Ayurvedic philosophy knows no boundaries and can be used in any cuisine. The important thing is to use the right ingredients and spices, to round off the flavours sweet, sour, salty, hot, bitter and tart and to take the 5 elements into account. Try the gluten-free Ayurveda burger and immerse yourself in the world of Ayurveda.
How did the recipe come about?
I had a real craving for bread or rolls. As I have to be very careful what I eat and where I buy it, I decided to search my kitchen cupboard and fridge to satisfy my craving for bread and my lunchtime hunger. The result is the following recipe.
What makes the Ayurveda burger Ayurvedic?
Ayurveda is all about balance and the right combination of ingredients and spices. Ayurveda is based on the season, as the weather influences our energetic principles, the so-called doshas. The hot summer has irritated the PITTA dosha with its element of fire and needs some balancing before we move into autumn/winter, the VATA and KAPHA season. PITTA Dosha needs the flavours sweet, bitter and tart to balance it out. The spices and ingredients in this burger have been matched accordingly.
What exactly are doshas?
The doshas originate from the five elements and can be understood as three superordinate energetic principles. They are forces that control all processes in organisms. A good interplay of the three forces results in a balanced state of the living being.
VATA
means ‘that which causes movement’. VATA is the force that moves the other two doshas. VATA is responsible for all physical/mental movements and sensations in the body. VATA = the principle of movement
PITTA
means ‘that which digests, transforms’. It controls all of the body's metabolic processes and heat production. PITTA = the principle of metabolism and dynamics
KAPHA
means ‘that which holds things together’. It gives everything a structure - from the cell to the skeleton and muscle structure. KAPHA = the principle of conservation and structure
You can find more information about Ayurveda and the doshas here.
Would you like to know more about Ayurveda and your very own constitution and doshas?
In 2021, I was allowed to walk my own personal path through the dark night of the soul and be reborn. It was a year full of darkness, heartache and hopelessness. An extremely important experience that I would like to share with you today, 3 years later, and encourage you. A journey through the dark night of the soul is labelled as depression because of the similarity in symptoms, but it is not actually depression. In this article I would like to explain it to you:
what exactly is the dark night of the soul
the difference between the dark night of the soul and depression
my very personal experiences of the trip
my rebirth
If you also find yourself in the dark night of the soul, don't be discouraged. It is an important transformational step for your future spiritual and earthly life.
What does ‘The Dark Night of the Soul’ mean?
The dark night of the soul refers to a period of intense inner challenges, transformation and spiritual awakening. The term ‘dark night of the soul’ goes back to the Spanish mystic St John of the Cross, who was imprisoned at the instigation of his order and was only able to escape after almost a year. He wrote in various manuscripts about his very own journey through the dark night of the soul. During his imprisonment, in which he spoke to no one, sat in complete darkness and was not allowed to change his clothes, he experienced the presence of God and managed to escape.
Symptoms
collapse of one's own reality in relation to the meaning of life.
a deep feeling of insignificance
hopelessness and the feeling of being lost
nothing makes sense anymore
lack of understanding in relation to life, work, relationships, etc.
nothing is important any more and everything loses significance
What can trigger the dark night of the soul?
The dark night can be triggered by external circumstances, such as
the death of someone close
loss of the job
termination of a long-term relationship
health problems
the life you have built and imagined is collapsing
It can also be triggered when something happens that you cannot explain. A catastrophe that seems to invalidate the meaning your life had before.
2 Phases of the dark night of the soul according to St John of the Cross
The dark night of the senses
feeling of spiritual emptiness
separation from myself, from life, from the higher self and the divine connection
State of confusion, all convictions are put to the test
feeling of abandonment, loneliness, being cut off from life
lack of motivation and enthusiasm
a feeling that life challenges and tests you
St John of the Cross describes this phase as a condition for spiritual growth. It helps to let go of the old and free oneself from thought constructs and beliefs.
