3 minute read
Try This!
Do This!
Labyrinths may bring to mind Greek mythology and angry Minotaurs, but they are an ancient symbol and structure that can, if walked, have some pretty cool effects on one’s health and mindset. The slow pace that a labyrinth walk requires can be meditative, offering an individual the opportunity to relax, refocus, and tune in with their unconscious mind.
While you can find labyrinths at Chartres Cathedral in France and other far-flung places, you can also find many of them within 10 miles of your home. Labyrinthlocator.com is a resource for finding these hidden pathways in Kentuckiana (and elsewhere in the world). There is a Contemplative Garden at 828 South 4th Street next to Spalding University, another at the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and several others sprinkled throughout the area. Spend a little time when the weather cools walking some of these paths for reflection.
Make This!
Sure, we think about pumpkins and gourds when fall rolls around, but nothing says fall quite like apples. The recipe below, modified from cookieandkate.com, is a perfectly healthy way to welcome in a new season.
INGREDIENTS:
Salad
• 5 cups spring greens salad blend
• 1 large Granny Smith apple
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup pepitas*
• 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
Vinaigrette
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 1½ tsps honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
*If you purchase raw pepitas, you may want to roast them: In a medium-sized skillet, toast the pepitas over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they begin to golden on the edges and make little popping noises. Transfer the pepitas to a small bowl to cool.
Make the dressing: In a cup or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, and salt until well blended. Season to taste with pepper.
Just before serving, chop the apple into thin, bite-sized pieces. Place your greens in a large serving bowl. Top with sliced apple, dried cranberries, and toasted pepitas. Use a fork to crumble the goat cheese over the salad.
Drizzle the salad with just enough dressing to lightly coat the leaves once tossed (you probably won’t need all of it). Gently toss to mix all of the ingredients and serve.
Take This!
To prepare for wintery viruses, be sure to stay up to date on all your preventative vaccines for influenza, coronavirus, and RSV, but also consider taking supplements of vitamin C and D for their immune-boosting properties. Getting enough vitamin D can be a little tricky for older adults since they may not venture out as much in winter, so adding a supplement at least until the sunshine is more plentiful might not be a bad idea.
By Carrie Vittitoe
Today's Transitions / Fall 2023
