Silence is not the absence of sound, but the absence of noise. Noise is unwanted sound. The word “noise” is derived from the Latin word “nausea,” meaning seasickness. Really fitting, huh? Breathing, birdsong, rain, and wind are sounds. Traffic, construction equipment, ringing cellphones, loud talking, and other unwanted sounds are noises.
The problem with noise is not only that it is unwanted, but also that it negatively affects our wellness. Problems related to noise include hearing loss, stress, high blood pressure, sleep loss, lost productivity, and a general reduction in the quality of life and opportunities for tranquillity.
Find a way to slip some silence into your day today. Set yourself up in your favorite restorative pose and settle into the sound of your breath for at least 5 minutes. Notice how you carry that silence into the rest of your day.
Salmon Burgers with Green Goddess Dressing
Ditch the bun and serve this yumminess over field greens.
INGREDIENTS
1 pound salmon fillet (preferably wild Pacific), skinned
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion or scallion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus a pinch, divided
3 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
1 anchovy fillet, rinsed and finely chopped
1 teaspoon capers, rinsed and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
PREPARATION
With a large chef’s knife, chop salmon using quick, even, straight-up-and-down motions (do not rock the knife or the fish will turn mushy) until you have a mass of roughly 1/4-inch pieces. Transfer to a large bowl; gently stir in onion (or scallion), ginger, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper (do not overmix). Divide the mixture into 4 patties, about 1 inch thick. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
Mix mayonnaise, anchovy, capers, lemon zest, lemon juice, pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the burgers and cook until browned on both sides and just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes total. Serve the burgers with the sauce.
