Why It’s Ok Not To “Meditate” & A Veggie Caesar Salad

I’ve got a lot on my brain right now. I’m adopting a baby for one (!!) and have some major stuff about to launch with OPP (excited for you to see). Mostly awesome things, but lots of ideas constant swirling and sometimes it can get the best of me. And if I have to hear one more person say “you should meditate”…ARG. No shiiiiiit. I would love to meditate more. In fact, I try it often. Sometimes I can. Sometimes I can’t. And more recently, the swirls take over and I just have to get up and start working. It feels extremely frustrating, because I want to be one of those rock star meditation people that has perfect posture and feels all enlightened and saves the world.
But last week, all of that frustration over meditation went away. Really.
I was listening to James Altucher on Rich Roll’s podcast, and he said something that changed the way I felt about meditation. He explained that we must know ourselves. Like really know ourselves. Not that you have brown hair or really love a good episode of Game Of Thrones (he didn’t really use a GOT reference) – but really know who you are and how “meditation” and “spirituality” fits into your life. For him, it doesn’t mean sitting like a Tibetan monk. That hurts his knees. He prefers English over Sanskrit. Because, well, that’s the language he speaks. He said it’s about taking what you know and running it through your own filter and determining what’s best for you. Pretty incredible, right?
So what happened when I ran this through my filter? I’ve been learning to run and I don’t get the idea-swirls because I’m too busy trying to pick up my feet. I love finding Kundalini yoga classes on YouTube and trying them out (and do enjoy chanting in a language I can’t understand). I love waking up a half hour early and just laying in bed daydreaming without checking my phone or email. Right now, these are my meditations. In terms of traditional meditation, I’ll eventually get there. But right now I’m not and that’s ok.
So when I eat this week’s recipe, it’s another form of enlightenment. Because when I eat it, I only have one thought – how much I freaking love eating it. It’s a go-to dish of mine. Especially when my fridge is a little bare. There are dozens of veggie Caesar dressing recipes out there, and I’ve tried most of them. This one (from the book Isa Does It) is one of my favorites. I modified it a bit, but kept it simple. I think you’ll really dig it.
Before we get to the recipe…can you try this out for me?
Find your meditation.
Maybe it’s good ol’ fashioned meditation. Maybe it’s cooking.
Maybe it’s just lying on the floor for 20 minutes petting your dog.
Whatever it is, figure out the thing that gives your brain a break and go with it.
It’s about finding what works for you.
And one more thing, please share this post with someone else who might need it.
{ Caesar Dressing }
slightly adapted from Isa Does It
1/2 cup cashews, soaked for at least two hours
1 head roasted garlic, about 10 cloves (grab some already roasted from a salad bar to save time)
1/4 cup capers, with some brine
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (more if you like)
1 tablespoon olive oil (I reduced from 2 tablespoons, up to you)
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Drain the cashews and put everything in a blender and blend. Depending on your blender, this could take up to five minutes. Toss with romaine, avocado, sprouts, and olives…or the veggies of your choice. Keep in the fridge, covered. Will last up to five days.
Catch the whole episode with James Altucher on Rich Roll’s show. And then dive into more episodes. They’re all really inspiring.
12 Comments
Nicola Brown
May 1, 2014The photo at the top is awesome. And….um….seriously – adopting a baby?? WOW!
Jessica
May 7, 2014Thanks Nicola! Yes, it’s been a crazy process and still waiting…but a plant-eating baby will hopefully be here soon.
Laura
May 1, 2014Yup, that face is exactly how I feel when I read, in my health- and yoga-centric universe, that meditation (like handstands…) are a mark of a higher-called being. Thanks for helping to broaden the definition.
Jessica
May 7, 2014Laura, headstands! I mean, headstands. Someday. Maybe.
Ana
May 1, 2014I think if people would let go of how to do things and just did what works for them, everyone’s existence would be much easier to bear. As long as your wonderful day dreaming sessions help, that’s what counts 😉
Jessica
May 7, 2014Thanks Ana! I love that outlook – “letting go of how to do things”. Well said.
Tedi
May 4, 2014This recipe looks amazing…cannot wait to try. And how exciting…a baby!! Can’t wait to hear what you’ll be feeding your little one. What an awesome journey you have ahead of you!
Jessica
May 7, 2014I cannot wait to figure this baby food thing out too…right now I picture the cutest baby ball jars full of butternut squash. Any recipes are welcomed!
Amanda
May 10, 2014This baby of yours is gonna love that pizza sweatshirt.
Miss you. I loved this photo.
Oh and just to pipe in…don’t know if you would like it but I am sorta still loving CALM.COM
Maybe?
xoxoxo
Jessica
May 10, 2014Amanda! You know I will try anything you send me. Checking out the site now.
Jen Lee
March 24, 2017Hi! I love your website. This caesar salad dressing is delicious. What you’ve accomplished here and what’s to come is amazing and I am so happy for you. Congrats on the baby! You go girl!
Jessica
March 26, 2017Thanks so much, Jen!