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We are more than just plant-based recipes, meal ideas and plans, or even just food in general. Flavor and Spirit embodies all those special moments we associate with food as well as the adventurous side of us that is always journeying to learn, grow, and try new things. Where will your journey take you? Flavor and Spirit Where will your journey take you? Welcome to Episode 1 of Going 5D with Destiny Dawn is out! Click to listen to on Spotify now! SPICE up your life! We used to be skeptical about the taste of food made without animal fat, but it hadn't occurred to us that just as we never made chicken without seasoning the heck out of it first, it was that combination of seasonings and spices that gave made the dish, regardless of where the fat came from! Here are some helpful pointers we think readers might find useful! Check out some of our most commonly asked about Tips and Tricks for transitioning to a plant-based diet, or even just to help incorporate more plant dishes into your diet! Tips and Tricks Plant-Based? Vegan? Vegetarian? Does it matter? Of course it does, but if you're like us, the simple answer just won't do., which was why we wanted to share what we have found to be very helpful information to help you make a decision based on what feels right to you! Holistic Health Tips & News What studies have revealed about Meditation We once thought it was an impossible ordeal of sitting silently for hours-on-end, but were pleasantly surprised at how easy it becomes! We all have our reasons for wanting to calm the mind and learn to control our thoughts and reactions. But we explored just how beneficial meditation really is and were even more surprised by what we learned! Let's just say it's not for spiritual or religious people, but anyone that could use help with things like: Memory Cognitive Function Mindfullness Coping Anger Stress Anxiety...and much more! Watch for more information coming soon! We highly recommend checking out some information on your own as well, but we have also provided a link to some interesting data collected by Harvard University! Click here to read more! Did you know? WORLDWIDE If the world adopted a plant-based diet we would reduce global agricultural land use from 4 to 1 billion hectares Even we know how unlikely and unrealistic that is...at least in the near future, but knowing that shows how much impact we can have in the changes we can make! Click here to read more! About Us COMING SOON

The Hero’s Journey The path of becoming. This isn’t just mythology; it’s the pattern of awakening woven through every soul’s story. Across ages and cultures, the same rhythm repeats itself. We dream, we act, we fall, we rise, and in time, we remember what we’ve always known. Every civilization found its own language for this process. Some called it enlightenment, others rebirth, ascension, or gnosis. But beneath all the names is the same map — the return to self. What we once saw as divine instruction was really a reflection of our own becoming. The Hero’s Journey is not about slaying dragons or reaching a final destination. It’s about the quiet evolution that happens each time we move from confusion to clarity, from survival to purpose. It’s the sacred rhythm that keeps us growing, whether through heartbreak or breakthrough. When we start to see our lives this way, everything shifts. The chaos stops feeling like punishment and starts revealing itself as initiation. Every loss, every repeat lesson, every strange loop back to the beginning is part of the same spiral that’s been guiding humanity since the dawn of consciousness. The Universal Pattern Every age has tried to name it — the pulse that moves through creation, destruction, and rebirth. It’s in the myths of gods and heroes, the cycles of nature, the rhythms of our own healing. Whether written in stone or stored in neurons, the pattern repeats: expansion, contraction, renewal. We rise to understand, we fall to remember. The ancients called it the Great Wheel. Alchemists called it transmutation. Modern psychology calls it growth through integration. But they’re all describing the same current — the universal pattern that carries us through transformation. This pattern isn’t mystical fluff or moral lesson; it’s the architecture of evolution itself. The same laws that guide the stars guide the psyche. The same energy that births galaxies pushes us toward wholeness. When we resist the pattern, life feels chaotic. When we learn to move with it, we begin to see that even chaos has choreography. The journey doesn’t just happen to us — it happens through us. Every heartbreak that cracks us open, every failure that forces a redirection, every breakthrough that follows surrender — all of it belongs to the same design. From the creation myths of Egypt to the philosophies of India, from Jung’s archetypes to quantum theory’s entanglement, the story never really changes. Consciousness expands, forgets itself, and then finds its way home again. Over and over, forever learning how to embody what it already knows. That’s the rhythm behind every story humanity has ever told — and it’s the same rhythm living in you. The Living Arcana & Archetypes The Leap of Faith The Fool walks with trust before proof. She reminds us that growth begins not in certainty, but in the courage to begin anyway. Explore Archetype Explore Archetype The Magician turns potential into practice. Through repetition and patience, he learns that mastery isn’t luck—it’s devotion made visible. The Apprenticeship of Creation The Practice of Knowing Explore Archetype The High Priestess listens before acting. She invites us to quiet the noise and remember that true wisdom isn’t found—it’s recalled. Nurturing the Effable The Empress reminds us that creation isn’t chaos — it’s care. She’s the one who turns wisdom into warmth and effort into ease, nurturing what’s real until it thrives. Explore Archetype The Living Arcana & Archetypes

