The winds of change are regularly upon us. The seasons consistently roll from one into another. Ayurveda recognizes that this has a profound effect on our health and recommends many helpful suggestions for how we can adapt our lifestyle to stay balanced in each season. Ayurveda makes this person-specific; i.e. there is not just one lifestyle or diet that fits everybody. This is because Ayurveda perceives everybody as individuals with a unique constitutional makeup or dosha.

Constitution (dosha prakiti) and the seasons are intimately related. Health is affected by the qualities of the climate; the inner world is influenced by the outer environment. For example, when the air is damp, cold and wet these qualities are increased in the body. Hence there is an increase in mucus, catarrh and colds in winter.

Nothing remains the same for two consecutive moments. Heraclitus said we can never bathe twice in the same river. Confucius, while looking at a stream, said, "It is always flowing, day and night." The Buddha implored us not just to talk about impermanence, but to use it as an instrument to help us penetrate deeply into reality and obtain liberating insight. We may be tempted to say that because things are impermanent, there is suffering. But the Buddha encouraged us to look again. Without impermanence, life is not possible. How can we transform our suffering if things are not impermanent? How can our daughter grow up into a beautiful young lady? How can the situation in the world improve? We need impermanence for social justice and for hope.

If you suffer, it is not because things are impermanent. It is because you believe things are permanent. When a flower dies, you don't suffer much, because you understand that flowers are impermanent. But you cannot accept the impermanence of your beloved one, and you suffer deeply when she passes away.

If you look deeply into impermanence, you will do your best to make her happy right now. Aware of impermanence, you become positive, loving and wise. Impermanence is good news. Without impermanence, nothing would be possible. With impermanence, every door is open for change. Impermanence is an instrument for our liberation.

- Thich Nhat Hanh

Vegans easily meet their protein needs by eating a varied diet, as long as they consume enough calories to maintain their weight. It is not necessary to plan combinations of foods. A mixture of proteins throughout the day will provide enough "essential amino acids." The recommendation for protein for adult males is around 56-70 grams per day; for adult female it is around 46-58 grams per day.

Almost all foods except for alcohol, sugar, and fats are good sources of protein. Vegan sources include: seitan, tempeh, tofu, amaranth, quinoa, beans, nuts and seeds.