Fun Music!!!

GROOVY BEATS!!!

rainbow cat eyes pictures

Basic to Sattvic Principals for Energy Healers and Light Workers 101 held in Paramaribo Suriname

Course number 101
Basic to Sattvic Principals for Energy Healers and Light Workers: This course is a pre-requisite course to all my other cooking course. The students get the basics of all Sattvic vegan/vegetarian principals in order to have a better understanding about food in relation to good health, morality, material vibration, astral existence and spiritual consciousness. It comes with a non-cook food demo practicum. This is a course worth taking for those who'd like to raise the quality and overall well being of their life & aid to spiritual development. Course language is in general in English but in Suriname the course is given in Dutch and English. Group discussions, verbal presentation & active participation highly stimulated.

Location:
MCKS Pranic Healing Suriname

Condorstraat 25-27, Leonsberg

For more contact information: http://www.pranichealing.sr

Registration period: 
from September 26 till November 26, 2013 - registration closed on November 26

Registration Fee & Costs:
two segments of registration & course fees) , which are both mandatory:
1. Course Fee: Registration with Pranic Healing Suriname & pay course fee (see contact information)
and in addition you also
2. Registration Fee to the Satvic Chef:  Satvic Chef Certification with study manual & food practicum material (contact me at ratnasadal@gmail.com)

COUPON PROMO!

Course Dates & Structure:

dates: Saturday November 30 & Sunday December 1 
course segment: A & B = prerequisites to follow course C& D
length: 4 hours

Course Structure:

Basis tot sattvic principals 101 for light workers & Energy healers.

Segment A - 2 hours- What is Vegetarianism?!

*10-15 min introduction of class members

*20 min Powerpoint lecture  introduction to vegetarianism

*Group Discussion: 'what type of vegetarian am I? 30 min (discussion & presentation).

*Powerpoint lecture 20 min dietary structure vegetarian

*20 minutes: "How is vegetariansm beneficial for me"- short essay

*15 min – brunch  – provided by the Satvic Chef

Segment B - 2 hours

*3-5 min individual verbal presentation studenten essay from segment A
*20 min Powerpoint  lecture- basics tot Sattvic vegetarianism

*45 min discussion group & presentation 3 modes of material nature (satva, raja, tamas)
*20 min Powerpoint  lecture over himsa/ ahimsa
* rest time: certification – quick snack plus homework till next week

dates: Saturday December 7 & December 8
course segments: C & D 
length: 4 hours

Course Structure:

Basis tot sattvic principals 101 for light workers & Energy healers.

Segment C - 2 uren - Sattvic Cuisine
*30 min powerpoint - basis principals in Sattvic cuisine!
*60 min group practicum & discussion - how to create the easiest Sattvic Meals
*30 min short essay & presentation: "How does my consciousness affect my food"

Segment D - 2 uren - food & vibration

* 30 min Powerpoint lecture - food & vibration
* 45 group discussion & presentation carbon imprint & impact vegetarianism on global well-being

* 45 quiz & complete certificate. 

Yours Truly,

Ratna Sadal
Founder/CEO of THE SATVIC CHEF!

THE SURINAMESE TRAVEL & VEGAN VERSION CUISINE GUIDE

EASY BREEZY

DORM STYLE COOKING 

WITH THE SATVIC CHEF!

Hmm! need to get invigorated 

Hiking Path on the Way to the Paramaribo Zoo

It's one of those mornings: getting up and then bursting full of this energy while I pick out my hiking route with a busy early Monday morning traffic here in Paramaribo, Suriname.  Last night, the other Dutch intern - whose my roommate - asked how to get buy with a small budget of groceries and still eat lavishly good here in Suriname, without getting bored on a blend diet of just rice, beans, pasta & tomato sauce. Being Dutch she mentioned that she hated the smell of Onions & Garlic.  So - I  thought- she came to the right place for me to demo this dorm style cooking of mine -which tastes as good as the gourmet version.

On my way back from my walk, I went to the Chinese supermarket and picked up the every day Surinamese canned staples like jarred red kidney beans in tomato sauce, some plant derived trans-fat free margarine and Roti from Fernandes Company Suriname

then from the vegetable vendors from the Surinamese Central Market - I bought some already cut-up asian bittermelon , fresh ginger and some yellow scotch bonnet peppers.   

After resting and taking a shower, I started my easy gourmet Monday Morning Brunch Preparation:

wash all your vegetables thoroughly!!

