As the heat of August arrives...
I have noticed how easy it is to absorb the external noise around us and begin anticipating how difficult something might be before we’ve even experienced it ourselves.
It reminded me how valuable it is to keep returning to our own reality rather than somebody else’s.
For many of us, the weather has simply invited a different conversation with ourselves. We may need to drink a little more, seek some shade, slow our pace, or notice that our body tires more quickly than usual. None of those things are a problem to solve; they’re simply information. Our bodies are asking for something different because the conditions around us have changed.
I wonder how often this happens in other areas of our lives too.
It can be easy to become caught up in the noise around us, whether that’s other people’s opinions, the news, social media, or simply the pace of everyday life. Before long, we can lose sight of our own experience.
One of the things I have found most helpful over the years is making time to pause long enough to ask, How am I? Not because I expect something to be wrong, but because it helps me stay connected to myself rather than living entirely in response to everything else.
Sometimes the answer is that I need to slow down. Sometimes it’s that I need to move, drink more water, spend some time outside, or simply acknowledge that life has felt fuller than I’d realised.
None of those responses are about getting life right, what ever that even means. They are more about responding to ourselves with a little more awareness.
Lemon & Ginger Cordial
You will need:
- 4 unwaxed lemons
- 120g fresh ginger, sliced (leave the skin on if organic, just scrub well)
- 500ml water
- 250g honey (or 200–250ml maple syrup if you prefer a vegan option)
- 1 tsp citric acid (optional, for a longer shelf life and a brighter lemon flavour)
To make it:
- Peel strips of zest from two of the lemons, avoiding too much white pith.
- Slice all four lemons.
- Place the water, ginger, lemon zest and lemon slices into a saucepan.
- Bring gently to the boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow to infuse for around 30 minutes.
- Strain through a fine sieve, pressing the fruit gently to extract all the flavour.
- Allow the liquid to cool until warm rather than hot, then stir in the honey (heating honey too much reduces some of its beneficial properties).
- Stir in the citric acid if using.
- Pour into sterilised glass bottles and refrigerate.
To Serve
- Mix approximately 1 part cordial to 4–5 parts chilled sparkling or still water, adjusting to taste.
- Add ice, fresh mint, lemon slices or cucumber for a refreshing summer drink.
- It also makes a lovely warming drink with hot water on cooler evenings.
Storage
- Without citric acid: Keep refrigerated and use within 2 weeks.
- With citric acid and sterilised bottles: It should keep refrigerated for 4–6 weeks.
A small sprig of fresh rosemary or a few thyme leaves can be added during the simmering stage for a subtle herbal note, or a couple of slices of fresh turmeric if you’d like an extra warming flavour.
I hope August offers you opportunities to pause, to notice what supports you, and to make space for a little more of that.
