“The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga.”
~ Yoga Sutras, #2
Everything in yoga is based on this one sentence above. Recently I’ve become hyper aware of just how difficult this truly is…
Last time I checked in with you all about my progress with Dharma Mittra’s 500 hour program was in November. Since then my fellow trainees and I have had some very in-depth practices to follow including daily breath work, meditation, asana and meal plans. I know some of you who are closer to me think I’m crazy for going on such an extensive and long-lasting “diet”…and I must admit, sometimes I do feel a little cooky. The mind is a very powerful distraction and I’ve come to realize this more and more in the past three months. Through the use of our senses, the mind constantly pulls us away from what is pure and real, what is true an unwavering happiness, the Self (or God, Spirit, Bliss…whatever you want to call it!)
On Monday, I delved into the last chapter (last month) of my Dharma training which includes a much more restrictive diet than the first three modules of our homework. I’ve completed many cleanses in the past and I lead them seasonally, however this diet plan is more of a challenge for me mentally than anything else has been previously. The biggest obstacle for me to overcome is my mind adjusting to the idea of sticking to this plan for an entire month. I understand now just how much I’ve been preparing myself these past three months in order to cultivate a strong and disciplined mind to accomplish this final task. And so without further delay, here it is, the plan:
The plan
- Mondays: lemon water & ginger, watermelon
- Tuesday – Sunday: lemon water & ginger, green juice followed by a late afternoon salad, pineapple and herbal tea afer 6PM
That’s all folks. Now can you see why my mind has been staging a war against itself the past three days? There’s always an adjustment curve when following any new diet or cleanse program, and it’s typical that the first few days be the most challenging. So I am now in the final hours of Day 3 (although as you are reading this I will be on to Day 4). I can safely say that I think I’m over the hump.
I’ve posted the recipes below for the morning green juice and afternoon salad. They are quite delicious, and I can’t believe that a salad a day is enough, but it is. It feels pretty amazing to give the body only what it needs, and not to constantly give in to its every desire and craving. Mental discipline is difficult, but it is entirely possible.
Green Juice:
- 1 bunch of celery
- 2 lemons
- 1 cucumber
If this doesn’t get you moving first thing in this morning, I’m not sure what will!
Salad:
- spinach
- cilantro
- 1 large bell pepper, slightly steamed
- broccoli
- avocado if needed (heck yeah it’s needed!)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced and olive oil for dressing
It’s time for me to bid you adieu. I’ll be checking back about my progress towards the end of the month! Peace, love and kale to each and every one of you.
Tonight my wife is out of the house (at yoga class) which means I fix my own supper. I’m thinking spaghetti with lots of Parmesan. And maybe a “little” red wine. p.s., I’m a little jealous that you get to train with Dharma Mittra. Excellent.