• cut up & seed the scotch bonnet pepper 
• grate the skin off the fresh ginger and dice it up
• open the jarred beans in tomato sauce
• prepare your spice mix: salt, pepper, some curry powder, Indo-Javanese spices like laos & kuntjur

Then follow these steps:

In a skillet melt about 2.5 table spoons of margarine

saute diced yellow pepper & ginger, then spices for 3 minutes and then add the sliced, washed & drained bittermelon to it

after saute of vegetables for another 7 minutes add the beans in tomato sauce to it

cut up two roties in 1/8 segments (just like cutting a round cake) & place in oven or toaster for 3 minutes to heat up

ENJOY YOUR BRUNCH!!!

BON APPETIT!!!

SMAKELIJK ETEN

(dutch)

NJANG SWETIE

(Surinamese Creole - Sranang Tongo)

Here is a tip how to deal with left over of your store bought  Fernandes -Roti after it has reached its experation date!!! 

• place in air-sealed bag and freeze up to 3 months, thaw and reheat
• cut it into stripes, cook with sugar, milk (cow's or nut milk) & spices like vanilla, cinnamon & cardamom
• turn it into either sweet or savory pita chips snack, by cutting it into small wedges, place on baking sheet, brush with margarine; 
• for savory -sprinkle salt, paprika & other spices 
• and for sweet - sprinkle sugar and cinnamon

• 
  

Home Grown Cherries in the backyard 

Regards!

Ratna Sadal, Founder CEO of THE SATVIC CHEF

Please visit my site: http://mysatviccookingclub.weebly.com/

Intro Satvic Chef (playlist)

A deeper Understanding of Indian Diaspora: The Axis Around which Suicide amongst 4th & 5th generation Indian Indenture descendents can be understood

A PUBLIC HEALTH VIEW!

How should we contemplate looking at the high suicide rates within the Hindustani Communities in Suriname!

http://www.cbs.nl/en-GB/menu/themas/gezondheid-welzijn/publicaties/artikelen/archief/2006/2006-2042-wm.htm

The Journal of Dutch Medicine reports that: "The most striking suicide pattern is found among Surinamese people. Although suicide attempts among Surinamese women receive much attention, the suicide rate for Surinamese women does not differ a great deal from the suicide rate among native Dutch women. Suicide is relatively common among Surinamese men until they reach middle age." 

---Joop Garssen and Jan Hoogenboezem (1)

 - but these numbers reflect the a population of Surinamese men living in the Netherlands, Europe & then the differentiation amongst various ethnic groups of Surinamese men is not specifically pointed out! The questions arises then: What does ethnicity have to do with suicide. Which other variables play a big role?

Decoding Myths!

Is Race, Gender, Ethnicity, Culture and Historical descendants important at looking at suicide rates within a community in Suriname?

• marginalization process of the role and identity of men of Indentur edescent through 4 or 5 generations that took place while shifting from their own cultural identity to the western identity & social role

• generational patterns that's been handed down because of reaction to this stress of marginalization from - through male role models

• difference between Surinamese Hindustani men of Indian descent and Surinamese Black men from African descent is that the marginalization process goes in different paths due to racial disparities - eg. in Hindustani men, it's most self-destructive reaction and in Black men it is criminalization expressed outwardly

• fact that British Guyana was predisposed to British Policy at onset of history of the late 1900, at which the marginalization process was equally distributed among every racial group

• while in Suriname each racial and cultural group has had its own variety of social historical oppression through Dutch colonization

• Even though British Guyana has had mostly conversion to Christianity of the Hindustani Indenture labor, unlike those from Suriname - re-adopting back to religion of descent Hinduism and Islam happens much more with greater will power and confidence of adapting back to the identity of origin.  

• In Suriname, descendants from Hindustani Indenture Laborers were subdued to a different form of power structure that shoved the main Hindustani inherited cultural identity to the inferior social disposition of marginalization and identity confusion.

• That's why it is assumed that British Guyana Indian have slightly better resistance towards social stress compared to Surinamese Indians. (note: no obvious/empirical data collected on this study was obtained)

 Although race seems insignificant -in looking at suicide rates with a community- it is a relevant variable among several countries and societies; It plays a big role within the configuration events and social development of a multi-ethnical structured society - while it has had its rooting within historical & cultural context.

