Cleansing The Temple

Whether we realize it or not, the seasons have a significant bearing on us and on our spirits.  Each change of seasons brings its own influence upon us.  And just as they have an effect on nature and the environment, they also leave their mark on us.  We would do well to notice and participate in acknowledging the effects and changes that accompanies each season.  Spring is just about here and those of us that live through cold winters can especially note the difference as this new juncture is being ushered in.I've decide that for this Spring Equinox (March 20th -23rd) that I will challenge myself to practice what I'd like to have as my (consistent) daily routine.  We've all heard about spring cleaning, but spring cleaning is not just for your home and office, it's also about you.  It is a time to de-clutter your mind, body, and spirit so that there is a space and a place for the newness to enter your internal domain. Some of you may remember receiving your dose of Castor oil or bitters from your mother or grandmothers at the change of seasons.  What I am about to share with you is an upgraded version of the Castor oil ritual.  In these times we're living in (consuming inordinate amounts of chemicals), Castor oil alone won't cut through the mustard.  We need to take it to the next level.So this year I'm planning on a challenge for myself, nothing too over the top, but enough to have a shift in my consciousness and in my spirit.  I'd love you to join me in this 4 day practice.  This  is what it would entail:

• 5-30 minutes of Nadi Shuddhi (alternate nostril breathing) a.k.a.  Skull Shining Breath
• 10 Sun Salutations or a full yoga session (or you could do stretching, Tai Chi, or any meditative exercise that best suits you)
• drink at least 4-6 glasses of water (8 may be too much for some of us)
• two glasses of fresh squeezed, green, vegetable juice
• have at least one serving of wheat grass juice (I'll take mine diluted with H20, Thank you)
• one hour of daily meditation (this could be two 30 minutes sessions - one in the morning and one in the evening)
• eat only wholesome foods (preferably organic foods - no snacks, sweets, caffeine or alcohol)
• have a large salad that includes liver cleansing vegetables like chicory and dandelion
• abstain from all intake of dairy and flesh

If you don't have a juicer or a wheat grass juicer, don't be deterred.  Many health food stores and some gyms have a fresh juice bar and will make fresh juices upon request.   You can watch as your juice is being made and when you drink it right away, you will receive all the benefits (including a natural high) of the live enzymes.There are those who take this to another level by fasting, taking enemas, colonics, abstinence from sex, and even days or times of silence.  Only you can decide what's right for you and how far you want to take this observance.Some say that the actual Equinox really lasts only two days.  Some say it's only certain moments of these special days.  I'm committing to four days of this cleansing and I look forward to the lightness of body, mind, and spirit that will follow from these simple practices.  The Equinox and Solstices are perfect times of the year to remember that our bodies are our temples which house our mind, our spirit, our soul and the presence of the One that created the universe, heaven, earth and us.Perhaps you have other practices that you do during this time and can share them with us.  Or maybe you have a wonderful fresh juice recipe that you can post here.  Feel free to do so.  And please consider joining me on this little quest.  That would be so great.  The more the merrier.Happy Spring!Nadi Shuddhi Video