Stay Human ￨ Be Present

What does it mean to be human? During a time of such turmoil, it’s disheartening and maddening to see injustice all around. How do we center the principles of staying human during a time so full of inhumanity? Presence may just be the key to staying awake and compassionate during this moment. When we remove the unnecessary distractions of modern life, we open the door to a more intentional and dignified way of existing. From this place, we can remember how to stay human… together. 

 What am I reading?

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780593820070

You Need a Budget by Jesse Mecham 

https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780062567581

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

What’s playing on repeat?

American Idiot by Greenday

 What’s for dinner?

Summer Garden Pasta by Ina Garten 

Ingredients:

• 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
• Good olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
• 18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound dried angel hair pasta
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Instructions: 

Combine the cherry tomatoes, ½ cup olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and the pepper in a large bowl.  Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours.

Just before you’re ready to serve, bring a large pot of water with a splash of olive oil and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil and add the pasta.  Cook al dente according to the directions on the package (be careful – it only takes 2 to 3 minutes!).  Drain the pasta well and add to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes.  Add the cheese and some extra fresh basil leaves and toss well.  Serve in big bowls with extra cheese on each serving.

https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/summer-garden-pasta

Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas

Ingredients:

• 4 bananas
• 12 ounces chocolate chips
• 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut or sprinkles
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts 

Instructions:

• Remove the peel from the bananas and cut them in half. Push a popsicle stick into the cut end of each banana. Place bananas on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper, then freeze for three hours.
  
  
• When the bananas are done freezing, add the chocolate and coconut oil to a microwave safe cup or bowl. 
  
  
• Melt the chocolate on half power on your microwave for 2-3 minutes. Stir about every 30-60 seconds until fully melted. 
  
  
• Pour melted chocolate into a tall glass, like a mason jar.
  
  
• Dip the bannanas one at a time into the melted chocolate, then remove and immediately sprinkle with nuts and/or coconut or sprinkles. 
  
  
• Place on parchment paper to cool then serve. Enjoy!