I saw this story on The Today Show yesterday morning, and it corresponds really well to everything we've been doing and talking about, including the Crash Course in Miracles.
A minister from Kansas City, MO, Will Bowen, started this challenge: Can you go 21 days without complaining? As we know, it takes 21 days to make a habit. Bowen's congregation took on the challenge, and it has since become a movement around the world. His organization sends purple bracelets on request to help monitor your complaining--every time you complain, you change arms. The goal is to make it to 21 consecutive days without complaining!
The Today Show
A Complaint-Free World website
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Fruit, Fruit, Fruit
Hi All,
What did I eat today? You guessed it Fruit!! :) 3rd, and last day. For those just starting. Not to bad. I had only two negatives, headaches Sun and Mon, and really tired Tue. Could be do to traveling also not sure, but these symptoms are in line with the Fasting article on the blog from a few days ago, BTW which was really helpful. Thanks Joan. I don't notice to many changes in my body, though I eat a lot of fruit anyway, and no junk food. When I started this kind of diet last year, I did notice right a way a change in my skin texture, tone, and hydrophobicity (water would bead up on it). Maybe to much info. but interesting, and could be helpful info. I can remember also expelling mucus, rather then feces in my BMs along the way also when I first changed (this was covered in the fasting article from the blog). This had never happened to me before, so I assume it was part of the cleansing process. I also can remember people telling me how good I looked. I lost 20lb, and I remember having a lot more CONSISTENT energy as well.Before the switch, I would have major ups and downs all day long, due to high processed sugar intake. All this I can attribute to change in diet from mainly processed food to whole foods, lots of veggie. and fruits. Surprising to me that exercise did not do it alone. I had been exercising, weight, cardio for a number of years without seeing such results. To think, all it took was a change in diet to provide such radical results. So I expect you will see changes like I did if you are radically changing your diet. BTW, the Mint, Ginger, Camomele tea has realy helped with upset stomach. Thanks :) Yoga has been strong and peacefully, even the long holds and 1/2 pigeon! Mediation a challenge. I usually get to about 10-15 min and then check my watch :)
Stay strong
SPE :)
What did I eat today? You guessed it Fruit!! :) 3rd, and last day. For those just starting. Not to bad. I had only two negatives, headaches Sun and Mon, and really tired Tue. Could be do to traveling also not sure, but these symptoms are in line with the Fasting article on the blog from a few days ago, BTW which was really helpful. Thanks Joan. I don't notice to many changes in my body, though I eat a lot of fruit anyway, and no junk food. When I started this kind of diet last year, I did notice right a way a change in my skin texture, tone, and hydrophobicity (water would bead up on it). Maybe to much info. but interesting, and could be helpful info. I can remember also expelling mucus, rather then feces in my BMs along the way also when I first changed (this was covered in the fasting article from the blog). This had never happened to me before, so I assume it was part of the cleansing process. I also can remember people telling me how good I looked. I lost 20lb, and I remember having a lot more CONSISTENT energy as well.Before the switch, I would have major ups and downs all day long, due to high processed sugar intake. All this I can attribute to change in diet from mainly processed food to whole foods, lots of veggie. and fruits. Surprising to me that exercise did not do it alone. I had been exercising, weight, cardio for a number of years without seeing such results. To think, all it took was a change in diet to provide such radical results. So I expect you will see changes like I did if you are radically changing your diet. BTW, the Mint, Ginger, Camomele tea has realy helped with upset stomach. Thanks :) Yoga has been strong and peacefully, even the long holds and 1/2 pigeon! Mediation a challenge. I usually get to about 10-15 min and then check my watch :)
Stay strong
SPE :)
Monday, October 15, 2007
Good fruits and vegetables for your dosha
from Bre
Hello 40 day students,- use it as a guideline (but not steadfast rule) as you go through your cleanse.Good luck to you all!
