As we prepare to live for a week or more in the harsh, dry conditions of the Black Rock Desert land, we give thanks for cooling and hydrating foods nature provides. Hot climates sustain plants which offer necessary cooling qualities. We will import all our food to this vast expanse of open land. Essential for survival, adequate and appropriate nourishment including water and oil will allow you to stay alive and thrive in an extreme dry environment anywhere in the world.
As hot as the desert is, it is deeply cold when the sun goes down. Adapt to the rhythms of day and night, changing your choices of food and drink. As the temperatures sink in the darkness, make hot drinks, warm water, and warm cooked food to comfort you in the cold of night.
In the dominating intensity of daylight, use cooling foods to keep all your body’s systems from overheating. You know the feeling of being prickly hot, lightheaded, nauseous, and dizzy if you become dehydrated. To keep you from wilting and shriveling in the sun, maintain your hydro-lipid balance by eating and drinking the right foods. Avoid spicy, sour, dry, light, and heating foods. Choose wet, cool, refreshing foods.
Because we are traveling on a great adventure, part of a massive movement of thousands of people converging in an often chaotic planned madness, we feel discombobulated. Even as we return home to the playa, we are out of our element to varying degrees. Eat and drink in a manner intended to balance whatever emotions or physiological experiences you are personally going through.
If you feel spaced out, wild, or wound-up, you may choose grounding, calming, soothing foods. If you are lethargic, keep your diet light and invigorating.
And above all, ENJOY! Love it all, no matter what it is. For what tastes good to you also nourishes you. Bring positive thoughts and gratitude in with every bite. Indulge with joy, and share with passion.
The following is a list of some foods I plan to bring to Black Rock City this year to keep me grounded, cool (and warm!), sweet, and calm 🙂
Ocean Ayurveda 