Mira - Ayurvedic Rituals
Mira Manek is a cook, writer and wellness connoisseur with a passion for Ayurveda after extensive travel through India visiting retreats and attending Ram Kathas (nine-day spiritual events). Inspired by spirituality and her Mother and Grandmother’s vegetarian Gujarati food, Mira wrote her first cookery book ‘Saffron Soul’. Her most recent book ‘Prajñā’ explores Ayurvedic rituals for happiness and of course, includes some delicious recipes. Mira hosts supper clubs, retreats and has also opened a cafe, ‘Chai by Mira’ in Soho, London.
How are you able to combine your Gujarati heritage with your work?
I bring to life various elements of my heritage from the masala or spice mixes I use in my cooking both at events and in my café to sharing the reasons for rituals and cultural festivals. In my new book, Prajna, I’ve delved into the spiritual landscape of India, explained aspects of Indian philosophy and woven mantras into evening rituals. I also draw on my grandmother’s history, story and wealth of knowledge as well as cooking with her for some of my videos.
How has incorporating Ayurveda into your life helped you?
Understanding the importance of being timely with meals, eating and living according to our circadian rhythm and eating nutritious wholesome cooked foods has been an essential lesson in realising what is affecting my own gut and digestion. Digestion, the Agni or digestive fire, as Ayurveda calls it, is at the centre of Ayurveda, and it was when I lost my own rituals of eating well and eating meals (rather than snacks) that my own digestion suffered, which led me back to the key principles of eating that I grew up practising, something that was ingrained and a part of daily life. Ayurveda goes hand in hand with yoga and yoga has also been an integral part of my life for almost a decade now.
‘I’ve delved into the spiritual landscape of India, explained aspects of Indian philosophy and woven mantras into evening rituals.’ ~ Mira
@SAIKI.WELLNESS
What can we do to bring a little Ayurvedic wisdom into our lives?
Cooking with spices every day, as often as possible, whether it’s stir-frying vegetables with cumin seeds and turmeric or adding extra ginger to your soup. Drinking the spices is another ritual I love – ¼ teaspoon of ginger in hot water or even hot milk if you like! Add a pinch of turmeric powder to this and maybe even cinnamon. Mix it up and see what helps and works. It not only provides extra warmth but reduces inflammation in the body and aids digestion. Lastly, not eating too late and ensuring you leave a few hours gap in between meals.
What is your most treasured recipe you’ve created?
Saffron shrikhand cheesecake and the vegan key lime in my first book Saffron Soul are both my favourites! Masala grilled aubergine is a wonderful combination of spices with the naturally earthy sweet jaggery layered on grilled aubergines. Lastly, my Indian summers salad, a real winner at all my events.
What inspires you?
The whole spectrum of wellbeing and sharing my passion for eating and digestion as well as the key principles of Ayurveda with others.
What is your favourite ritual?
So many rituals come together to form a daily or rather weekly toolbox of happiness. Yoga or some kind of movement, a little breath work (daily Kapal-Bhatti) walking outdoors, evening stretches, but at the same time, eating delicious homemade food and having ginger in hot water during the day, especially in the Winter. I also love sitting in a bath or steam room once or twice a week!
What other forms of self-care do you practice?
I think all the above would count as elements of self-care but I do also love a massage maybe once every two weeks!
How can we follow you and your work?
My instagram and social media is probably the best place
@miramanek on insta and twitter
@miramiramanek on facebook.
I send out regular newsletters and keep my website updated with new recipes www.miramanek.com.
For any café updates, there’s @chaibymira on instagram and www.chaibymira.com
Mira’s photographer: Emma Dudlyke