Vatas:sweet fruits, bananas, coconuts, apples, grapefruit, papayas, figs, grapes, mangoes, melons, oranges, papayas, peaches, pineapples, plums, berries and cherriescooked asparagus, beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, radishes and zucchini
Pittas:apples, avocadoes, coconuts, figs, melons, oranges, pears, plums, pomegranates and dried plumssweet and bitter vegetables, squash, pumpkin, asparagus, cabbage, cucumbers, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, peas, parsley, potatoes, zucchini, sprouts and watercress
Kaphas:apples, berries, cherries, dried figs, mangoes, peaches, pears, raisins and dried plumsbeets, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, eggplant, garlic, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, parsley, peas, radishes, spinach and sprouts
fasting and Auryvedic wisdom
Jessica Ferrol who does Auryvedic consultations offered this wisdom about modified fasting. According to Auryveda there a 3 doshas or body types. We each have one predominant one.They are Pitta, Kapha, and Vatta. (this is a little like Baron's hot/ cold body types - just a guide to get you to know your self better)
There are many websites where you can answer a few questions to see which dosha you favor. Here are two click here or here. Jessica says when you are stressed if you tend to be angry - that is more Pitta. Pittas tend to be warm and intense and focused. If you tend to be fearful or anxious that it Vatta. Vatta are enthusiastic and have lots of energy and they do not have much focus.If you tend to be mellow - not take it on that is more Kaffa. Kaffas tend to be the turtle in the race- focused but do not charge, good supporters and don't get stirred very easily.She suggest for Kaffas- you can fast on fruits and juices- but avoid really sweet juices.Kaffas should be careful not to drink too much cold- they are inherently cold. It is a good idea to dilute your juice with hot or warm water and maybe add cinnamon or cardamon.Pitta's and Vatta's need to take extra care if they are going to fast.
She really suggest they rest the day before and after - and during have a lighter schedule focused only on things that nourish your soul and nothing else. Eating grounds vatta and pitta- and fasting can weaken you- so extra care needs to be taking.It would be good to a more of a kitcheree fast (mung and bastmati rice and vegetable stew with cumin, corinender and fennel are good) or vegetable and grain soups. Nutmeg and cardomon are good spices for both doshas. She also suggest a good oily massage to keep you grounded- you can give one to your self. For Pitta a light oil like sunflower with some essential oils like sandlewood or lavender. Vatta sesame oil with lavender or ylang ylang. It is great to do this 15 min. before shower or bath or after shower or bath.True fast - is a fast on everything that is coming into your body. Be aware of what is coming into your body- avoid TV, talking too much, read only inspiring books etc... walk in nature.Be easy on yourself to reap all the benefits..There is an extensive article on fasting that makes some great points. To read it click here.Joan
"
There are many websites where you can answer a few questions to see which dosha you favor. Here are two click here or here. Jessica says when you are stressed if you tend to be angry - that is more Pitta. Pittas tend to be warm and intense and focused. If you tend to be fearful or anxious that it Vatta. Vatta are enthusiastic and have lots of energy and they do not have much focus.If you tend to be mellow - not take it on that is more Kaffa. Kaffas tend to be the turtle in the race- focused but do not charge, good supporters and don't get stirred very easily.She suggest for Kaffas- you can fast on fruits and juices- but avoid really sweet juices.Kaffas should be careful not to drink too much cold- they are inherently cold. It is a good idea to dilute your juice with hot or warm water and maybe add cinnamon or cardamon.Pitta's and Vatta's need to take extra care if they are going to fast.
She really suggest they rest the day before and after - and during have a lighter schedule focused only on things that nourish your soul and nothing else. Eating grounds vatta and pitta- and fasting can weaken you- so extra care needs to be taking.It would be good to a more of a kitcheree fast (mung and bastmati rice and vegetable stew with cumin, corinender and fennel are good) or vegetable and grain soups. Nutmeg and cardomon are good spices for both doshas. She also suggest a good oily massage to keep you grounded- you can give one to your self. For Pitta a light oil like sunflower with some essential oils like sandlewood or lavender. Vatta sesame oil with lavender or ylang ylang. It is great to do this 15 min. before shower or bath or after shower or bath.True fast - is a fast on everything that is coming into your body. Be aware of what is coming into your body- avoid TV, talking too much, read only inspiring books etc... walk in nature.Be easy on yourself to reap all the benefits..There is an extensive article on fasting that makes some great points. To read it click here.Joan
"
Sunday, October 14, 2007
what is a fruit?