Hearty Lentil Stew Ingredients: Start your day with a burst of energy. Blend frozen berries, spinach, a banana, and plant-based protein powder with almond milk. Top it with chia seeds, sliced almonds, and fresh fruit. This bowl is like a sunrise in a dish - bright, nourishing, and full of life. Have fun with it! Mine doesn't usually look as pretty as this picture, but that was what we wanted to convey here. Try different fruits, proteins, and carbs to balance them out the way you like and to keep things interesting! Directions: 1 cup dry lentils (green or brown), rinsed 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced 2 carrots, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes 4 cups vegetable broth 1 tsp thyme 1 tsp smoked paprika Salt + pepper to taste Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and spices; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook 25–30 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with whole-grain bread or brown rice.

Meet Bryce and Destiny McLaren Namaste From humble beginnings, we’ve walked a path shaped by resilience, creativity, and a desire to serve. Raising a family while navigating physical limitations and challenges like low vision, anxiety, depression, and military-related PTSD taught us the strength of compassion, patience, and persistence. For many years, the hardest part of being “different” wasn’t just living with those challenges, but facing a world that often lacked understanding or acceptance. As our children grew and left home, new space opened in our lives — space to reconnect with ourselves, with each other, and with the deeper callings of our spirit. In that process, we discovered something powerful: that true wealth isn’t measured by income, but by purpose, joy, and the ability to give back. We chose to earn less if it meant doing what we love — creating, teaching, and building communities rooted in authenticity and love. This website is the heart of that vision: a place where our stories, recipes, writings, and spiritual practices come together. It’s a living archive of the lessons we’ve learned, the wisdom we’ve gathered, and the joy we find in blending flavor, spirit, and creativity. Looking ahead, our dream is to one day create a wellness retreat center and farm — a space for healing, growth, and connection with the land. We envision it as a co-operative effort, where others who share this vision can join in community, learning, and service. Until then, this site is where the seeds are planted, growing into something larger with each step. Our hope is simple: that the work you find here nourishes you — body, mind, and soul — and inspires you to embrace your own journey fully. Mission People everywhere are searching for belonging, meaning, and connection in a world where old systems no longer provide the answers. We believe community doesn’t have to be defined by religion, politics, social class, or labels of any kind. Instead, it can be built on authenticity, compassion, creativity, and shared growth. Through food, spirit, and storytelling, we offer a space where people can reconnect with themselves, with each other, and with the wisdom that unites us all. Our mission is to create resources, practices, and experiences that inspire healing, empower voices, and bring people together across all walks of life — planting the seeds for a more conscious, loving, and sustainable future. Vision O ur hope is to empower and bring people together by providing useful information, encouragement, and support for all those who seek it, while offering a safe space to learn and explore alongside like-minded people from all around the world! Legacy Our long-term vision is to create a sanctuary for healing — a retreat center and farm where people can step away from the noise of the world and reconnect with themselves. Through guided spiritual journeying, sound baths, integration workshops, and hands-on farm experiences, we want to offer a safe and loving space for transformation. Whether for a weekend stay or a longer immersion, this center will embody the full expression of our work: blending food, spirit, and community into a path of healing and belonging.

What is a Dosha? In Ayurveda, Doshas are the three fundamental energies, or mind-body types, that shape how we move through the world. They’re created from the five elements—Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth—and represent the unique blend of qualities that influence your body, mind, and spirit. The three Doshas are: Vata (Air + Ether) The energy of movement and creativity. Vata governs breath, circulation, and the nervous system. Balanced Vata brings inspiration, flexibility, and vitality. Out of balance, it can create anxiety, restlessness, or dryness. Pitta (Fire + Water) The energy of transformation and metabolism. Pitta governs digestion, body temperature, and intellect. Balanced Pitta brings focus, courage, and strong digestion. Out of balance, it can show up as irritability, inflammation, or burnout. Kapha (Earth + Water) The energy of structure and stability. Kapha governs growth, strength, and immunity. Balanced Kapha brings calm, compassion, and endurance. Out of balance, it can lead to lethargy, attachment, or heaviness. Click here to learn your Dosha! Why Doshas Matter Your Dosha is like your Ayurvedic blueprint—it helps explain why certain foods, routines, or environments feel nourishing to you while others may throw you off balance. By understanding your dominant Dosha (or combination of them), you gain tools to restore balance and live in harmony with the natural cycles of life.

