Cleanse: week 1

I'm not sure if starting a 40-day cleanse in November is the smartest idea or not. I mean, I know I'll feel great but as the weather starts to cool and the snow tries to fall who doesn't love sinking into comfort foods like olive bread, brie, red wine, and Starbuck's salted caramel mochas.

The time just feels right because fall induces change. I've felt a tad stuck, especially since convocation. I feel a stagnation mentally, emotionally, and physically -- my skin and digestion are congested, my energy levels are not as high as they were in summer, my job search has been fruitless so far. I feel like a cleanse of my life is needed right now so I can make room for new possibilities.

I'm eliminating food/drink that is hard on my body -- gluten, dairy, sugar, meat, alcohol. I'm adding goodies that will nourish my body -- green juice, good fats, more beans and legumes, more whole grains (gluten-free), warm lemon water. I'm excited to experiment in the kitchen and find new comfort foods. I'm also purging in other areas of my life. I'm cleaning out the apartment and getting rid of items I don't need. I'm changing my routine a little so instead of spending wasted time online first thing in the morning, I'm starting my day with at least a 10-minute meditation. I'm continuing to do yoga everyday but I'm adding a few more sweaty classes into my week. And I'm practicing satya (truthfulness). I'm getting honest with myself and others in my life so I can move forward from a place of authenticity.

I'm looking forward to this cleanse. I find that each time I do one it doesn't seem so extreme because I've slowly dropped habits that do not serve me. For me, the point of this cleanse is to feel good inside and out. When I feel positive, I can pass it on.