"You say you want a revolution...well you know, we all wanna change the world"

My 40 day journey has begun—a transformational process of growth, self-introspection, and reevaluation of my life in the present.  This particular program is taking place at my yoga studio, where I have an incredibly supportive group of comrades participating alongside.  I have participated in many other similar programs in the past, the longest lasting one month, and I look forward to a new depth of exploration this time around.  I believe the key to success lies within commitment, discipline, and wholly investing myself in the process.  This journey is all-encompassing, including the counterparts of diet, meditation, asana, and reflection, all aspects contributing to higher health in body and mind.

The significance of taking time once or twice a year to participate in processes like this is to move forward within yourself, to create a life that serves your highest purpose, and to unravel the needs and desires of your soul.  If we allow ourselves to stay stuck in comfortable and habitual ways of being, we may never experience the true beauty of the world.  Although I am generally fearful of change, I embrace most opportunities to explore untapped territory, and a positive adventure it usually is.

I entered into a whirlwind of influential events, and perhaps by coincidence at the exact same time the 40 day revolution started.  In my past experiences, these significant events always occur shortly after completion.  More unexpectation to come…

You probably know by now that my focus and passion is nutrition, so I decided to share some tips in the diet arena regarding clean eating:

• Shop around the perimeter of the grocery store
• As you notice, most fresh food is contained in the refrigerator sections
• Avoid foods with a shelf life, they are likely to contain preservatives and artificial ingredients
• Keep it CLOSE TO THE CRITTER
• The closer a food is to its original source, hence the more alive it is, the more nutrients it contains
• Nutrients are depleted as food is removed farther from its original source, so consider the source and how it got to be the way it is upon consumption—consider: does it grow/is it born this way?
• STOP, BREATHE, ANALYZE
• This is an incredibly useful tactic when you find yourself giving into temptation or acting impulsively on a craving
• Pause, take a few deep breaths, and recognize the emotion behind what you are doing
• We are familiar with the term emotional eating, and most times our unhealthy cravings are a result of something deeper than just plain hunger
• Take a step back to examine exterior factors that may be involved (your emotional state, a problem or challenging circumstance you are facing)
• Often when we recognize the true reason behind our cravings, we are able to reconsider and reroute—opt for the healthier choice to satisfy your craving
• Be prepared, so that you don’t have to make the unhealthy choice

Hope you find this helpful!  Remember that feeling good is a positive experience, growth is nothing to be afraid of, happiness is in the details, and your determination is powerful beyond belief.

XO,

E