Seattle Yogini

Yoga on the road - Suggestions for maintaining your yoga practice while away from home

Maintaining a yoga practice while on the road can be a challenge.  By expanding your definition of yoga, however, you will find numerous opportunities to put the practice to work.

• asana: Some basic and poses are easily done in a hotel room, park, or even an airplane aisle. The sun salutations and the mroning series require minimal space and props (you might want a mat or something clean to lie upon, and you might need a strap or similar aid for the hamstring stretch). Simple standing poses can be done on the airplane, upon landing, or during a walk around your hotel's neighborhood:  a lunge for the hip flexors, calves and ankles, use a wall or the back of a chair for half forward bend to release the hamstrings and back, or a little shoulder stretch. Garudasana (eagle pose) and gomukasana (cow face pose) can be done in the car, on the train, or in a plane.  Neck stretches, simple seated twists, the wrist series and the foot series can by done anywhere there's room. 

• nutrition & lifestyle: Just because you're away from home doesn't mean you should give up your healthy choices! It's still a good idea to avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and sugar. In fact, if you avoid those things at home then you really should continue to do so, lest you feel the shock of sudden change while you're away. Continue to hydrate, get enough sleep and take good care of your body, and it will run more smoothly as you explore new places.  If you use further support for your health, such as Alaskan Essences, Young Living Oils or Sunrider Herbal Foods, then pack whatever you feel necessary in order to maintain your customary regimen as closely as possible.

• applied philosophy: Travel offers excellent opportunities to put this aspect of yoga to use in new and interesting circumstances.  Stay joyful, flexible, patient and present.  Maintain your center even if you find yourself in a storm of jetlag-induced confusion. 

• meditation: Purna Yoga's meditation "snacks" are perfect during travels because they each take only a couple of minutes and their results can last for hours. Since travelling can be over-stimulating, the mental centering and cocooning snacks are especially beneficial.

I find it very helpful to maintain as many of my yogic practices as possible while I'm away. It helps me feel more grounded to keep a little sense of connectedness to the familiar.  My yoga practice, which is so much more than asana, offers me tools for staying centered and present during any situation - even when I'm somewhere as busy and different as London.

So here's to our fearless exploration of the mind, body, spirit AND world! May your yoga practice support you wherever you land.

What are your tips for keeping up your yoga practice(s) while you're travelling?

*** Check out my Facebook page for the London Trip 2009 photo album. Look for Kelly Pretlow.

August Sabbatical - a Productive Rest

I take the month of August off.  By "off", I mean that I close my yoga studio, letting it, nay making it - and myself AND my students - take a little break.  When I opened the studio I was working on my 2,000-hour Purna Yoga Certification and we had 4- to 5-week intensives in August, so keeping the studio open simply wasn't an option.  I made it a tradition, and now it's something that the community knows and expects.  We close in August.  See you in September!  I try to use the time to regain perspective, refresh myself, get bigger home projects taken care of, etc.

This year I am spending the first two weeks in training with my teacher, Aadil Palkhivala, and the second two weeks are unscheduled.  Oooo, what a wonderful word:  unscheduled.   Yesterday afternoon we wrapped up a 4-day Intermediate Asana & Philosophy Immersion, and today we begin a 10-day Therapeutics Training.  I am really looking forward to this opportunity to deepen my therapeutics understanding and practice, as it is a part of my work that I particularly enjoy and really want to grow.

This past weekend's immersion was SO lovely!  There were only 12 students, which is very rare for a workshop or class with Aadil.  As a local Certified Purna Yoga Instructor I get to work with and learn from Aadil quite often, but it is always a treat to get back-to-back days with him.  I have been looking forward to these two weeks for some time.  He did a great balance of philosophy lecture/discussion, chanting, story telling, poetry reading and deeeeeep asana work.  We started off with spinal releases using traction (hanging upside down) in various positions, then there was iliopsoas stretching:

That's me in Supta Virasana.  My friend Amanda is helping me by putting weight on my thighs so that I can focus on the iliopsoas work.  I'm holding two bungee ropes attached to the rope wall.  On each exhalation I life one side of my POA (pit of the abdomen/lower rectus abdominis) toward the armpit and on toward the wall, alternating sides with each exhalation.  It was awesome and a huge stretch for the iliopsoas.  Please note that it is NOT a beginner's pose.  Don't try this without appropriate education, preparation experience & supervision.

throat opening/cervical curve work, side-waist work with Prvrtta Janu Sirsasana (see picture below) and more.  It was delicious and, as always, inspiring.  It reaffirms my belief that going deeper within a tradition and with a particular teacher is critical to one's development on this path.