The main stressor for Hindustani Men in Suriname is:

Hindustani Indenture descendant coming from a native India culture with Eastern cultural values; The emphasis is placed more on the emotional aspect of deep rooted customs and beliefs. With the move to a foreign South-American Dutch Colony in the late 1900s, there was to some extend a disconnection from the cultural context of the land of origin namely India from that historical time frame.  This reflects on the practices of Hinduism and Islam in Suriname - the re-confirmations Religious codes happens while interacting through Pilgrimage at the land of origin, but adjusted to the social, cultural and political context of Suriname.

Comparison with the next door neighbor British Guyana:

the main differences of social historical discrepancy between Hindustani men in Suriname and British Guyana: 

Diaspora awareness! The right to be called Hindustani first and second of Dutch descent.

Me, my land, my culture, my politics ......me in the center......

not me hiding in the Banana tree........

In USA weapon violence vs. In Suriname weed killer! Where do men need to "GROW UP?"

Another myth that needs to debunked: Men have greater suicide rates because they "need to grow up." The whole debate of the brain function and stress response of the male gender in general lies in open.  It can be said most likely that suicide rates are higher in men, because women cope better with stress psychologically. 

The weapon of destruction varies from country to country.  In United States it's the second amendment, in Suriname it is the easy accessibility of weed killer toxins.

Debunking the BOLLYWOOD MYTH!!!!

It would be fun to a study of comparison Japanese people -who love & watch a lot of Bollywood Movies too- to Surinamese, British Guyana Hindustani people & Indian itself - all Eastern Cultures embedded with high suicide driven motives.  Even though Japanese have a high capacity to contemplate suicide to keep family honor, Bollywood movies are not suggestive to create suicidal intention within the Japanese  (note: no obvious/empirical data collected on this study was obtained).  So, even though Bollywood movies reflect the Hindustani Indian suicidal motives - it is still not conclusive to say that Bollywood movies create suicidal intentions within Hindustani communities of Suriname.  

http://www.cbs.nl/en-GB/menu/themas/gezondheid-welzijn/publicaties/artikelen/archief/2006/2006-2042-wm.htm

Although the usage of weed killer is a one shot deal -either in small or in large amounts- it is not clear how intense the suicide motive was of the individual or whether it was committed in an altered state of mood. 

Politics in Suriname: The Current Constellation of the Republic of Suriname!

Democracy, corruption and

the parliamentary system

(Republic of Suriname)

Translation "Starnieuws" Article: http://www.starnieuws.com/index.php/welcome/index/nieuwsitem/18269; 20 Jul, 10:00

Dear citizens of Suriname!

Is it you haven't noticed that the hybrid political system does not correspond to our democratic aspirations? We have a majority in opinion of politicians in 1987 accepted a Constitution which to date to shambles and accordingly many ' messy ' and ambiguities present in various areas of society. This is partly as a result of the lack of an explanatory memorandum, but also because of the not formulating the material laws to which some articles refer. Would you agree with me that this hybrid system is partly to the increased debit form of corruption on various ministries or elsewhere in governmental body occurs?

DNA: Assembly as the highest organ!

In the Constitution in article 55 paragraph 2 is clearly indicated that the National Assembly is the highest organ of the State. This highest State organ represents the people of the Republic of Suriname and brings the sovereign will of the nation. This body must, among other things, Government policy keys and assessment on behalf of the people. There is, in my view, little has been done by DNA (the National Assembly) to express the sovereign will. On the contrary, a great deal of space provided to other State bodies that are accountable to DNA  in order to commit acts which in many cases are not transparent. I find that the Constitution is certainly in the field of the political system should be radically changed. Incidentally, I have also raised this in previous articles.

Suriname is, in my view, better served by a purely parliamentary system for the following reasons: 

1.  A corrupt cabinet can interim by a simple majority by means of a vote of no confidence be sent home
2. The ministers are jointly liable for the policy that they perform and are accordingly directly accountable to DNA. Individual ministers can, by means of a vote of no confidence by a simple majority are sent home. Of course, it should go in advance, an extensive debate on the policy of that Minister.
3. The appointment and dismissal of ministers becomes more transparent. In each case will prevent informal structures interfere with the nomination and dismissal policies of the president
4. The State Leadership (symbol of the nation) is disconnected from the Government or political leader
5. Also can DNA through a vote of no confidence in the head of Government (Prime Minister) send home by a simple majority

I appeal for reintroducing the pure parliamentary system in Suriname. This means that the Constitution of 1987, last amended in 1992, must be taken back by the people. I think we need to think about this seriously, we want to further develop the democratic experience, but even more to the corruption in the Government to reduce to the absolute minimum.  Finally, I call on all Suriname citizens to seriously think about this kind of macro issues and not about to let this to a small select group.

send in by Bert Eersteling on July 20th, 2013

Reconciling with my ethnic appearance!
I am what I am - a nurturing loving woman!

