The karma of kindness

Written by Robin Glowa
Monday, 01 February 2010 18:20

“One kind word can warm three winter months.”

— Japanese proverb

When we bestow a smile on a stranger or let a person go ahead of us in traffic, bring soup to an ailing neighbor, or perform a chore without being asked, these random acts of kindness create a karmic circle that brings in feelings of goodness and content. Kindness perpetuates an aura of caring, happiness and joy.

Too often, however, we may forget to be kind to ourselves. Too often we speak harshly about our own actions or thoughts, and become caught up in fear or frustration. If each day you would greet yourself with a kind thought, broad smile and a moment of gratitude for all that is right, the day would become filled with beauty.

Being kind to the body requires patience and dedication, much like any other relationship. The winter months can bring on feelings of frustration and apathy, causing us to make poor eating choices.

Breaking out of a routine will rejuvenate your physical and emotional relationships. Make time to enjoy new, healthy recipes that will strengthen the immune system, rid the body of cloying toxins, and awaken the senses to new possibilities.

Citrus fruits, now in season, are a marvelous choice for waking up the palate. Grapefruits, in particular, are bursting with succulent, sunny sweetness with a tongue-tickling touch of astringency. The refreshing flesh of grapefruit contains copious amounts of vitamin C, which support a healthy immune system while stimulating collagen production to encourage beautiful skin.

Grapefruits are a natural appetite-suppressing food. They are fat free, sodium and cholesterol free; and contain dietary fiber, which helps keep the body full longer. These attributes make grapefruit part of an effective weight-loss regime.

Enjoy the spectacular flavor of grapefruit, and awaken to the sunny sensation of kindness as you prepare a delicious life.

Sensational sunny citrus

4 servings

1 large pink grapefruit, peeled and cut into chunks or slices

1 large orange, peeled and cut into chunks or slices

4 kiwis, peeled and cut into chunks or slices

2 clementines, peeled and segmented

2 blood oranges, peeled and cut into chunks or slices

1 cup fresh grapefruit juice

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

3 tablespoons honey

1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger

Combine all the fruits in a large bowl. In a small saucepan heat fresh juices, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla extract with honey. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and stir until honey is dissolved.

Continue to simmer for five minutes, then remove from heat. Divide fruit into four pretty serving bowls, then pour some of the warm sauce over and serve right away.

Robin Glowa is a holistic health counselor who specializes in teaching healthy cooking classes for adults and children, privately or in groups.

She also conducts workshops and classes, with an emphasis on healthy ingredients, for many local organizations.

Glowa is certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Columbia University Teachers College.

She is a member of the Northeast Organic Farming Association and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

Her column, “The Conscious Cook,” appears in publications throughout New England.

To schedule a cooking class or workshop, contact Glowa at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 203-393-1037.

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