Here I am in version 3 of 6 (or so, I lost count!) Prvrtta Janu Sirsasana.  I'm using the wall ropes to help create even more length in the spine, as well as the side of the torso.  In the "final" pose, the spine rests on the extended leg, with belly and chest rotating upward.  In this photo, the left side of my torso is atop my left thigh.  My left shoulder blade is touching my inner left knee.  This is the only pose that can so deeply open the sides of the torso.  It's soooooo nice!

I don't know how much writing I'll be able to do while I'm in the training.  The schedule isn't too draining, but there is a commute, and regular family/home things going on so not much time left for sharing it on the blog.  I'll try to at least post tidbits here and there.  August is a time for me to focus inwardly, to be "productive" in my life and spirituality rather than in the outer/commercial world.  It will be interesting to see if I discover a way in which I can share outwardly while maintaining my inner focus...

A Woman's Yoga Practice - Honoring your cycle & your needs

I participate as a moderator on a forum called Namaste Knitters (found on ravelry).  Recently a question arose that is relevant to all female practitioners, and poorly understood.  A yoga student wanted to know what poses are contraindicated by menstruation and why that might be.  Following is my response, adjusted for this post:

"For this discussion (with reference to poses contraindicated by menstruation) an inversion is any pose which puts the pelvis over the chest, no matter where the legs are. That could even be a standing forward bend (Uttanasana) if the practitioner can do the full pose. Plow pose (Halasana) is an inversion, as is Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana).

As a long-time (female) practitioner, I have learned how to tailor my asana practice for my needs, throughout my cycle. As a long-time teacher, I have created numerous workshops focused on women’s health, particularly during the childbearing years. So, speaking from experience as well as years of study, I’ll share a couple of things that many women find helpful:

• Take it easy during menstruation, including PMS days if you have them. I have found that by planning ahead and making sure that I have a slower, more quiet pace in preparation for - and during - my period, I hardly have cramps anymore (they used to be awful). When I don’t back off, the cramps return and ensure that I must.
• Menstruation is a time of cleansing. The blood could be considered “unclean” not because it comes from women, but because it is believed to hold toxicity intended to leave the body. It is waste, like any other excretion, and should not be held in the body but rather encouraged to run its course. Eastern medicine believes that - at least in part - women live longer than men because we have this inborn monthly cleanse. It is a wonderful process inherent to the female body, but it does come with some important requirements (such as slowing down, taking it easy, staying very hydrated, etc., etc.) which, in our modern “never let them see you sweat” society, have been left by the wayside.
• Because we are cleansing during menstruation, our bodies are working harder than usual. During any cleanse it is important to save energy and not over-exert. That’s why restorative yoga or a gentle, flowing practice is generally preferable to a vigorous practice during this time.

We don’t need to keep up with anybody else, we need to turn inward and discern what our individual needs are. Menstruation is a wonderful time to do just that!

This Shawl & Surrendering "The Plan"

This is a photo of the new lace shawl that I am working on...intended as an August 15 gift for my teacher, Mirra.  That yarn is just a teeny bit heftier than thread.  My plan is to knit at least two pattern repeats per day.  That's 6 rows per pattern repeat, and each row is progressively longer.  Right now it takes me about 30 minutes to do an entire 6 rows, but it will take progressively longer to meet my goal as the shawl grows.

This newest "knitting under deadline" project comes at an interesting time.  For the last two weeks or so I have been focused - in my meditation, my prayer, and in daily living - on surrendering attachment to my plans, time lines, goals and generally having things my way.

I harbor resentment for plans I laid many years ago that are not working out the way that I wanted.  This resentment is getting in the way.

When I can let go of the plan - and the residual resentment for what appears unfulfilled - I have clarity for the beautiful plan of the Divine.  I can see that there is a path for me that is much more beautiful than what I tried to create on my own.  I don't always understand the path or the plan, but I have faith that as I learn to surrender my plans, I will feel the inner guidance toward greater plans and loftier goals.

My plans were created by my mind, not by my heart.

I want to live from my heart.  In order to better do that, I must continually practice stilling and silencing my mind, my ego, those inner voices that lay out plans, goals and time lines that are self-serving rather than Self/God/Creation-serving.