The dark night of the spirit
intensive spiritual transformation
confronting inner fears, doubts and attachments
a new view of oneself, all parts of oneself are seen, the light and the darkness
This phase is also known as the death of the ego.
For St John of the Cross, this phase is important for spiritual growth. It helps to build a new relationship with yourself and your environment.
This phase can also be described as a spiritual awakening for people who have not yet labelled themselves as spiritual or have not yet engaged with spirituality.
Challenges during the dark night of the spirit:
struggling with intense emotions and psychological pain
Feeling of losing yourself and your own identity
questioning one's own values, realities and beliefs
the feeling of detachment from the self, from others and from life
Dark night of the soul versus depression
As a 20 year old, I went through a severe depression that was very different from my journey through the dark night of the soul 3 years ago. Here I would like to share my personal experiences and my research on the differences.
Depression
is a gradual process
mostly in connection with physical complaints
mood disorder characterised by a recurring feeling of sadness and disinterest
Dark night of the soul
comes suddenly and unexpectedly
psychological, emotional and mental ‘pain’
spiritual despair, detachment and emptiness
painful elimination of a former life construct
My personal journey through the dark night of the soul
The dark night of the senses
I actually entered the first phase overnight from 31.12.2020 to 01.01.2021. It felt like a switch had been flipped in my system.
The trigger for me was probably the coronavirus year 2020. I was deeply shocked by what people do to each other out of fear, how families, friendships and relationships were broken and how old people had to die alone in isolation and without care.
I woke up on 1 January 2021 with the question of the meaning of life and a deep world-weariness. I felt lost and asked myself the question:"What am I doing here?" "What is all this good for?"
I could no longer feel any connection to myself, to the universe and to my surroundings. I felt abandoned, empty and helpless.
I could no longer get out of bed, I could no longer do my work, I could no longer cook anything and I could no longer talk to anyone or chat via e-mail or chat. I had phases where my husband had to pick me up from the bathroom floor and carry me to bed, where I remained paralysed in the same position for hours.
Any attention from outside was repugnant to me and I didn't feel I belonged in this world. I wanted nothing to do with this inhuman world.
I questioned myself, my actions, my being here.
The dark night of the spirit
Entering the second phase was characterised by unspeakable heartache. A deep feeling of homesickness and the loss of something deeply loved. Even before my dark night, I kept having visions in meditations and dreams of a wonderful place that I could describe in detail. The visions intensified and the place was also shown to me again and again with images from outside, e.g. in a pack of cards or an online message.
I wanted to dissolve and become stardust, I prayed every day not to have to wake up again. I wanted to go to my beloved place full of love and freedom.
The heartache was followed by reincarnation experiences such as I had never experienced before. This was followed by emotional pain, the feeling of being lost and a complete loss of control.
I travelled through different lives, dissolving old connections, beliefs and thought constructs. I travelled into the darkest depths of myself and was confronted with my fears, hurts, life constructs and longings.
Confrontation with death
I have encountered death 3 times in my life. The first time as a young woman during depression, the second time during my shamanic training and the third time during the dark night of the soul. This confrontation was the most important and decisive in this process. I was able to let go of many of the fears that had paralysed me for decades once and for all. This included the fear of death.
Transformation
Freed from old burdens, fears, beliefs and life constructs, a certain serenity and healing set in. All the ‘must’ had dissolved. It was about ‘being’. All the obligations I had imposed on myself dissolved into nothingness. It was the hour of rebirth.
A dear friend has it compared with ‘The adventures of the strong Vanya’ who takes seven sacks of sunflower seeds and seven sheepskins with him to the oven, where he is to spend seven years without speaking a word. This is his first test before he has to face further dangerous adventures.
So I lay on the couch eating sunflower seeds (in my case) and waited for rebirth and new adventures.
Rebirth
The intensive process took 1 year. I spent most of that time in bed or on the couch. I was reborn as a Maria who has found a new connection to herself, to the universe and to her surroundings. A Maria who is aware and clear about her purpose, her task and her meaning of life on earth. I was reborn as Maria The Voice.
