I have decided to embark on a new journey, one where travels start nearby , very nearby in fact they start within me. I have always believed that healing starts from within and I also do believe that what we put in our body via all senses ( smell, taste, hear, see, touch) all impact on what we put out via our actions. At some point along the journey within ourself we lose sight of how and what impact the inputs have on the outputs hence why CLEANSING is important.
Why Cleanse?
Cleansing provides a space for downtime . Downtime for our digestive system, our minds and our bodies. During a cleanse we display compassion and acknowledgement for the role that various organs play in our day to day lives. By only putting into our body that which is easily digestible we begin to let our overworked system take a break and also do some of its own housekeeping . As gross as is it may sound our intenstines (especially the large) houses a lot of "shit" ( no pun intended) that we have put into our system over the years and haven't fully broken down. So needless to say things may get a bit dirty during a cleanse. Things may come out of your body that is old and stinky ... but you would rather have it out of you than inside of you.
Some side effects of cleansing:
- Increased energy
- Increased concentration and mental clarity
- weight loss
- glowing skin
- overall feel great !
Notice how THESE side effects are NOT in small print!
To assist me in my first real cleansing experience I have decided to blog it and share it with the universe and with myself. Feel free to follow my recipes, provide comments, ask questions , and /or share YOUR experience.
The cleanse that I will be following is called "Power Cleanse" created by Dr. Richard A. Deandrea . You can find more information about him on his website : www.naturaldoctor.org. I have had a few friends go through this cleanse and they had life changing experiences ( therefore cleanse at your own risk) . I also heard Dr. D speak on Saturday at the Center for Urban Peace in Berkeley and I literally sat there for 5 hours completely in trance by his words, knowledge, and educational information. I am looking forward to cleansing , and its great to cleanse with the change of seasons.
Here is some general information about the 21-Day Moderate Cleanse that I will be following:
Week 1 - Plant Based
Rules: no meat products, no dairy , no eggs, no intoxicants. Everything else is fair game including grains and pastas .
Sample Schedule:
1 blended smoothie for breakfast, 1 cooked plan based meal for lunch , 1 raw vegetable or fruit salad for dinner.
Week 2- Plant based, Uncooked
Rules: Similar to week 1 except no cooked foods , Only RAW
Sample Schedule :
1 blended smoothie for breakfast, 1 raw food meal for lunch (Salad) , blended smoothie or soup for dinner. Note that these meals will all be cold but you can always add peppers or other spices to give it and you some heat.
** During this week you can also add in a 2oz. wheatgrass shot a day and continue to end of week3
Week 3 - Plant based, Uncooked, Blended
Rules: Everything is blended ... EVERYTHING!
Sample Schedule:
3 blended uncooked fruit or vegetable meals a day.
Here are the 7 principles (restraints) of the Power Cleanse. These will help guide you and give you support and strength especially during tempting situations.
1. I will refrain from all intoxicants
2. I will refrain from all animal products
3. I will minimize my exposure to harsh chemical agents
4. I will avoid stressful situations
5. I will be accepting of myself
6. I will rest as needed
7. I will let the Power Cleanse work .
Most importantly have compassion for your body and self while moving through this journey. We are not perfect and there are days where we slip off the routine... no worries. The next day just get right back on it, its not the end of the world nor the end of your cleanse.
Enjoy the dance !
Peace
Ritu
