Chakra Fruit Salad with Enlightened Tahini Sauce

As much as I love being a teacher, I really, really love being a student.
This summer has seen me traveling a whole bunch with my cooking classes and I have had a total blast. To compliment all this running around and hearing a little too much of my own voice, I thought that taking a course where I am on the knowledge-receiving end would do my spirit some good.
I decided to take a Reiki class and obtain my level one certification to enhance my abilities to heal myself and others.

What is Reiki (ray-key), you ask? Simply put, Reiki is an ancient, energy-based healing art that works as a support mechanism for the body. The light-touch therapy helps to re-establish a normal energy flow throughout the body’s systems, which in turn can enhance and accelerate the body’s innate healing abilities. The word Reiki can be broken down to two parts: Rei meaning universal spirit, and Ki meaning life force energy (in Chinese this is known as “Chi” and in Sanskrit it is known as “Prana”).

Reiki can be practiced on oneself and on others, and every single person has this capability within them. In fact, one of the most powerful concepts my Reiki master shared with us on the first day of class, was that Reiki was simply “remembering what we already know”, meaning that we are born with an innate guidance system that we often lose track of as we get older. Reiki does not conflict with any religious or meditative practice, nor does it conflict with allopathic medicine. Reiki in fact is a wonderful compliment to other therapeutic treatments such as massage, reflexology, acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, psychotherapy, etc. I have obviously been attracted to more natural, or as some would say “alternative” therapies, for healing any and all body ailments for some time now. I find the less invasive and preventative modalities are more in line with my lifestyle, and I appreciate the fact that everyone in the world can practice this technique simply and safely – it’s like the universal healing tool!

As no class would be complete without homework assignments, part of level one involves completing some out-of-class projects – but the best kind possible (in fact, being the keener I am, I actually asked for extra assignments because they were so much fun!). Our first task was to use the chakra colours in a creative way, so of course my first thoughts landed on food. The Reiki master, familiar with my love for all things edible, quickly told me to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself to something different (which I will do in time, I promise!), but for now I give you my first homework assignment in the form of a fruit salad. I think I’ll get an A+.

The chakras are the major energy centers in the body, of which there are seven. Beginning at the very base of the spine and moving upward to the crown of the head, chakras are said to be moving wheels of light, colour and sound that regulate all energy entering and exiting the body. The energy that flows through the chakras regulates the healing abilities of our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves. Although it may sound like pretty far-out stuff, I am amazed and inspired by the marked responses in my own body to this type of energy work.

Something that particularly caught my attention with studying the chakra system (which I was familiar with through my yoga practice), was noticing colours more than usual. As each colour corresponds to a specific chakra in the body, I realized that colours really do play an important role in our lives, and the ones we choose to surround ourselves with say a lot about us.

It is clear that colour is pretty important in my life, as creating vibrant hued food seems to wind up on my priority list almost daily. Although prior to taking this class this felt like more of a health-conscious decision, the importance of “eating a rainbow” and all that jazz, but now I realize that perhaps there is some truth to my cravings for specific colours. Red lentils to ground me when I am feeling a little too head-in-the-clouds, leafy greens for nourishing my heart, and violet berry smoothies when I need a serious spirit lift! Something to ponder at the least…

So yes, I had to make something using all the colours of the rainbow and what a pleasurable job indeed. The summer market called to me, and what I created was a rainbow fruit salad with a bright, light and spiced tahini sauce to bring it all together. The fruits I chose were just what I found and had on hand, but you can of course use any fruits you like and that are in season near you. The Enlightened Tahini Sauce tastes delicious on any sweet fruits. Even just slicing up an apple to dip in the lusciousness would be welcomed. Experiment and rejoice! Anything goes.  

Chakra Fruit Salad with Enlightened Tahini Sauce
Serves 4
Fruit Salad:
currants – red / root chakra
oranges – orange / sacral chakra
plums – yellow/ solar plexus chakra
kiwi – green / heart chakra
blueberries – blue / throat chakra
blackberries – indigo / third eye chakra
grapes – violet / crown chakra

Enlightened Tahini Sauce
hemp hearts to garnish (optional)

Directions:
1. Choose fruits representing every colour of the rainbow.
2. Wash and prepare with love and gratitude.
3. Drizzle with tahini sauce and sprinkle with hemp seeds. Share and enjoy.