New adventures
A connection to China became apparent in my reincarnation experiences. Chinese music was suddenly suggested to me on the internet. I resonated with the music and the language. Following an impulse, I began to learn the Chinese language. I now had something that brought me joy and helped me overcome my psychological pain. The music helped me to heal old wounds and I also began to sing again and raise my voice.
A lot has come together in the last 3 years, a few life decisions had to be made and new paths had to be taken.
Learning the Chinese language has opened up completely new doors to opportunities and, above all, wonderful people. People who continue to accompany me in my spiritual growth and people who allow me to see the world with completely new eyes.
I have immersed myself in other ancient teachings such as Daoism, Qi Gong and meditation teachings. All of this serves my further spiritual growth and my calling to accompany people on their spiritual path.
My conclusion
2021 was a deeply painful year for me, but one that I would not want to have missed. Through this experience, I got to know myself and the meaning of spirituality in a whole new way.
If you are also in this process, don't despair! Something wonderful is waiting for you!
Wenn Du Begleitung durch die dunkle Nacht der Seele benötigst, melde Dich gerne bei mir!
Hui Chun Gong (回春功) means ‘back to spring’! This Daoist qigong stimulates blood circulation, metabolism and the immune system. It strengthens hormonal power and supports hormone production. This was a secret of success for the legendary health and longevity of the Daoists.
Limited number of participants
If the maximum number of participants is exceeded, the chronological order of receipt of the account applies.
Experience the special effect of Qi Gong exercises on your body. The 3 treasures in the human being are combined and can be found on a physical, energetic and spiritual level. Meditative exercises, building up a Qi field or sitting in silence lead to deep inner peace. Hui Chun Gong allows you to feel and experience your body in a completely new way. Hui Chun Gong stimulates blood circulation and metabolism. It supports the immune system and strengthens the hormonal power. The endocrine system (thyroid gland, pancreas, sex glands, pituitary gland and hypothalamus) is strengthened and stimulates hormone production, which is important for our vitality. This was a secret of success for the legendary health and longevity of the Daoists.
Seminar content
Learning Hui Chun Gong exercises
Familiarisation with different forms of Qi Gong
Connecting Qi Gong exercises with nature and the environment
Merging with nature and the elements
Sitting in silence (non-representational and with imagination)
Sound meditation
Walking meditation
In good weather, most of the seminar will take place outdoors.
Who is the seminar suitable for?
The seminar is suitable for anyone who wants to recharge their batteries, try a new form of exercise, enjoy the peace and quiet in the midst of idyllic nature and strengthen their health and vitality. No prior knowledge is required.
If you are not able to stand well or your mobility is restricted, it is also possible to do some of the exercises sitting down.
Seminar venue
The Höllbachhof is located in the middle of the Höllbach valley on the Höllbach stream. We have the Höllbachhof seminar house all to ourselves during the seminar. The owners of the farm have created a place of peace, strength and clarity. We utilise this gift to allow the life energy Qi 气 to flow both from the inside out and from the outside in.
Accommodation
The Höllbachhof offers the following accommodation options:
Bed in shared dormitory with 10 beds per night 27,00 €
Double room per night 64,00 €
Single room per night 38,00 €
It is also possible to spend the night in a tent/car on the property. 17 € per night and person
Showers/toilets are located in the seminar house by the group dormitory and by the single and twin rooms. There is another well-equipped shower block with toilet opposite the seminar house.
Notes
Bed linen is included in the price, please bring your own towels.
The waste water is treated in a small sewage treatment plant on site, so please only use biodegradable cosmetics (soap, shampoo).
There is no general internet access at the farm, no Wi-Fi and only moderately good mobile phone reception. Please take this into account when planning your time at the farm.
Please pay the accommodation fee in cash on site.
GrouproomExample single roomCommon roomRelaxation corner
Catering
Elisabeth from Höllbachhof spoils us vegetarian with her own farm produce.