Took me a while to reconcile with the way I look - Fortunately! I grew up confidently within a society confident about my native ethnic appearance! Recently I didn't feel lovable enough. Many times I've looked at the wide nose on my face -but my cousin has the same nose (or similar) and she looks gorgeous, so what am I complaining about?

I asked my female Facebook friends to vote for my virtual make-over appearance - most of them voted A & B equally. Only a few voted for my original appearance. 

My "Rupauled" virtual make-overs: "working girl"

Yes! Having lived and seen a bit on how corporate America judges a woman's appearance, I can tell the artificial blond and redhead gets the most attention. Why?! The independent corporate brunette looks a lot more reserved.  - so Audrey Hepburn's "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is not as popular as I thought.  
I noticed that the honest man who loves you doesn't judge like that after all.  Men choose women not by their tailored looks! :-) They still go for her SCENT, VOICE TONE during certain hormonal cycles.  The tailored 'Rupauled' almost drag-like look for women was developed over years by fashionistas - opposite the feminists.  


Famous women's psychologists suggest that self love and self image of a woman is influenced in the way she relates in her relations with others.
so after figuring out how it all works! I respect my own genetic make-up, my personality -which comes from inside out: my morals and conduct 

the Eastern Look!

the after facial look

my recent natural appearance of self acceptance

my recent hair color change

And hereby I'll leave you with that thought!

Thanks!

Ratna!

Moving back to the new District of Commewijne, Suriname - South America!

THE ACT OF

EMIGRATION VERSUS IMMIGRATION!




SAYING MY FINAL GOODBYES TO THE BOW BRIDGE AT CENTRAL PARK WEST IN NEW YORK CITY- USA!

  


Carrie Bradshaw personified!

 Coming this very close to having my US naturalization process finalized - I realized that my outlook and priorities in life had changed.  It would have been a different scenario if I had still been at an age of 20's or 30's.  But I am in my post 40's now; the age range at which most women re-arrange their priorities and settle for goals that benefit them in old age.  I just realized that I was way beyond my own phase of exploration. I've mad the decision to fixate on one particular goal: Find that spot and then place my roots down.



HASSLES OF IMMIGRANT LIFE in US! 

 I had left Suriname at age 23 in need of a different environment, more promising then my current one.  I guess to see and learn more from the world - in the end - I still need to reconfigure what my learned life's lessons are so far. But there was a specific thing within myself in my journey of soul search I definitely learned: I was searching outwards for new experiences of personal independence and internalizing it -and whatever I had internalized aided in my personal development of soul search.  Then I asked myself if this was all worth it? If I had stayed my life would have turned out....different than if had left...?

HURRICANE SANDY!

It wasn't until I sat through Hurricane Sandy at which I experienced a shock of the aftermath living as a foreigner in a foreign country.  Unlike everyone else, I still had a choice to Emigrate back to my homeland, Suriname, down South to of the world - a country at the north east coast of South America neighboring Brazil and the Guyana's and other Spanish speaking countries.



Even wildlife is affected by Hurricanes!

I was so used to the convenience of the Western lifestyle back in New York City: the MTA public transport system, online shopping with plastic (credit card) - even pay pal system in Suriname is different, speaking the English Language, my freelance financial independence, my cats, my dogs & my alumni status at Hunter College, CUNY! Etc.


CARS GETTING PUSHED AHEAD BY THE FLOODS! NYC!

 Although, once a native Dutch speaker - I was always looked at by fellow American citizens how well I knew the language - In their ears Dutch sounds like German and it they had no clue that I came from another continent other then India. 

MOVING BACK IN WITH A PARENT!

Giving up my independence and moving back in with a parent was a very tough decision to make.  After 21 years of moving out and then moving back in - I was glad I was the only extra mouth to feed - with no children.
Luckily! Other immigrants did get stuck getting married (and then got divorced) with home mortgage and college tuition to pay for their kids.  Maybe I should consider myself to be lucky! My aging mom benefits from this arrangement also -I hope.

At this point of transition, I am reconfiguring a job and home settlement and even looking to contribute to the economic and structural development of my homeland.  Whatever its past was!