Today Ger and I began our cleanse and due to our schedule we started a few days later than some folks. This cleanse has been specifically put together for each of the participants based on their constitution by our wonderful Ayurvedic practitioner Amba Greene. That is one of the wonderful edicts of Ayurveda which is a customized balanced approach for the individual rather than a one size fits all standard. Already in my routine I tend to follow much of the cleanse techniques such as using a neti pot, a tongue cleaner and dry brushing however, the abhyanga self oil massage has been a nice addition especially after the cold and windy weather we’ve had for the last couple of months. This new decadent indulgence of an oil massage is wonderful and hopefully a new addition to my routine. Abhyanga massage is a self massage with a balanced oil that Amba gifted each participant based on the dosha. We’ve been glowing all day!
I had to let go of coffee during the cleanse and my 6 month daughter old had the best day of napping, coincidence or not it was great for her to get long restful naps….I may pay for this later in the middle of the night. It’s good to check in with our attachments to things outside of ourselves that give us motivation or energy. When we are not being fueled by an external source we become much more sensitive to our inner energy and nature.
After we cleanse with the techniques mentioned above sometime between 6-7am ideally we drink a couple of teaspoons of liquid ghee and that is our entire fat allotment for the day. This proves to be my greatest challenge for me, giving up fats of any kind. I love my oils, nuts and seeds. I took advantage of my sleeping little one and spent the afternoon making red lentil dahl with all my regular vegetables and loads of garlic, ginger and onions and without any oil! It was great! Then I tackled what we dubbed as split mung bean chili of sorts this was a great blend of tomatoes, carrots, split mung beans,cumin and spices.
The group met at the house tonight with Amba and discussed various experiences and questions that have been coming up for them. I have to say that everyone seemed incredibly vibrant and glowing (maybe the oil massage). There was this calmness that seemed to circle the group and after everyone left the house still felt full of positive energy. So far day one has been an experience filled with fresh ginger tea and some fun foods. We will see what tomorrow brings. Peace Margarida
wow! it sounds so awesome! wish I was there and being a part of it! I gave up my beloved coffee a year ago, and i still miss it, so I feel ya! as i read your blog i couldn’t help but remember the long ago days of yoga in the morning, a brisk walk on the beach, smoothies and seaweed wraps! (remember that?) you’ve been such a healthy influence on me, thank you for being!
Miss you loads,
love,
Gwen