Full board is paid in cash on site and amounts to 40€/per day = 120 € gesamt
What to bring for the seminar
If available, seat cushions/meditation cushions (some are also available on site).
Please bring slippers or thick socks to enter the seminar house.
Flat shoes for indoors and outdoors (preferably indoor shoes or barefoot shoes. Trainers with thick soles are not suitable)
Comfortable training clothing (long trousers, T-shirt etc.)
Arrival and departure
On the first day of the seminar you can arrive from 3 pm and move into your booked room/bedroom. The seminar begins at 6 pm with dinner together.
On the last day of the seminar, we conclude the seminar with lunch together, after which you can clear your room in peace and make your way home.
Registration modalities
Click on the ‘Go to registration’ button to access the registration form. There you can choose which type of accommodation you prefer. Please note that the number of single rooms and twin rooms is limited and will be allocated chronologically according to receipt of payment.
Once you have registered, you will receive further information and the bank details for binding payment and registration for the seminar.
Cancellation policy
Sometimes a cancellation and deregistration from the seminar is unfortunately unavoidable. Please understand that due to the preparation and planning time the following expenses will be charged:
Cancellations up to 4 weeks before the start of the course will be charged a flat processing fee of €40.
Cancellations up to 1 week before the start of the course will be charged at 50% of the course fee.
Cancellations within 1 week before the start of the course will be charged in full.
In the event of cancellation on the day of the course start or non-arrival, the course fee plus accommodation and catering costs must be paid.
In the event of an unforeseen cancellation by me, the seminar fee already paid will be refunded in full. There are no further claims.
One thing is for sure, the Chinese probably know how to eat well better than anyone else. China has a historical tradition of gastronomy and chefs have and have had a high reputation. However, what is particularly noteworthy in traditional Chinese cuisine is the ability of ordinary Chinese home cooks to transform simple and largely plant-based ingredients into wonderful delicacies.
I am lucky to have Chinese friends who always give me lots of tips on how to prepare traditional Chinese dishes. In this country, you can hardly find any truly original Chinese cuisine, as my friends keep telling me.
What is typical Chinese food?
China is a big country and you can't reduce Chinese food to Peking duck, fried noodles and sweet and sour pork.
Sichuan cuisine 四川菜, for example, is one of the greatest cuisines in the world. Here, it is mostly known for its outstanding spiciness. In China, it is legendary for its richness of ingredients and amazing variety. Local gourmets claim that there are 5000 different dishes in the region. Sichuan pepper is one of the main ingredients of 四川菜。
Otherwise, typical Chinese food is characterised by simple ingredients that are prepared without much effort. There is little meat or fish among the many vegetable dishes. Different dishes are served on the table. Each individual dish tastes fresh and has its own unique flavour.
Is Chinese food healthy?
The dominance of Chinese restaurant food, which consists mainly of meat, seafood and fried foods flavoured with lots of glutamate, makes us forget that traditional Chinese cuisine consists mainly of grains and vegetables and is very healthy due to its natural preparation.
In fact, one of the richest aspects of Chinese food culture is the knowledge of adapting eating habits to the weather, season and symptoms of illness. Chinese cuisine has this aspect in common with Ayurvedic cuisine. This knowledge stems from traditional Chinese medicine and is still practised in many areas of China.
What is glutamate?
Glutamates are the esters and salts of glutamic acid (E 620). The most well-known are salts of L-glutamic acid through its use as a flavour enhancer in food. (Source: wikipedia)
In the new Chinese cuisine, glutamate is used as a flavour enhancer to give the dish a savoury note and the so-called umami taste.
Glutamate is an artificial substance which, in my opinion, has no place in naturally prepared food.
What are the symptoms of glutamate intolerance?
I have a glutamate intolerance, which is why I can no longer go to a Chinese restaurant. My symptoms are severe stomach pains that really bring me to my knees. All the more reason to prepare traditional Chinese food at home.
A friend of mine also had an intolerance, also known as Chinese food syndrome. She fainted when eating Chinese food. She regularly had to be picked up from Chinese restaurants by the emergency services until they finally discovered the cause.