Enlightened Tahini Sauce
Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients:
¼ cup tahini
1 Tbsp. raw honey (or maple syrup)
2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice
¼ tsp. cinnamon
pinch dried ground ginger
pinch of sea salt (unless you are using salted tahini)
4-6 Tbsp. water

Directions:
1. Place all ingredients in a jar with a tightly fitting lid and shake well to combine. Add more water to thin if desired. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.

Although I can’t claim that eating this fruit salad will bring your spirit closer to enlightenment, I can tell you that your tummy will be. What better way to celebrate summer than with a refreshing bowl of raw rainbow sweetness to share with precious friends and beloved family? No matter how you slice it, nirvana is often found in the place you least expect, and sometimes even on the plate right in front of you.

Peace, bless, and lots of summer love to all,
Sarah B.

*   *   *   *   *   *

And speaking of enlightenment, I am beyond excited to extend an invitation to my weekend workshop in Lisbon, Portugal next month!
Come and spend a few days relaxing and rebooting your spirit in and out of the kitchen with Ayurvedic and Raw Food classes as well as yoga and mediation workshops. This will be an unforgettable experience all hosted at the gorgeous Casa Vinyassa. I have been collaborating with my new yogi friends to create a very special, inspiring event for everyone. Spread the word, treat yourself to a trip to Portugal, and I look forward to seeing you there.
Please email the contact on the flyer for more information, and check out our Facebook event too.

Copyright 2012 My New Roots at mynewroots.blogspot.com

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  2. Everybody Loves the Sunshine Citrus Salad
  3. Bircher Muesli with Spiced Strawberry Sauce
  4. Raw Salted Caramel Apple Dip

41 comments

  2. Sarah

    Oh…I LOVE this post. Getting my level 1 reiki training is on my bucket list. I have known so many people with positive reiki stories. I am a true believer. I also make my husband and I fruit salads almost daily. I can’t wait to try a new version with the tahini sauce. Thanks as always for a wonderful post. I look forward to it every week :)

  4. Anonymous

    Sadly I live in a berryless country (we do have frozen, but they are usually very sour and good only for baking) but I love tahini!

  5. Donna in Potomac

    I’ll give you an A+!

    I’m thinking I’d like to try the deconstructed version of this Chakra Salad…one colored berry at a time. Starting with red I chew slowly while visualizing the root chakra opening, then on to orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and by the time I reach violet? I’m full and Life has a little more meaning. Thanks for sharing!

  6. Márcia Gonçalves

    I loved this post. I heard my yoga teacher talking about the seven chakras some time ago, but I didn’t understood what they exactly were back then… You’re explanation is great, and left me quite curious about the healing art of Reiki.

    And WOW, you’re coming to Portugal?! That’s amazing! I actually live in Oporto, it’s a bit far, but I would really, really, love to attend your workshop!

    Thanks for sharing Sarah! :)

  7. Alissa

    Oh wow, the colours in this are GORGEOUS. Would never have thought of pairing tahini with fruit salad, but will definitely try this!

    Sarah I was wondering if you were thinking about coming to Sydney, Australia any time soon? I know it’s a long way but we have such wonderful fresh produce and multicultural food here – everyone’s a foodie, you’d fit right in, I promise!! If you brought your cooking classes here I guarantee they’d be a hit. Think about it! Maybe in our summer, in December or January?

    Alissa

  8. Elizabeth A.

    I Just got my 1st degree reiki training this summer too! It’s fabulous. But our only assignment was to practice our self treatment. What other homework did you have besides the chakra colors?

  9. Ashley

    I am making that enlightened tahini to have with breakfast tomorrow! I usually just put it in hummus. :) Thanks for the new idea! Beautiful post.

