I hope September is treating you well so far. It feels like it really snuck up on us, doesn’t it?
I’ve been missing the ocean lately, but if i have to be landlocked i’m thankful to live in a place that has seasons. And Fall is still my favorite one. I’m not the biggest fan of pumpkin spiced lattes but there’s a lot to love about Harvest season!
I’ve been working on a Fall Bucket List. One, because I like lists and two, because Fall never lasts long enough. I’m trying to make the most of it, and also try more new things this year. Because not only is trying new things a lot of fun, studies have also shown that novelty is how our brain measures our sense of time.
So the more novelty we experience, the slower time feels. Which explains why time feels slow when we’re on vacation exploring new places, but our daily commute can feel like the movie Groundhog Day and the seasons sometimes blur together.
Incorporating more novelty into our days can help keep time from being such a thief, AND make our day to day a lot more interesting. And it doesn’t have to be anything big! Even small things like taking a different route home, going out bowling instead of your typical movie night on Fridays, or hanging out with a different group of friends all create novelty for our brain! Kinda fun right?
Thinking About
More proof that the little things are actually the big things.
And this quote from writer and philosopher Robert Pirsig on enjoying the journey:
"Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you're no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an end but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rock looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top. Here's where things grow."
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (found in James Clear’s 3-2-1 newsletter)
Making.
A midweek cake. I just love the idea of snacking cake! This Pistachio Citrus Cake involves a few steps, but trust me: you’re going to want it for dessert, a snack, breakfast . . . no judgment. I haven’t tried it yet, but this Strawberry Crumble Olive Oil Cake looks like a good option too, and may be one last taste of Summer before everything turns to pumpkin!
I picked up some seed crackers from the Farmer’s Market recently and they were so delicious, we polished them off in an afternoon! But $8 for what feels like a single serving package meant I had to figure out a way to make them at home. Seeds are serious nutritional powerhouses and these seedy crackers are a really good way to sneak more of them into your diet. My first batch was a bit of a fail, more like a seed granola, which is actually still pretty good!
A few months ago, I finally subscribed to the New York Times Cooking newsletter and the list of recipes I want to make is quickly outpacing both my available time and my grocery budget. I’m trying to be judicious, but there are just so many delicious options! Here I narrowed it down to the top 3 I want to try in the next few weeks:
Tagine Chicken Everything about Morocco is lovely, but the food is next level good so I’m pretty excited about this one. Plus it looks like there will be leftovers for lunches, always a win.
Dreamy, Creamy Coconut-Lime Rice With Peanuts. The recipe description says “for when you want the lightness of a salad but the comfort carb-iness of rice” which is pretty much what I always want so this one definitely made the list!
Sticky Miso Salmon. I actually already made this one, simple, delicious, and i think you should make it too.
LISTENING TO
This interview with Dr Chatterjee and Gabor Maté, "We Learn It Too Late" - 5 Regrets Trapping People From A Life Of Purpose & Meaning. I’ve listened to this interview several times over the last few months and gain some new insight every time.
Still very into this mantra meditation.
Dr. Becky. On repeat, all the time. Seriously cannot say enough good things about this woman. I recently joined her Good Inside membership and it has been so helpful for me. Not only for parenting advice but for relationships in general. It’s like having a therapist on speed dial which I very much appreciate.
READING
Misogi is a concept that’s new to me, but one that I’m absolutely fascinated by these days.
Misogi, which means 'water cleansing', is an ancient Japanese practice involving purifying the mind, body, and spirit through physical and mental challenges. In samurai tradition, it helped warriors build mental clarity and gain a deeper understanding of themselves by pushing their emotional, physical and spiritual limits.
I was first introduced to the concept while reading The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter. In the book he talks alot about the idea that trying really hard things can be life enhancing, and all of the benefits that come with exploring the edges of our comfort zone. It’s a good read.
Adam Grant speaks to this point in his book Hidden Potential which I also really enjoyed.
This interview with Tim Ferris had some great takeaways. And if you’re looking for something a little lighter, I’m late to the game on this one, but I just finished reading Remarkably Bright Creatures and loved it! Diving into Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead next, Have you read it yet? Thoughts?
xx
Ashley
Hi Ashley, wow, so many great ideas here! I like what you were saying about novelty and funnily enough as I was reading this I was thinking how I'd love to include more novelty in my cooking and then I read on and found all the wonderful recipes you had shared . 🙌 I had never heard of Misogi before either but I am intrigued. Finally, I read Demon Copperhead at the start of the year and imo, it is EPIC! xx