Sunday, April 25, 2010

Cleanse to Recharge, Renew, Rejuvinate! - 4/25/10

Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal, and metamorphosis. The changes happening outside are a mirror to what is, or can be happening in our own selves.
During these peak seasonal transitions, our bodies are primed to eliminate toxins, purify our system, and recharge ourselves on every level. During this season, the body moves into cycles of rebuilding and cleansing the organs and systems, so it’s the perfect time to cleanse past toxins from spirit, mind, and body. Luckily, we can utilize the tools available to change old lifestyle and eating habits to live a healthier and more empowered life.

Some signs that you are ripe for a cleanse include congestion, weight gain, allergies, headaches, depression, irritability, foggy thinking, muscle tension, skin eruptions, fatigue, and more. During the winter months we tend to eat foods that are more acidic and high in protein which cause the intestines to harbor harmful bacteria. This can cause intestines to re-absorb toxic materials back into the bloodstream causing a strain to the liver and symptoms to manifest.

This is where spring cleansing fits in. Dedicating a little time and energy to rejuvenating your spirit, mind, and body will add years to your life, as well as a depth and quality that can jumpstart your life.

The spirit is the most vital area to cleanse and renew. It’s a good time to wipe the slate clean and release old negative energies that may have been lingering. Beginning a yoga or meditation practice can bring you closer to your true self and help you find that inner peace and beauty that resides in each and every one of us. There are many ways we can get closer to and renew our spirit that are unique to each individual. The important this is that you find what works for you and apply a little “tapas”, (focus, discipline, energy) to integrating it into your life. The benefits are extraordinary and will be a pleasant surprise!

A clear and refreshed mind is the hallmark of a happy and successful person. Take a little time to de-clutter your personal to do list, re-evaluate your priorities, life goals, and dreams, and re-assess what you are working towards in your life. Are you living the life YOU want to live? Are you getting there in the most enjoyable way? Is your mind focused on what you want, or are complaints and worries taking up the majority of your thoughts? How often do you practice the art of gratitude? Now is a good time to spend a little time cleansing your mind. As we have a little down time before summer, you may want to ponder some of these ideas on how you can be your most authentic self and live the life of your dreams.

The body is what houses our spirit and mind, so it can be a powerful way to initiate change into all the areas of our life, including our physical health. There are many programs available for cleansing diets available. Pick the one that’s right for you and stick to it for at least 7-30 days. The local foods available through our extensive organic community can be a huge support, as well as supportive herbs and products. Fresh, organic, local food is packed with the earth’s powerful nutrients, and can help transition us into the new season. Food is literally energy, and if chosen wisely, can be the fuel that can instigate transformational changes into our spirits and minds as well. For those of you adventurers of life, try a different sort of challenge. Consider eating only local, organic, and whole foods for a week or a month and just see what happens in your life. Yoga, as well as other types of bodywork can also help the body heal, enliven, and ease into new healthy patterns. Try something new or go back to go back to something that may have slipped out of your schedule this winter. Take a little time for YOU this spring.
Now is the time of year to focus on your health and well-being!

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