A fruit comes from a flower and most times, has seeds.
Examples are: apples, oranges, berries, tomatoes, avocados, sqaush, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers
If it doesn't come from a flower, it's not a fruit.
Examples are: Vegetables: greens, cabbage, kale, swiss chard, bok choy
Roots: potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic
Flowers: broccoli, cauliflower
Check out the following links. They should be helpful.
Happy cleansing!
Tasha
www.thefruitpages.com/tomatoes.shtml
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fruit
http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/question143.htm
Examples are: apples, oranges, berries, tomatoes, avocados, sqaush, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers
If it doesn't come from a flower, it's not a fruit.
Examples are: Vegetables: greens, cabbage, kale, swiss chard, bok choy
Roots: potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic
Flowers: broccoli, cauliflower
Check out the following links. They should be helpful.
Happy cleansing!
Tasha
www.thefruitpages.com/tomatoes.shtml
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fruit
http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/question143.htm
Week 4 Restoration
"As we remove the rocks that block our wisdom and light, we find that we are able to set more and more time aside for the things that restore us: time spent in nature, solitude, meditation, intimacy, having heart-to-heart conversations that heal. These moments spend in restoring ourselves are signposts of our progress in health."
This fourth week, we will begin the three day fruit cleanse. Be sure to find time for yourself this week. Separating ourselves from the hurried activities of our lives will help us keep perspective and give us the healthy detachment necessary for optimal health and well-being. This is the week to get a massage, sauna, find quiet time to read a good book.
"Remember to stay in the moment and relax in all of your activities. Put aside your focus on outcomes and meeting expectations for right now. If you get stuck in tension and toxic behaviors...Realize you are in over your head and unconditionally surrender everything over to God."
Week Four Yoga:
Keep doing what you are doing! Seek a restorative yoga class, gentle stretches, deep breathing.
Week Four Diet:
Three day fruit cleanse. See posts related to the cleanse. Be careful to come off the cleanse gently. Slowly introduce foods back into diet...don't shock your system too quickly.
Week Four Restoration Meditation:
To-do:
This fourth week, we will begin the three day fruit cleanse. Be sure to find time for yourself this week. Separating ourselves from the hurried activities of our lives will help us keep perspective and give us the healthy detachment necessary for optimal health and well-being. This is the week to get a massage, sauna, find quiet time to read a good book.
"Remember to stay in the moment and relax in all of your activities. Put aside your focus on outcomes and meeting expectations for right now. If you get stuck in tension and toxic behaviors...Realize you are in over your head and unconditionally surrender everything over to God."
Week Four Yoga:
Keep doing what you are doing! Seek a restorative yoga class, gentle stretches, deep breathing.
Week Four Diet:
Three day fruit cleanse. See posts related to the cleanse. Be careful to come off the cleanse gently. Slowly introduce foods back into diet...don't shock your system too quickly.
Week Four Restoration Meditation:
To-do:
- Twenty minutes morning, twenty minutes evening.
- Our goal is to notice how often we get lured into the activity of our minds, away from stillness.
- Get comfortable and anchor your mind to the now moment.
- Notice the ceaseless images in your mind and their efforts to distract you from being still and restoring in quiet.
- Don't fight these thoughts. As soon as you notice them, step back into the gap between you and your thoughts and let them go.
- You may need to do this again and again. That is ok, meditation is all about beginning again.
- We are learning to know the difference between thinking and being lost in thought. Our goal is to learn the truth and experience the curative beauty of seeing life through a clear lens of present-moment consciousness.
- What excess baggage am I carrying around with me? What thoughts, feelings, worries, or past situations am I clinging to that drain me?
