkraut jars - reusing is much better than recycling!

Happy Imbolc! Thank you for following Absorb!