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The views expressed herein are the personal views of each individual author or commenter and are not intended to reflect the views of The Ojai Post or its Authors, Tribal Core or Tyler Suchman as managing editor.

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Cleansing, Part I

I'm a little unsure about this post - it feels a little self-indulgent. However, so many people in Ojai cleanse as part of their wellness practices, I decided I would document the process. My intent is to shed light on the mystery of cleansing for those who don't know anything about it and to create an encouraging and honest touchstone for others during their cleanses. Your feedback is most welcome - I've heard lots of inspiring and entertaining cleansing stories through my work - I'd love to see them shared with the community at large.

Today is day two of the first part of my three-week cleanse.

I've given up a fair number of foods but am still eating as much as I want of a wide variety. It is a great time to be cleansing - the weather is warm and beautiful and there is abundant fresh produce at our local farmers' markets. Right now, I'm eating a half an avocado, a bunch of sunflower sprouts, green bell pepper and carrots rolled up in a sheet of nori. After just 24 hours of avoiding the more processed foods I eat (cheese, for example) I find my sense of smell and taste are stronger. The sweetness of the carrot, the richness of the Haas avocado, the nourishing taste of the nori....Yesterday I was HUNGRY all day - I couldn't seem to eat enough. Already today, my body is feeling more sated, more nourished, less starved. My energy is good and I am EXCITED about this process.
And my other senses seem stronger too - I took a walk through town and was amazed at how loud the cars are and how beautiful the purple flowers in Cluff Vista Park are. I'm a little nervous about marching in the Fourth of July parade - how intense will the sounds and heat and commotion feel by then?
Well, I'll cross that road when I come to it. For now I feel great, and I choose to enjoy the feeling!

Posted by Heather McKenzie on June 15, 2006 03:29 PM | | | Cleansing, Part I

Comments (7)

what an amazing narrative already, Heather! thanks for sharing...i'm looking forward to this series.

i have no doubt that the Independence Day parade will be intensely sensory, but reports from last year indicate that it's some of the best kind of energy there is.

Comment #1 Posted by: evan | June 15, 2006 06:24 PM

I'm sure I'm not cleansing to the degree you are, but I've been sans coffee for five days now, and green juice and a multi-vitamin each of those five days. I miss coffee, but I feel a bit better, and I know it's good to cleanse the system. Keep us updated!

Comment #2 Posted by: Tyler | June 15, 2006 10:12 PM

Go Tyler! Cutting coffee out of the lifestyle is one of the best things people can do for themselves. Sleep improves (even if you only drink coffee early in the day), the body gets more alkaline which is conducive to lots of good processes and inhibits the growth of undesirable bacteria including parasites and yeasts, and the adrenal hormones start to balance out a bit. Besides, coffee can be dehydrating and none of us need that in the Ojai heat! Congratulations!

Comment #3 Posted by: Heather | June 16, 2006 11:10 AM

Yay for me. So, I am thinking its time to get a good juicer. My current method of steam, blend, strain, drink warm green juice is kind of gross. I'm told I want a slow, cool motor that doesn't destroy enzymes, so I'm looking at GreenStar (really freakin' expensive - $450) and SoloStar II (more reasonable - $250). Any thoughts on these or others?

Comment #4 Posted by: Tyler | June 16, 2006 11:17 AM

I'm really curious about this. What is a cleanse and does it mean you only eat raw food for three weeks? What is your goal and have you done this before?

Comment #5 Posted by: Lisa Snider | June 17, 2006 07:56 AM

The GreenStar is well worth the money. It keeps your juice "stable" (nutritious) for up to three days after juicing which makes it much easier to stick to healthy habits. I juiced an entire head of celery, the tops of a fennel bulb, a bunch of parsley, the stems from a bunch of chard, a handful of sunflower sprouts and three apples today and came up with just a small bowl of pulp. It extracts the most good stuff and liquid from your veggies so you can economize on veggie purchases later. Since I spent about $7 - $8 on the veggies for this juice, that is important to me. It juices everything from carrots to wheatgrass. I don't spend a lot of money on gadgets but this is one I'm really glad I invested in. My cleansing guide, Chakra, can help you get a GreenStar at the best price.

Comment #6 Posted by: Heather | June 18, 2006 08:52 PM

I've answered some of Lisa's questions in my next installation. If you (Lisa or anyone else) are interested in more information you may contact me directly at ojaicolontherapy@yahoo.com.

Comment #7 Posted by: Heather | June 18, 2006 08:56 PM

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