A hearty, family-favorite tortilla soup simmered with tomatoes, beans, corn, and peppers, layered with bold spices and finished with crisp tortilla strips, avocado, and fresh cilantro. Comforting, nourishing, and perfect for any season. Tortilla Soup Not only is this one of our favorite dishes and one that the family can enjoy in any season, it's a great opportunity to spend some time prepping food together as a family! Aside from the time it takes prepping all those veggies, it's easy to make and definitely worth the effort! Ingredients: 2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies X1 12 oz can tomato paste 8C water + vegetable bullion = 8 C broth 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can corn, drained 1 small yellow onion, small dice 1 green bell pepper, small dice 1/2-1 bunch of cilantro 1 avocado Tortilla strips (best to fry your own) 2 Tbsp olive or grape seed oil or avocado oil 4 Tbsp taco seasoning 1 ½ tsp oregano 3 Tbsp Creole or Cajun seasoning 2 Tbsp hot sauce, cayenne pepper 5 jalapeno slices, fresh preferred, but pickled will suffice 1 Tbsp kosher salt (more or less to your taste) 1 Tbsp fresh cracked black pepper 1 Tbsp garlic powder C cooked rice (we use an Instant pot) ½ bunch of cilantro, minced Chopped avocado Tortilla strips (best if fried at home) Chop veggies and garnishes If you plan to fry your own tortilla strips, get your oil heated up on Medium, since this takes time. In hot soup pot, saute onions and peppers in hot oil until they begin to soften. Add in beans and corn. Cook for 3 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients. Cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes Start rice in a steamer or Instant Pot. This should finish shortly before soup. When everything is finished cooking, add a scoop of rice into a bowl and add soup on top Serve hot with listed garnishes.

14 Day Plant Based Meal Plan Day 1 Breakfast Melty Scramble Sandwich. Lunch: Southwest Tofu and Veggie Rice Bowl. Snack: Fig Bars and Veggies sticks. Dinner: Plant-Based Teriyaki Bowls Dessert: Peanut Butter Cookies Breakfast Potato Scramble and a banana. Lunch: Leftover Teriyaki Bowls Snack: Mixed Nuts and a piece of fruit. Dinner: Chili with Cornbread Dessert: Fruity Sorbet Breakfast Overnight Oats with Bananas Lunch: Deli style sandwich with Kettle chips Snack: Dairy Free Yogurt & cashews Dinner: Chunky Sausage and Veggie Ragu & Pasta Dessert: Peanut Butter Cookies Day 2 Day 3 Breakfast Melty Scramble Sandwich. Lunch: Leftover Chili and cornbread Snack: Fig Bars and Veggies sticks. Dinner: Chik'n and Veggie Fajitas Dessert: Popcorn Breakfast Tofu Scramble Lunch: Nachos, topped with Fajita veggies. Snack: Hummus and Crackers Dinner: Pizza Dessert: Fruit Breakfast Potato Scramble Lunch: P,B, & J w/Chips Snack: Tapenade & Crackers Dinner: Pita Wraps w/Falafel Dessert: Sorbet or Frozen Yogurt Breakfast Potato Scramble Lunch: Any remaining leftovers Snack: Fruit Dinner: Stir-Fry & Yakisoba Noodles Dessert: Pudding Day 5 Day 4 Day 6 Day 7 Breakfast: Fritata and Potatoes Lunch: Southwest Tofu & Veggie Rice Bowl. Snack: Banana Bread Dinner: Chik'n Fried Steak and Potatoes Dessert: Fruit Salad Breakfast: Melty Scramble Sandwich. Lunch: Leftover Soup Snack: Pudding Dinner: French Bread Pizza and Salad Dessert: Ice Cream Breakfast Potato Scramble and a banana. Lunch: Leftovers Snack: Mixed Nuts and a piece of fruit. Dinner: Wild Rice Soup & Roll . Dessert: Fruity Sorbet Breakfast: Breakfast burrito Lunch: Leftover Chili and cornbread Snack: Hummus and veggies Dinner: Taco Salad Dessert: Popcorn Breakfast: Oatmeal & Fruit Lunch: Nachos, topped with Fajita veggies. Snack: Hummus and Crackers Dinner: Veggie Wraps Dessert: Fruit Breakfast: Cinnamon Toast & Fruit Lunch: P,B, & J w/Chips Snack: Tapenade & Crackers Dinner: Veggie Sausage Dogs Dessert: Pudding Breakfast: Veggie Scramble & Toast Lunch: P,B, & J w/Chips Snack: Chips and Salsa Dinner: Sausage and Veggie Skewers Dessert: Peanut Butter Cookies Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14

