Hey everyone,
I started the new year by reading a book called The Tao of Pooh - which explored Taoism - a Chinese philosophy (followed by the late Vivienne Westwood, among others) through extracts from Winnie-the-Pooh. It was a quirky pick, and something that I thought would just be a casual intro to Taoism, and a bit intellectual. However, after reading it, I’d describe it more as a self help book - and a really good one at that. I don’t normally like self help books - finding them a bit scammy and desperate. That’s not a judgement on their readers, but just an observation I’ve had after reading some. But this one just had so many comforting and practical tips. A lot of Taoist sayings are just one sentence long and sum up a wonderfully relaxed approach to life.
Taoist sayings to soothe the soul
A thousand mile journey begins with just one step
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be
Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like
I think sometimes it can be easy to say look forward and go into the future, and forget about the past. But sometimes the past - we’re talking ancient history here - can be really useful. The sentiments common to Taoism are not unique in any way. I’ve read the same message in Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius. It is kind of comforting to see similar sorts of messages being passed from one ancient civilisation to another, across borders. Having a couple of mantras or affirmations around you when things feel tough can let you be present, feel calmer - as you tap into ancient knowledge. The idea that so many others before have walked this Earth, and felt your feelings, had your thoughts is such a grounding thing to realise.
playlist for the month ahead
guess which one of these I haven’t listened to….
Flowers in Snow by Sophie Hutchison
Flowers by Miley Cyrus
Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift
Never gonna not dance again by Pink
Enough for you by Olivia Rodrigo
Brexit at Tiffany’s by The Streets
seasonal foods
Apples
Pears
Shallots
Celery
Kale
Leeks
recipes
It’s the start of the semester - it’s bound to be busy. Here are some beautiful and fairly easy things to cook, and nourish yourself as January ends.
Roast mushroom gnocchi
250g mushrooms
500g fresh gnocchi
3 tbsp olive oil plus extra for drizzling
160g bag spinach
100g blue cheese
Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Slice the mushrooms and put in a roasting tin with the gnocchi, then drizzle over 3 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 25-30 mins or until the gnocchi are golden, stirring occasionally to stop them sticking.
Once the gnocchi are ready, stir half the spinach into the tin to wilt it, then crumble the blue cheese over the top. Put it back in the oven just to melt the cheese, then serve with the remaining spinach, drizzled with a little olive oil.
Vegan jambalaya
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion (180g), finely chopped
4 celery sticks, finely chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
2 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chilli flakes
½ tsp dried oregano
115g basmati rice
400g chopped tomatoes can
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
400g butter beans, drained and rinsed
2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder
large handful of parsley, chopped
Heat the oil in a large pan set over a high heat and fry the onion, celery and pepper, stirring occasionally, for 5 mins until starting to soften and colour.
Stir in the spices and rice, then tip in the tomatoes and a can of water. Stir in the garlic, beans and bouillon. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 25 mins until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Keep an eye on the pan towards the end of the cooking time to make sure it doesn’t boil dry – if it starts to catch, add a little more water. Stir in the parsley and serve hot.
Salmon and roast asparagus traybake
400g new potatoes halved if large
2 tbsp olive oil
8 asparagus spears, trimmed and halved
2 handfuls cherry tomatoes
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 salmon fillets about 140g each
handful basil leaves
Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Tip the potatoes and 1 tbsp of olive oil into an ovenproof dish, then roast the potatoes for 20 mins until starting to brown. Toss the asparagus in with the potatoes, then return to the oven for 15 mins.
Throw in the cherry tomatoes and vinegar and nestle the salmon amongst the vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining oil and return to the oven for a final 10-15 mins until the salmon is cooked. Scatter over the basil leaves and serve everything scooped straight from the dish.
some affirmations for the new year:
I will be kind to myself this year.
I will take it easy.
I will give my body all the vitamins and minerals it needs.
I thank my body for carrying me through everyday and letting me shine.
I hope you’ve had a peaceful start to the new year. I hope it’s a great one, and that you don’t feel you need to start as you mean to go on, but feel allowed to change whenever and whatever you want. I hope you allow yourself go through life instead of let life to go through you.
And finally, I hope you come back and read next month’s newsletter!
Lots of love,
Aysha
Love the affirmations and recipes here. Will endeavour to try both. Thank you for such an uplifting message. x