Balancing Flavors and Life: The Intersection of Gourmet Cooking and Yoga with Tom Norrington Davis
Seasonal cooking is more than just a trend; it's a return to the rhythms of nature, a practice that not only enhances the flavor of our food but also reconnects us with the world around us.
And isn’t this exactly what YOGA is also supposed to help us do?
In a recent conversation with Tom Norrington Davies on the Finding Harmony podcast, we tap his expertise of reaching the top of his field in the culinary world to understand the significance of seasonal cooking and how his time in India, changed the way he approached not only his life, but food as well!
If yoga is about personal integration and life transformation, then the practice has to touch every aspect of our being. This includes, not just our physical, mental, and spiritual health, but our connection to our environment, our relationships, and our interconnection with all beings, our earth, and how it all comes together in the food we eat.
Yoga is a process of tuning-in to bring our mind, body, and spirit into a deeper state of coherence or union. The expression of how successful we are at this endeavour shows up in our daily lives — how we interact with people around us, and in our eating habits.
When we align our personal rituals and routines with the natural cycles of the seasons, we’ll begin to feel intimately connected to the heartbeat of life itself. We trust ourselves. We trust nature.
When we lean into this universal rhythm, we become more mindful of where our food comes from, how it's grown, and this fosters deeper appreciation for the earth's bounty.
Want to experiment with prioritizing seasonal cooking and feeding yourself with local food that not only reduces your carbon footprint, but also will be more fresh + nutrient-dense?
Here are a few practical tips for seasonal cooking:
1. Visit Local Farmers' Markets: One of the best ways to start seasonal cooking is by visiting local farmers' markets. Here, you'll find produce that is fresh and in season, and you can often speak directly with the farmers who grew it.
2. Plant Seeds + Grow Your Own: If you have space, consider growing your own vegetables and herbs. Even a small garden can provide a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce.
3. Plan Your Meals in Advance: Plan your meals around what's in season. Not only does this make meal prep more exciting, but it also ensures you're getting the freshest ingredients.
4. Canning + Freezing to Preserve the Harvest: Learn techniques for preserving seasonal foods, such as canning, freezing, or drying. This allows you to enjoy the flavors of each season year-round.
5. Get Creative! Play with Seasonal Recipes: Look for cookbooks and online resources that focus on seasonal cooking. Experiment with new recipes and ingredients to keep your meals varied and interesting.
Key Areas of Interest:
Tom's early career in the culinary world and his transition to yoga
The influence of seasonal ingredients and sustainable cooking practices
Managing anxiety and stress through breathwork and yoga
The transformative power of Ashtanga yoga in personal and professional life
Building community through Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga practice
Join us in this riveting discussion that bridges the gap between the rich traditions of Ashtanga Yoga and the contemporary world of culinary art. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or brand new to the discipline, Tom’s experiences and insights are sure to inform and inspire!
June 16, 2024
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