Compassion and science

Last year I wrote an article I found at the NYT on how scientists are trying to measure the effects of meditation on humans, specifically how kindness and compassion affect human mind (check the post here).

Recently, Sergio shared a video he found on the same topic where Matthieu Ricard, a prominent scientific and monk, talks at Google's headquarters about the benefits of meditation on human mind. He shows some of the results of the previously mentioned research, that point out how meditation acts positively on our well-being.

He also explains how happiness is an inner state influenced by external factors but actually dependent only of our state of mind and how, by training our mind (meditating) we can cope with the ups and downs of life.

During my Vipassana training I learned that life is an ever changing flow and that everything is impermanent: good and bad things come and go. They are part of the equation as nature is composed of darkness and light. Understanding this and learning how to remain equable (even-tempered) in every situation (specially the worse ones) are the key elements that free us from suffering and consequently enable us to aspire to real happiness.

You can take a look at Ricard's talk at Google by clicking the video below:

Healthy hot cakes recipe

In the past days I had some craving for Hot Cakes but didn't find any of those "instant hot cakes" flours I used to buy in Mexico that were delicious. I did some research and came across some recipes but decided to modify them and make my own healthier version.

Please try it, hopefully you will like it as much as we did at home!

Serving size depends on how big you make them. With the following ingredients I made 6 hot cakes of cca 14 cm each:

• 2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1.5 spoon of baking powder
• 1 spoon of brown sugar
• 0.5 spoon of sea salt
• 1 egg
• 1.5 cup of milk
• 2 spoons of oil
• butter

How to make them?

1. Mix all ingredientes (except the butter) until smooth. 
2. Once the batter is ready pour it into a skillet (that has already been warmed and greased with a bit of butter). 
3. Turn the hot cake over once it starts to "bubble". When both sides have a light brownish color they are ready to serve! 
4. Repeat the last step until the batter is over or save the rest if you want for next day.
5. Top them with honey, fruits, syrup, cottage cheese, butter or whatever you desire. A cup of milk or chocolate milk are perfect companions ;)

Easy right? Now there is no excuse not to make them to your loved ones as you do not need advanced cooking skills for this recipe, plus the preparation time is about 15 minutes!

Enjoy! :))