Nausea, headaches, reddening of the skin, tightness of the chest, trembling and muscle pain. In children, glutamate can lead to fever, confusion and anxiety.
Glutamate is not only used in the new Chinese cuisine, but is also found in products such as vegetable stock, sausage, tomato paste, etc.
During my research on glutamate, I came across various articles, including one on wikipedia, which report that from a ‘scientific point of view’ glutamate is harmless to health.
I have a different opinion. A healthy diet also includes natural ingredients. Chemically produced substances have no place in our food. Flavour can be achieved wonderfully with spices, herbs and fresh ingredients.
Chinese cooking together
I offer themed days in my cookery studio. These always include a Chinese cookery day. I combine the knowledge of Ayurveda and elemental cuisine in the preparation of the dishes.
We like vegetarian raclette according to Ayurveda best in summer. As we eat seasonally, the choice in summer is more varied than in winter. It is also a pleasure to sit outside in pleasant company and enjoy the raclette.
As raclette, just like fondue, is particularly fun to eat together, raclette is often eaten at family celebrations such as Christmas or New Year's Eve.
How did the recipe come about?
My husband loves raclette and it's even more fun with guests. While the raclette is sizzling and grilling at the table, you can have a nice chat and think about which ingredients to fill the next bowl with. We like to make raclette in summer to sit outside in a cosy atmosphere. In Ayurvedic cuisine, it is important to pay attention to certain flavour combinations and the combination of ingredients. For example, you should avoid mixing animal proteins so as not to overload the digestive fire. Raclette is often eaten with lots of cheese, meat and/or fish. However, from an Ayurvedic point of view, the combination of cheese and meat/fish is something that should be avoided. I always apply the Ayurvedic philosophy in my cooking and so a Bavarian dumpling becomes an Ayurvedic-Bavarian dumpling with ginger, nettle, turmeric and chilli. The following recipe ‘Vegetarian raclette according to Ayurveda’ is also based on these principles.
What is a raclette?
The first references to raclette preparation date back to the 4th century BC and can be seen as a precursor to the Valais raclette. In addition to the method of preparation, there is also a type of cheese called raclette. Medieval monastic writings tell of a fried cheese as a particularly nutritious dish for the Alpine herdsmen. In the original version, the melted cheese was flavoured with salt and pepper and later sometimes combined with boiled potatoes.
Traditionally, of course, cheese and boiled potatoes are a must for raclette. There are no limits to the types of cheese. From the original raclette cheese to mozzarella, goat's cheese, sheep's cheese, Emmental, etc., you can use anything that pleases the palate. As I don't tolerate cow's milk well, I like to use sliced goat's cheese, buffalo mozzarella and feta cheese. Hard-boiled potatoes are the best choice. Of course, tasty sauces are also a must and can be prepared wonderfully according to Ayurveda.
What makes my raclette Ayurvedic?
Ayurveda is a wisdom and knowledge theory that is over 5,000 years old. It is constantly evolving with new knowledge. Particularly important in Ayurveda is the consideration of the elements (air/ether/fire/water/earth) and the flavours (sweet, sour, hot, bitter, tart). It is also important to pay attention to the composition of the ingredients and the consistency of the food. In my vegetarian raclette according to Ayurveda, I deliberately avoid other animal proteins such as meat or fish. The body already has enough to do with the cheese. To strengthen the digestive fire, I prepare specially flavoured sauces. The freshness of the ingredients also plays an important role in Ayurveda, so do not use ready-made sauces or frozen foods.
You can find more information about Ayurveda HERE.
Would you like to try the vegetarian raclette with your friends in my cookery studio? Then enquire about the next date!
This brings us back to the consistencies. Raclette involves a lot of baking and grilling, which means the consistency is rather dry. For this reason, sauces are served to bring the water element into play. I love cucumbers, so in summer a cucumber salad goes wonderfully with raclette on the balcony, terrace or garden. You can find the recipe here HERE.
