Day 20, Thank YOU!

Trachsel, visipix.com

 Hard to believe that I've gone from The Last Supper (21 days ago) to the last eve before my cleanse ends.  Honestly, I wouldn't have made it without YOU. Knowing that there was someone out there commiserating with me or even sharing the journey made it possible to stick it out, and more importantly, to make meaning of it.

I know it's not world peace or even world hunger, but it did factor large in my day to day life, just as I know it can for others. Our relationship to food is very complex--involving both hunger and inner peace--and lots of other stuff best shared with a therapist :)

When I look back over the past three weeks, what stands out for me most, is the holiday when I intentionally stepped off the wagon. In that letting go, I found a softer orientation than I typically hold with my critical endeavors. Most importantly, I found that even in my imperfection, I could return to the diet with ease and success.

This Friday I see my doctor again and I suspect that this cleanse may need to be repeated and even incorporated into my life on a regular basis given my growing digestive issues. Had she suggested this three weeks ago, I would have just given up.  But now, it seems less daunting; because I know how good it feels inside.

Of course, once back into my normal eating routines, I may forget the benefits of cleansing, much like we all do when we stop an exercise regime; but now I'll have the diary to remind me--and hopefully lots of you--who need reminding too, about how good it feels to cleanse the body and make it light and whole.

On this last eve of my cleanse, I'd like to share a passage from a book my husband read during his Yoga Teacher Training at Kripalu Center in Lenox, Massachusetts. I "stumbled" upon this part when he left the book out on the coffee table (aka. next to the toilet.)

 "Participants report that (cleansing) not only revitalizes the body, it also provides an opportunity to recalibrate your relationship to food."

It's this recalibration that I have most appreciated about the cleansing diet. The restrictions allowed me to rediscover the pleasure of fruit, and the delight of a greater variety of vegetables. It's helped take away my reliance on caffeine and sugar as a pick me up. My mood has stabilized as a result.  This has supported my transition into the realization of one of my life's dreams which was serendipitously manifested in tandem with this cleansing journey.

"When the body is sluggish and the world is viewed through a thick filter of emotional baggage and mental clutter, it is impossible to see reality clearly and respond appropriately."

 May all those who follow find the same benefit,

Fondly,
Kelly