Surrender and Gratitude.

I just got back from a 5 day, meditation intensive  and I'm so full of JOY and gratitude! It's amazing what happens when we turn off our phones, step away from our computers, surround ourselves with like-minded people and just go within (and of course, cook a lot)!We had a good size group of 75 people, which in many ways feels like a mini-family reunion because so many of us have known each other for so long. We're definitely a tight-knit group, so it's always great catching up and just being with each other. I love this particular advanced intensive...it's my time to re-fuel my inner fire.

At this retreat, our daily routine consisted of doing intense practices for 6 hours, meditating for 3 hours, eating 3 square meals and sharing a few smiles and laughs with each other along the way. I don't know about you, but I really don't need much more than that!By the end of each day we were all on an all-natural high...there was just so much happy energy flowing, at times it was hard to contain that much joy. The funny thing is, when you step back and think about it, the joy is always there...it just has a way of getting muddied up with everyday stresses and worries that occupy our minds. And when we get into our heads and forget about our heart, we've just left our joy.It's easier to say than do, but in my moments of clarity and giddiness this retreat, the message was loud and clear; all you can do is surrender and be grateful; for what you do have, for who you are TODAY and for all the blessings that are continually showing up in different forms. Our time is limited and we need to make the most of what we have NOW because we don't know when it's all going to end. There will always be could have's, should have's and would have's, but those really don't get you very far...in fact, most of the time, that way of thinking only moves us backwards instead of forward.For those of you new to yoga and meditation, I can't stress enough how much I've gotten out of having a realized meditation teacher as my  guide on my spiritual journey...it's been a priceless blessing that I'm so thankful for! It's never too late to start meditating...it really does do wonders from the inside out.Have a great rest of the week! Make sure to take a few minutes to do something that makes your heart sing and your mind content.xo, Kajalp.s. I had the honor of cooking for this retreat with my mom and an awesome kitchen staff! We made a LOT of yumminess during the retreat...below are a few recipes that made. I'll post more of the recipes in the next week.Chole w/ Palak, Scalloped Quinoa Bake, Chai....