The Deity Detox April 28, 2009

Five Day Detox.  Dear Lord, Help Me!!

It is one that I have undertaken many times over the years.  The last time I did this was over the winter solstice and I was chanting Ganesha for three days straight.  I dedicated all my energy to removing the obstacles that lay in the way of forward momentum.  In fact, I buy one of those fancy juice cleanses that is shipped right to my door; mixed perfectly, packaged efficiently, and numbered in order from one to six.  No thoughts, just drink. 

I go through these spells where I feel sluggish, tired, cranky, or down right pissy.  As a yoga teacher these feelings, carried into class with me, become a liability.  Not that I have to be happy go lucky all the time, but I am the kind of girl who tends toward the sunny side of life.  Each time I undertake this cleanse I am in a place that I need to focus, things have become frazzled, and I can feel the warm bread and cheese lining my insides.  I tend toward potato products in the weeks before my commitment to juicing is made.  Got to get it all in before I force it all out.

Three main reasons for my detox?

My body feels like crap

That brain of mine is going in circles

Conversation with god have ceased to exist

   For me the mind body connection is apparent & the spiritual malady that comes along with loosing focus on my body temple is a foregone conclusion.  In fact, many faiths offer guidance or encouragement when it comes to fasting for reasons of spirituality.  

“The philosopher is like a man fasting in the midst of universal intoxication. He alone perceives the illusion of which all creatures are the willing playthings; he is less duped than his neighbor by his own nature. He judges more sanely, he sees things as they are. It is in this that his liberty consists — in the ability to see clearly and soberly, in the power of mental record.”  Henri Frederic Amiel 1821-1881, Swiss Philosopher

   In the Bible there are references in both the new and old testaments.  These therefore instruct both Christians and Jews on spiritual preparation. Fasting is seen as a self-sacrifice that makes one humble, more accepting(receptive) of God’s will. 

• Moses fasted for forty days before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). 
• Daniel fasted for three weeks before receiving his vision (Daniel 10:2-6). 
• Elijah fasted forty days before speaking with god (1 Kings 19:8). 
• Jesus fasted for forty days in preparation for His temptation by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13)  
• There are also passages that endorse fasting for grief, distress, repentance, and atonement.

   Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.  It is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one’s spiritual life.

• Surah 2 verse 183 says:  O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint

  Rooted in moral and psychological insight. Fasting, according to Buddhism, is an initial stage of self-discipline on the path to acquire self-control. The Buddha’s spiritual awakening is closely linked to fasting.  

  Native Americans fast as a way to bring them closer to their faith.  Though differences among tribes exist, fasting is common among boys entering puberty (vision quest) and to celebrate and honor the changing of the seasons.  There is a belief in many tribes that fasting restores mental balance, clarity, and spirituality.

I Love my mouth

  

I resort to food in times of emotional instability and boredom.  I am constantly sticking things on my tongue to relish in the texture and the taste.  Far from a woman who enjoys the food I eat taking pleasure in the experience, I am the kind of girl who will stuff my insides with food that I do not need, do not enjoy, and does not in fact satiate me.  Right before I finally throw my hands up in submission I go on a rampage.  Give me carbs or give me death I say!!

  

It occurs to me as I enter into my detox, my version of the fasting process, that I am trying to temper my lust for oral satisfaction.  I become quieter, I think less about food (and sexy time), my body begins to lighten, my mind starts to clear, and I am once again able to hear that still small voice that offers true satisfaction.  Emerging from a detox I feel connected to all that is.  Colors are sharper, sounds are distinct, my body vibrates, there is often a smile across my face, and I feel in Love again with life.  The “proof is in the pudding” as my granny always says.  There is incentive again to take care of my body temple.  I can listen with a compassionate ear to my fellow man.  I have the energy to assist where I am needed.  For days and months on end I am in a perpetual state of awe.  

You just can’t beat sexy time with god ;0)

 

Of course I inevitable get busy, my eating becomes habitual instead of devotional, I loose my gratitude, and I slip back into a place where I covet warm cheese and bread.  I am human after all….

When I reach that crazy place I’m glad I can recognize it and make a fresh commitment to myself.  I call up Blue Print Cleanse (www.blueprintcleanse.com) and order a three or five day supply.  I get back on track.  I become aware of my connection to the Universe, my relationship with my body,  my urges.  Regaining  balance, I’m refreshed and whole.

I encourage you to try it- what have you got to loose when there is so much to gain?

p.s.  Wish me luck!!