  10. Stephanie

    Thanks for all this info about reiki. I’ve been curious about it and you’ve explained it so beautifully. And look what an amazing salad it inspired!

  12. Anonymous

    Hi Sarah! love this post about reiki, thank you!
    do you still use does soap nuts?? do you still recommend them? and will you pleaseeeee do a post about your favorite cosmetic products, creams, make up, etc.. and cleaning products? or do you still make every cleaning product yourself?

    oooh and a post about your workouts and how you keep fit?

    I think everyone is interested in these subjects bcs you’re so gorgeous!!!

    thanks!

  15. Brittany

    I also love being a student (even more so than being a teacher, sometimes!). lovely salad and can’t wait to try the tahini dressing!

  17. Sophie @ happyspinach

    Oh my word, does this look delicious! The colours are so vibrant and inviting… I really wish I had access to fruit that looked so divine (and I don’t even want to torture myself with the thought of how delicious it must taste).

  18. Liz B

    Yeah Sarah, SO can’t wait to meet you and to cook up a storm in our yogi kitchen, we are all SUPER excited for the weekend!!

    Can’t wait to give your summer recipes a try!

    Love Liz B
    xxx

  19. Jana

    absolutely inspiring! as a real fruit-junkie I could not wait very long and made my version too:-) will send u a visual proof! sunshine+rainbow colors to you…

  20. Mackenzie

    this looks so delightful! i almost can’t believe i went 20 years without trying tahini. it’s a crime. and now i am hopelessly addicted. :)

  21. Molly

    oh yeah I agree with the previous comment you should totally do a post on your beauty products!!! :)

  24. Shelly Thomas

    Sarah, I wanted to thank you for this delicious chakra recipe. You’ve inspired me to further explore the Reiki. I just love your blog and your outlook on life. I nourish the ones that I love and myself with your delicious recipes at least 3 times a week! I do have a non-food question for you. After reading your post on ecstatic raw chocolate and contemplating your philosophy on cosmetics and body products – that you do not use anything on your body that you would not eat, I was wondering if you had any recommendations on cosmetics. What products do you use and love? Thanks so much!

  25. keistai paprasta

    i loved and love the dressing idea. i use it on veggie salad as well (withou spices, just tahini, lemon and buckwheat honey). i could eat spoon after spoon like a dessert :)

  26. katesknife

    Sarah -
    I just have to say how much I enjoy your blog! As a lover of healthy, nourishing food and eloquent writing alike, I’m always excited and inspired to read your posts. And this honey tahini sauce is rocking my world. Come teach a class in New Mexico sometime! :)

    Kate
    katesknife.wordpress.com

  28. Medications Online

    Fruit salad (also called macedonia in Italian) is a dish consisting of various kinds of fruit, sometimes served in a liquid, either in their own juices or a syrup. When served as an appetizer or as a dessert, a fruit salad is sometimes known as a fruit cocktail or fruit cup. In different forms fruit salad can be served as an appetizer, a side-salad, or a dessert.

    Best regards,
    Kevin

  29. Cheap Generic Medications

    There are a number of home recipes for fruit salad that contain different kinds of fruit, or that use a different kind of sauce other than the fruit’s own juice or syrup. Common ingredients used in fruit salads include strawberries, pineapple, honeydew, watermelon, grapes, and kiwifruit. Various recipes may call for the addition of nuts, fruit juices, certain vegetables, yogurt, or other ingredients.

    Regards,
    Rodney

  32. Sara

    I love how you matched the colors of the fruits with the chakra! As a spiritual foodie, I see how meditative cooking and eating are as well!

    I love your fruit and tahini combination! In Iran, after meals we dip dates in tahini sauce, but I had never tried it with fruit before. Thanks for the suggestion!

    -Sara
    http://www.eatfeelfresh.com

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  41. Damion

    Wow, you are truly an inspiration! Thank you for the amazing recipes and brilliant commentary. As a holistic health coach myself I am impressed and motivated by your extensive knowledge and unique food combinations, which are nothing short of art work!!
    Thank you for this amazing blog!!
    Peace and blessings, Damion

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