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In Pursuit of Inner Peace

Every once in a while you meet someone with that zen vibe.  That’s how it is with Ami Jain, our friend, yogi and contributing wellness editor.  Ami’s got warmth, personality with an impressive ritual of living simply.  As a wellness routine is integral to a healthy, happy life, we’ve asked Ami to outline the fundamentals.  We’re talking simple rituals, available to everyone, everyday with little effort, and major impact.
Ami shares her routine here…. 
(and a favorite recipe, AND an awesome, guided 90 second breathing exercise.  We start each business day with it. It’s a game changer.) 

Please read more about Ami below…
Thank you Ami for sharing your heart and mojo with Basically Beautiful.  We’re a stronger, healthier team thanks to you.

Be the change you want to see in the world” — Gandhi

How Do You Receive The Gift of a New Day?

by Ami Jain

 

“I open the day with breath and hot water…

No matter what time you wake up or what season it is, we all start the day with an inhale and an exhale. The automatic nature of our breath is truly something we don’t have to think about. It just happens. I take time to consciously breathe one long inhale and one deep exhale before I get out of bed, before I speak, before I look at my phone, before I brush my teeth, wash my face and begin the day. It helps to start me off in an even state of mind.”

lemon water

In the kitchen, I keep large, thick slices of organic lemon in a refrigerated, glass container. My morning ritual is to have a mug full of hot water with two slices of lemon. I love watching the curls of steam rise from the mug as the hints of citrus tickle my nose.

 

This simple drink aids digestion, flushes out toxins and hydrates the body. 

 

  • citrus flavonoids help break down foods that have settled in the stomach overnight and the warm temperature of the water keeps things moving in the digestive tract.
  • lemons contain an antioxidant called d-limonene, which activates enzymes that help kick the liver into detox-mode, helping flush out built-up toxins.
  • vitamin c in the lemon boosts the immune system, serves as a powerful antioxidant and promotes collagen production to help keep skin strong and hydrated.

Also, the natural time it takes for the hot water to become warm so I can drink it affords me a few moments of quiet to just sit and enjoy the citrusy steam evaporating. A tiny meditation. After my mug is finished, I am ready to take on the day! Breath and hot lemon water start me off and carry me through the gift of the new day.

  • I love the taste of the chai and cacao together.
  • Incorporating mushrooms into my daily routine is so much easier with Mud/Wtr and their adaptogenic benefits are amazing!
  • I feel more clear and able to concentrate on my yoga practice and my work day with it.

Golden Turmeric Brew

Wellness for Beginners

Ever since I can remember, my mom always prescribed Haldar nu Doodh (Turmeric Milk) if I had a cold, cough, congestion or just general uneasiness. At the time, all I wanted was Robitussin! But, I dutifully drank the warm, golden milk and always felt better because of it. 

I have tweaked the original recipe (just a small spoon of turmeric and whole milk) and have made it my own. All the benefits of turmeric were always embedded into the Indian food and drink made at home growing up, but I now know more of the whys and hows of turmeric!

Turmeric contains curcumin and just 500 to 1,000 milligrams daily can offer the benefits of its anti-inflammatory properties. A typical teaspoon of ground turmeric contains 200 milligrams of curcumins. Here are some of the benefits:

 

Turmeric Benefits:

 

  • antibacterial and antiviral properties which can ward off flu and colds
  • reduction of swelling and stiffness in joints and muscles
  • cinnamon and ginger, which I add to my brew, also offer anti-inflammatory benefits
  • easing of digestive upset symptoms
  • alleviation of menstrual cramps

 

Turmeric Brew Recipe:

 

  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based milk of choice, unsweetened. I enjoy Three Trees pistachio or almond milk)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon ginger (ground or grated fresh)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • dash of ground black pepper (helps the body absorb the curcumins in turmeric)
  • any sweetener of choice to taste, optional

 

Instructions:

 

Combine all the ingredients into a small saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer on low heat. Cook for about 5-8 minutes or until the brew smells spicy and has a uniform golden color. Strain the milk into a mug, take a long inhale, a deep exhale and savor it! 

Song: Natural Cause by Emancipator

ami bio

Ami Jain is a yogini who seeks to weave breath and mindfulness into her daily life. Ami has been practicing Ashtanga yoga for over 15 years. She completed a 100 hour Ashtanga training with Scott Harig in 2012 after attaining a 200 hour certificate in ISHTA Yoga. Workshops with master teachers Manju Jois, David Swenson, Richard Freeman and John Campbell as well as meditation lessons have furthered her study of all the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga. Ami teaches Ashtanga at Pure Yoga NYC and also teaches private vinyasa, pre-natal, restorative yoga to adults and children. Beyond the physical practice of yoga, she offers consultations on how to incorporate wellness and spirituality in simple ways, each and every day.

BASICALLY BEAUTIFUL WANTS TO KNOW…

 

BB:  Do you have a favorite quote?  

Ami:  “Be the change you want to see in the world” — Gandhi

 

BB:  What is your favorite flower? 

Ami:  Casablanca Lily and Jasmine

 

BB:  Favorite playlist?

Ami:  Any chill tracks, usually instrumental

 

BB:  Favorite ice cream?

Ami:  Mint chocolate chip

 

BB:  If you could have one superpower…?

Ami:  Staying healthy and fit forever to help others stay healthy and fit!

 

BB:  What is the best way to contact you?

Ami:  You can reach me at [email protected] or through Instagram

(posted: February 2020)

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