The Accidental Wife, Yoga & Diabetes

 
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“The Accidental Wife”

Dal, kheer and paneer are words I already knew from “The Accidental Wife,” an Indian romance novel from Simi K. Rao. It’s no wonder, these words have to do with food: dal is a lentil I like made into a stew; kheer is a sweet rice pudding; and paneer is a cheese that melts in your mouth to calm fiery spices.

In this book a handsome, skilled and rich doctor feels family pressure to marry and arranges a wedding, but not the surprise he finds after nuptials. This book is so desi. That means means Indian, I learn from the glossary. This wife is chaloo, or very sly.

Action takes place in New York City, India and the suburban home of the doctor’s very involved family. It’s funny and very romantic. Here’s part of the promotional blurb:

“According to him wives and girlfriends are annoying accessories that one can do without. But when his mother dangles the sword over his head in classic Bollywood style, he succumbs, and sets out in search of a bride who would fit his ‘requirements’. But can Rihaan deal with what he gets instead?”

 

“Yoga and Diabetes”

The Mountain is a yoga posture that looks like even I can do.
The Mountain” is basically standing up, or even standing. We are to notice how we are not perfectly symmetrical, focus on sensations and align our nose with our belly button… wait, is this standing beginning to sound like work?

I think most of us are up to it. A team of writers assembled this book and the American Diabetes Association has given its stamp. This book focuses on reducing stress, reminds us to reach out for emotional support, eat right, exercise, set priorities and more good stuff.

This is mostly a practical book with photos to show you how to pose and breath. A few pages go into Sanskrit interpretations and diagrams like “8 limbs of yoga.” I like that one is called Aparigraha is “non-hoarding,” a letting go. I love that.

More good stuff is on the mindful eating page. One tip: Prepare food by hand, preferably without machines, in silence. Then you should sit down, with food in front of you and appreciate each bite. Compare that method with the times we are done with a meal before we have tasted it.

Now go prepare a bite, and enjoy it.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com