I don't know if I will be able to complete this shawl in the amount of time I believe that I have.  I do know, however, that I will finish it.  It will be gifted in its time.  Along the way I will continue to practice letting go of that plan.  Each opportunity to practice helps in the bigger struggle of releasing bigger attachments.

And if it's late?  Well, I know that Mirra will understand.

Spiritual Lessons in the Kitchen

It is cooler today, only 69 degrees in the house so far.  We're thankful for the break...clouds coming in off the Sound.  The east end of the state is covered in smoke from B.C. fires, but so far Seattle - while dry - has not suffered that fate.  Still, the fire bans will start this week...just to be on the safe side.

Seattle summers are poorly understood.  For all the moisture we slowly but steadily accrue throughout the year, one drizzly day after another, we have equal amounts of drought in the short intense days of summer.  We knew it would be bad this year; our spring was unusually dry.  All that snow this winter didn't add up enough, or melted too quickly in the rains, or simply didn't cover enough of the mountains to fill our rivers and streams to the levels needed to last through till fall.

Hot, dry, breezy days are great for drying our laundry au naturel.  The line out back was full, so this load had to dry inside.

We had a heat wave a couple of weeks ago.  It was around 86 degrees in the house.  The timing was a challenge, as it was the day I had planned to pit and pie a bag of fresh local cherries that were gifted to us.  The pitting was fine - messy and sticky, but cool because I did it poised on the back stairs enjoying a breeze.  The pastry?  The pastry was a challenge.

Buttery flour warmed too quickly under my rolling pin.  Back into the fridge it went.  I pulled it out and tried again - knowing this would be my last chance with this batch.  It had to either work this time, or go into the composter and...did I even have enough butter for another batch of pastry?  I focused and let go, all at once.  Focus on the task at hand, give it your best, but let go of attachment to the outcome.  This is a lesson for my whole life.  This is my yoga practice at work in my daily activities, reminding me to be gracious, grateful, patient and resourceful.  Then to offer all of that, surrender it to the Divine and trust.

Yes, of course this was "just a pie", but the point is that we can learn such wonderful lessons in the seemingly mundane activities of everyday life.  We must want to learn!

The second time was a charm, just barely, as the pastry stuck to the counter in places.  Like the bits of myself that I have left here and there.  Next came the top crust, which had chilled longer and been handled less, but still warmed too quickly.  It molded itself to the fruit as soon as the pie plate hit the oven rack: 

 

It still tasted good.  We called it a "rustic look".

That baking day reminded me to be thankful.  Thankful for the cherries, butter, flour, sugar.  Thankful for the heat, and its lessons in focus, tolerance, patience and surrender.

Where do you find your daily lessons?

Summer Yoga!

I thought I'd put the announcement here, in addition to some of the usual places (Teachstreet, Craigslist, etc.):

The summer session of yoga at Maple Leaf Community Yoga begins on June 1 (that's Monday).  We have a new day/time for the Intro to Yoga session, a new teacher, and a new Saturday morning class.  I'll be offering a Purna Yoga Weekend Intensive in June, and a "Building Your Home Practice" home-study practice in July (details for that one are forthcoming).

Also coming up this summer are two workshops that I will offer at Yoga Centers:

Free Yourself from Hand, Wrist and Carpal Tunnel Problems

• Sunday, June 7 from 1 - 4pm
• $50 (pay by 5/31), $60 (after 5/31)

Focus on the Pelvic Floor

• Sunday, July 11 from 1 - 4pm
• $50 (pay by 7/4), $60 (after 7/4)

If you click the links, scroll down to find those workshops...but also take a look at the many offerings throughout June and July!

Yoga Tips for Gardeners & Their Teachers

I am expanding my topics here, in order to reach out more to fellow teachers and teachers-in-training.  Once a week (or so) I'll write advice for new teachers, give asana or sequence suggestions, share how-to tips (like my "How to Create a Yoga Workshop" post, answer students' questions or something else along those lines.

I'll start off by sharing the background regarding the following interaction.  I am part of a great on-line community of knitters/crocheters called Ravelry.  Within Ravelry there are numerous smaller communities, many of which have their own forums.  I am a member of the "Namaste Knitters" group, founded by fellow blogger, knitter and yogini, Lauren.  We have an extensive forum, and I recently got more involved in posting there.

