Here Living Bodies And Lives Unite

The Soma Center, nestled in the center of historic downtown Lake Worth offers a variety of raw and living specials everyday. Diners can choose from a selection of raw pates, salads, entrees, and desserts. Raw favorites include Pineapple-Cucumber Gazpacho, Lasagna, Pad Thai, Tacos and Hummus. Those left with room for dessert following those delicious appetizers and entrees can choose from items such as the sugar-free Apple Cobbler, ‘Rawkies” (raw cookies), or more indulgent raw dessert such as Raw Chocolate Mousse (made from raw cacao) or the Soma staffs favorite: the Raw Cheesecakes!

Most of us know the benefits of eating raw and living foods, and The Hippocrates institute has done an excellent job of educating  thousands about the importance of eating these foods. With benefits such as an improved immune system, increased energy, improved mood, expedited healing and longevity, it is no surprise that so many people are turning to raw and living foods.

Faced with the task of preparing time-intensive dishes at home, which often require dehydrating ingredients for hours, many people opt for eating out or take-home dining. 'The Soma Center has filled this demand for fresh, ready-made raw and living dishes. The café prepares "to 90" orders, so that those heading to and from work can call in their order and pick it up on the way. Two pick up orders per week can keep you on a raw plan at home. Catering for events is also available.

All dishes are prepared with fresh, organic ingredients, and are chosen not just for their health properties, but also for their taste. This is a key aim of The Soma Center - to make food that is not only healthy, but also tasty!

"Many of our first-time customers are surprised by the fact that healthy food can be so delicious," says owner Erin Girling.

It is not just the food that customers enjoy. The quaint courtyard garden provides an ideal setting for diners to enjoy their meals. Surrounded by beautiful plants and accompanied by the sound of flowing fountains, the courtyard is a peaceful oasis, allowing people to relax while they eat.

The raw and living food brings people to the café, but there is far more to The Soma Center than just the café. The Center is also home to a beautiful Yoga Studio, decked with rich wooden floors. On Jan. 1, the center introduced Yoga By Donation to all its classes.

What is Yoga By Donation?

'Ibis means there is no 'set price' for the yoga classes. Participants simply donate what they believe is an affordable price for the class they take. This already has proven immensely popular, and the local community has embraced the concept.

"These are tough times for many people, so we wanted to help the community in a way which does not discriminate between rich and poor," Girling said.

Yoga's benefits have been known for years. Gentle, physical exercise brings with it muscle toning, increased cardiovascular fitness, as well as the production of endorphins associated with improved mood and happiness.

"Yoga is a way of teaching the mind and body to relax, regaining your composure, and leading to a healthier perspective and outlook on life," says Melissa Girling, one of 12 yoga teachers at Soma.

In addition to yoga and the healthy café, The Soma Center also has a small Eco-Boutique, selling a variety of items, chosen for their environmentally-friendly and health-conscious properties.

It's up to each person to make and decide to start leading a health-conscious life. But it is destinations like Hippocrates and The Soma Center which facilitate this desire. By providing healthy, raw and living foods - as well as affordable yoga classes - The Soma Center is a great help, where a number of health needs can be met under one roof. It's mission statement:

"The Soma Center is a community center, dedicated to conscious-living practices which impact individual and environmental health."

• Phone your orders in to (561) 296-9949 or fax your order to 561-202-6865

• Questions about the center can be made via email: [email protected]

• View class times and event information online at www.thesomacenter.com

In September 2008, the Co upland- Girling Family and the Soma Center became ONE. Erin Girling had long been interested in yoga and is a life-long vegetarian, so when the opportunity presented itself to run a business which combined these two ideals, she jumped at it. With her supportive parents, husband Rich and daughter Shanti at her side, she immersed herself in 'all things Soma' and is involved in every aspect of the center. Budding on the good work of previous owner Scott Brown, Erin and Rich (with a lot of help and support) have made The Soma Center a hub of conscious-people and consciouschoices. The center now plays host to not just yoga, but also a variety of workshops, live seminars and live music. There is also an ever-growing selection of eco-products for home and family at the 'Simply Shand Boutique', next to the café.

Originally from Canada, Erin has long been an advocate of health and wellness. Erin, a yoga enthusiast and life-long vegetarian, has always felt strongly about eating well and striving for optimum health. Having obtained her B.A. in Psychology, she brings -with her a great deal of understanding and knowledge about mental health and wellness.

Vol 29 Issue 2 page 30