- What do I most need to let go of? What are the things that I would be relieved to finally release? Anger toward someone in my life? Stress about money? Fears that arose from a past negative experience?
- Do I really give myself enough time to relax and restore myself? How can I carve out more time for this?
***Note: This fruit cleanse may not be right for you. Consult with Joan if you have questions/concerns.
"Because of our culture of excess, we believe we have to have three big, protein-laden meals a day, otherwise we will be undernourished. But the truth is that we need far less food than we think."
As we approach the mid-point of our 40 Day Revolution, we are noticing the changes. The combination of yoga, diet, and meditation have allowed us to begin to realize who we are. WE are feeling extended moments of presence, balance. Our old habits stand out like a sore thumb. Who needs them? I hope we are smiling more. Most of us look different, feel different, both inside and out. It's amazing how before we started it was easy to make all kinds of excuses for why there was not enough time in the day for yoga and meditation. Hopefully, when we are finished, most of us will realize we must have our regular yoga and meditation. We are creating new default settings, habits. This is good.
We have made adjustments to our diets over these last few weeks. I'm sure most of us feel the benefits of adding more natural, whole foods to our diets. We are ready for this next step. Let's start Week Four with the 3-day fruit cleanse. This intensive will "allow your body to fully empty out and get clean, giving your metabolic organs a chance to rest and renew themselves."
*Consult your doctor if you have any health concerns or questions. If you are deficient, thin, or weak make small modifications to the diet, add superfoods, like spirulina, or even one small meal. You will still get the full benefit of the cleanse, while taking good care of yourself.
Avocados and tomatoes are fruit!
Week Four Diet To-Do
"Because of our culture of excess, we believe we have to have three big, protein-laden meals a day, otherwise we will be undernourished. But the truth is that we need far less food than we think."
As we approach the mid-point of our 40 Day Revolution, we are noticing the changes. The combination of yoga, diet, and meditation have allowed us to begin to realize who we are. WE are feeling extended moments of presence, balance. Our old habits stand out like a sore thumb. Who needs them? I hope we are smiling more. Most of us look different, feel different, both inside and out. It's amazing how before we started it was easy to make all kinds of excuses for why there was not enough time in the day for yoga and meditation. Hopefully, when we are finished, most of us will realize we must have our regular yoga and meditation. We are creating new default settings, habits. This is good.
We have made adjustments to our diets over these last few weeks. I'm sure most of us feel the benefits of adding more natural, whole foods to our diets. We are ready for this next step. Let's start Week Four with the 3-day fruit cleanse. This intensive will "allow your body to fully empty out and get clean, giving your metabolic organs a chance to rest and renew themselves."
*Consult your doctor if you have any health concerns or questions. If you are deficient, thin, or weak make small modifications to the diet, add superfoods, like spirulina, or even one small meal. You will still get the full benefit of the cleanse, while taking good care of yourself.
Avocados and tomatoes are fruit!
Week Four Diet To-Do
- Let's begin the diet together on Tuesday October 16. From that morning eat meals that contain only fruit. Stick to mostly fresh fruit, but juices and soups are ok as long as they are all-natural and additive free.
- Prepare full meals! Don't just grab an apple and call it lunch. Slice up a variety of fruit and arrange your plate, sit down and eat as you would any other meal. Fruit smoothies are great!
- Intentionally fill your time with non-food related activities. Take a sauna, get a massage, movies, read, walk---whatever nourishes you. Surround yourself with people who support your efforts...that's why we have each other!
- Meditate!!!
- Continue doing daily yoga. Be intuitive with your body, listen when you need to lessen the intensity.
- Chew fruit well. Better taste and digestion..
- Eat small amounts throughout the day to keep blood sugar level. If you start to experience any hypo-glycemic symptoms, such as headache or dizziness, drink diluted fruit juice. It takes a lot less than you think to keep you steady.
- Drink water, diluted fruit juice, or herbal tea to maintain hydration. Stay away from caffeinated beverages.
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