The Moon Dance 14-Day Cleanse Recap
Embarking on the Moon Dance 14-Day Cleanse is a transformative experience that I've refined over the course of a decade. Each iteration of this cleanse has brought new insights into my tendencies, accountability, discipline, and capabilities. Every time I undertake this cleanse, I undergo a profound transformation. My teacher aptly describes this process as the "spanda of life," a Sanskrit term signifying the ebb and flow, the expansion and contraction of life.
The Dance of Expansion and Contraction
During each cleanse, I expand into discomfort, confronting challenges head-on. Sometimes I break, but every time, I emerge stronger. This expansion is followed by a contraction, where I shed old patterns that no longer serve me and assimilate new, healthier ones.
This year, I’ve completed the cleanse three times and am planning on cleansing again this fall. Each experience was unique, providing new lessons and strengthening my resolve.
First Round: January
The first round in January was brutal. Coming off the holidays, I struggled with cravings. I still allowed myself a daily cup of coffee and occasionally indulged in cheese, sugar, and gluten. My discipline wavered, but I learned from the struggle. It was a rough start, but it set the stage for improvement.
Second Round: March
By the second round, which I did with a Community Group in March, things started to improve. I didn’t miss cheese as much, and I completely eliminated. This felt good, but the day before eliminations, I binged on the foods we were giving up. My discipline was better, although I did indulge in honey, like literally pouring honey down my throat in my pantry, justifying it as cleanse-friendly. It’s fascinating how our minds can trick us. Why are we like this?! Despite these slips, I sharpened my discipline and continued to learn about my habits.
Third Round: June
The third round, another Community Group Cleanse that just wrapped up yesterday, was a triumph. I felt strong and ready to tackle the cleanse again, fully. I managed my cravings well, prepared thoroughly, and even created several new recipes for my upcoming recipe book. This round, I truly thrived.
Reflecting on the Journey
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am filled with pride. I've discovered that I can overcome challenges and not just survive but truly thrive. I feel amazing, and I am wholeheartedly integrating the cleanse into my lifestyle. 80/20, baby! Why? Because I am worth it. Prioritizing my health is essential, and I’ve spent too long feeling terrible, denying that my diet and lifestyle were the culprits. Deep down, I always knew, but I wasn’t ready to face it then. I am now. Are you?
I am enveloped by an extraordinary sense of clarity, feeling more grounded in myself than ever before. It's as if a weight has been lifted, allowing me to see the path ahead with a newfound purity. I am acutely aware of the things I need to let go of, and I am ready—truly ready—to set those burdens aside and move forward with grace.
This feeling of being deeply rooted in my own essence is profoundly transformative. In Sanskrit, there is a beautiful word for this state: Sattva. It embodies purity, clarity, and cleanliness—exactly what I am experiencing. This inner peace and lucidity bring a serene joy that washes over me, illuminating my soul and guiding my every step. It's a beautiful place to be. I feel at home in myself. Svastha, rooted in self, established in the soul.
It's never too late to reclaim your life. If you’re considering a cleanse or a lifestyle change, know that the journey is worth it. Embrace the spanda of life—expand into discomfort and contract to shed what no longer serves you. You are worth prioritizing your health and well-being.
Curious but don’t know where to start?
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