Plant based Johnny Cakes Ingredients: 1 C cornmeal ¼ C sugar ½ tsp baking soda 1 tsp cream of tartar ½ tsp kosher salt1 C buttermilk (1 C DF Oat milk + 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp cold water in fridge 10 min ) or 1 Tbsp Egg or Egg Substitute (Just Egg is our go-to 1 Tbsp molasses 1 Tbsp melted butte Directions: 1) Pre-heat saute pan while prepping milk (combine with lemon juice) 2) Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl and mix until the consistency of pancake batter. 3) Using measuring spoon, pour batter onto spray-oiled saute pan making little Johnnycakes 4) Serve with Southern food and Cajun food

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All Posts Plant-Based Eating Topics Our Plant=Based Eating Journey Our Spiritual Journies Search Destiny McLaren May 29, 2023 6 min Honor Thy Spacesuit, Part One: Feeling Tired? Honor thy Spacesuit, Part One: Feeling Tired? What is your body trying to tell you? 28 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Destiny McLaren Jul 17, 2022 8 min The Impact of Stress and Fear and How they manifest Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually By Destiny McLaren · Shared with Public I would like to preface by saying I learned these lessons the hard way, unable to even... 8 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Destiny McLaren Jul 6, 2022 4 min The Principles of Meditation In its simplest form, the word meditation refers to mindfulness and healing, but the true meaning of meditation is different depending on... 11 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Bryce McLaren May 16, 2022 5 min Pros and Cons of a Plant-Based diet So, there are a lot of varied opinions about the rise in those choosing to eat plant-based foods, plant-based meals, and vegetarian and... 14 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Bryce McLaren May 16, 2022 2 min Home made with LOVE Hi there to all readers! I just want to write a quick little blog to say a message about cooking at home. I know there are generally 2... 7 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Bryce McLaren May 16, 2022 1 min 20 Ways to Get Good Karma Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson. Follow the three R’s: -... 2 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Bryce McLaren May 16, 2022 4 min The Myth of "Fast" Food Have you ever noticed that today's labeling of junk food restaurants as "fast food" is kind of a misnomer? I don't know how often my... 6 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Bryce McLaren Mar 31, 2022 2 min Buying in bulk Today I wanted to write about bulk shopping. It is not just for the extreme coupon moms any longer. There are many stores like Costco,... 4 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Bryce McLaren Mar 31, 2022 1 min Refined sugar addiction Today I wanted to write about the abundance of products containing refined sugar products. It's in what we drink like Gatorade, fruit... 5 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Destiny McLaren Mar 27, 2022 3 min Our Favorite Plant-Based Products A lot of new plant products have emerged in recent years, as well as a number of an expansion of products from existing companies. It's... 24 views 0 comments 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Destiny McLaren Feb 1, 2022 3 min SPICE up your life Namaste and welcome my friends to another exciting posting. Today is a special day. I am a certified professional chef, among other... 1 view 0 comments 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Bryce McLaren Feb 1, 2022 2 min Pineapple on Pizza...Yay or Nay? Today I am going to explore the difficult and divisive topic of putting pineapple on pizza as a topping. I want to examine both sides of... 1 view 0 comments 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Destiny McLaren Feb 1, 2022 5 min Feeling greasy and bloated? It has come to my attention recently how much I hear others complain about getting sick when they eat out at restaurants. At first I took... 6 views 0 comments 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Destiny McLaren Feb 1, 2022 4 min Drink water Hello once again my friends, we're back to reshape your minds and open your eyes to the REAL world that is around you EVERY day. Lets... 1 view 0 comments Post not marked as liked Destiny McLaren Nov 22, 2021 4 min What are Plant-Based Diets? To help understand our website, what we offer, and why we've offered some information we have created this post to help make sense of it... 6 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Destiny McLaren Jan 25, 2021 4 min Practical Tips From Parents on How to Transition to a Plant-Based Diet Every family has their own dynamic and any major change, such as a dietary one that will affect everyone in some way, should be discussed... 17 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Blog Anchor 1 Wht are plant-based diets?