Day 22 Juice Feast -- Bump in the Road

I can't even be surprised but last night, instead of enjoying my movie--I fell asleep. I feel fortunate my body usually tells me what my priorities are. Last night I was the party-pooper. Unfortunately when I woke up (just as the movie was ending) I had my first real detox headache on this JF. Yikes! I am not a person who regularly gets headaches and it literally felt like poison was coursing up and down my body and was pounding in my temple. I ended up warming some water for an enema and out came (sorry, sorry, sorry) something that looked like broken up asphalt.

In the face of hospitality I try to accept anything offered that is vegan--but still I can't recall anyone ever offering up asphalt. I have no idea where this stuff comes from!  I decided to leave the castor oil pack on the rest of the night and I immediately went back to sleep. I knew if I felt any detox in the morning I was taking the day off. I woke up feeling well enough to go to work.

Walking Meditation in the Park (Source)

I decided a nice walking meditation in the park would suit me so I drove to the park and walked barefoot in the sun for 45 minutes.  I didn't burn but I did stay too long so I won't be able to take in much sun tomorrow. I thought some sun and clearing my thoughts might help draw anything else out. I was happily surprised when I returned to work and discovered I had an appetite for juice. For the briefest of moments I thought maybe this wasn't a good day to see how cantaloupe spinach tastes together (tasted like cantaloupe to me).  I only had 3 quarts today and I'm debating if I'll make a 4th now.

Day 9 Juice Feast -- The (Week One) Enema Protocol

Several years ago I had no idea if I could fast. I decided to sign up for a three day supported fast. Friday night after work I drove to the guide's house. She was water fasting for the week but prepared "the last meal" for me and 3 other participants. It was cooked vegan fare and full of fiber. We were all nervous about the days ahead. Saturday morning we met again and began our fast on water, freshly made juice and vegetable broth. During a health chat, our guide introduced the topic of enemas and colonics. I think everyone froze. Wasn't this taboo? Certainly no one had ever used one before. Now I finally knew what that "red bag" was in childhood friend's bathrooms!

I was convinced from her speech to buy an enema bag. Naturally I became the source for a lot of ribbing! In the end I didn't use it--I had too great a psychological barrier. That fast ended and the enema bag sat unused in a box under my bathroom sink. As I continued on with health pursuits I became too aggressive (dang green smoothie challenge-hah! hah!) and detox symptoms ruled my life. However my morning trips to the restroom quickly clued me in on the need for more frequent movements. Somewhere around there I realized I had to just try it.  

It was well worth the attempt and I quickly overcame the psychological barrier. So when the JF protocol recommends one a day for the first week--I'm on board.  Heck I even throw in a colonic when I can too. I can honestly say I look forward to them--no the actual experience isn't what I mean. Afterwards it's impossible not to realize the benefits, and it seems too painful to try and JF without.