As an experienced yoga teacher and yoga therapist I particularly enjoy the Poses/Anatomy Questions/Injuries section.  It's great to see the questions that people have and to join in the solution brainstorming.  As a teacher I also find it helpful to develop my communication skills.  It's one thing to show someone a pose modification, and another to explain it to someone with neither photos nor a demonstration.

Over the weekend, a member of the group posted the following question (and has given me permission to share it as well as her response to my suggestions):

The question:  "...I have a question about aching legs: Whenever I do a lot of gardening, that evening, my legs really ache. It feels like it is in the muscles. I’m pretty sure it is not a back problem. I do yoga beforehand, and it does not seem to help. I was thinking perhaps doing some poses afterwards might be better, but I am not sure which poses are the best to try. My guess is that I am squatting/kneeling too much and that might be causing the problem. Any thoughts?"

My response:  "Hello _____.  Physical aches and pains from gardening are not unusual. As you pointed out, it is likely due to the squatting and kneeling that are involved. Doing some yoga beforehand is helpful, but may not be enough for your needs at this time. I feel that the best strategy is:

(1) Prepare your body before you garden by stretching the areas that get the most uncomfortable.
(2) Take “body breaks” during your gardening so that you give your body a chance to rest. If you were running for three hours straight, you would likely take at least a little break at some point. Gardening is also a physically demanding activity; your body needs to change positions or else it will complain.
(3) Just as you put your tools away carefully, take the time to thank your body for its work by giving it some more yoga when you’re done.

Each body break can be targeted and short…with just a nine-breath lunge for each leg you can ease a lot of the tightness that settles in while squatting. I recommend targeting your work on the hip flexors (front of hip), hamstrings (back of thigh) and outer hips in particular. The easiest way to do that without taking your yoga mat into the garden with you is to take advantage of a retaining wall or fencepost for support.

For the hip flexors: Do a simple lunge with your hands on the wall for support (if needed). Start with feet together, then step the right foot back about three feet, keeping both legs and all ten toes facing forward. Bend your left knee until it is directly over the ankle (for safety, do not bend the knee past the ankle). It’s okay (though less effective) if you don’t bend your knee that far, but make sure not to bend it further than that. Press the inner right heel into the earth while lifting the bottom of your belly up away from the left thigh. Breathe deeply and enjoy. Change sides.

For the hamstrings: Do a half forward bend with your hands on the wall, knees slightly bent so that you can really lift your sitting bones, and moving hands and bum away from each other to lengthen the spine. Stay for nine breaths.

For the outer hips: There are many ways to stretch the outer hip, but one that is convenient (considering what I’ve suggested above) is to stay in the half forward bend. Exhaling, press your right hand very strongly into the wall while bending your right knee and moving the left outer hip away from the wall. Inhale there. Exhaling, press the left hand into the wall while bending the left knee and moving the right outer hip away from the wall. Etc., etc.

I hope you find these suggestions helpful. Enjoy your garden!"

Member's Response:  "That is so helpful! Thank you so much! I will certainly do everything you suggest and let you know how it goes. There is so much to do in the garden this time of the year that it is easy to get carried away. And I forget I cannot do as much as I used to do when I would spend the entire day in the garden (I’m 61)....[added in a later post]... I worked outside for several hours yesterday and took breaks to do the stretches you suggested and I am delighted to say that I had no hip pain or myalgias yesterday or this morning. I also did the stretches and down dog when I was finished gardening too. Thanks so much!"

So, teachers, here's my thought-process for the suggestions I made:

• From the initial information shared, all I knew was that this gardener has some yoga experience (which doesn't tell me a whole lot, because there are numerous styles - each with a different emphasis on the physical practice and its application).  I knew that there were aches and pains in the legs, but no specifics such as knee, hip or back pain issues or conditions.
• As the primary rule of teaching is "Do no harm", and since I didn't have enough details to get into any kind of lengthy trouble-shooting, I decided to keep my recommendations as short, gentle and approachable as possible.  I also didn't want it to be such a fussy ordeal that the gardener wouldn't make the time for it (hence, no mat dragged into the back forty).
• I fixed my focus upon the main positions the gardener uses - squatting and kneeling, and applied my knowledge of anatomy, physiology and asana.  I narrowed down the likely culprits (as you read above) and opted for one simple-yet-effective pose/action for each.

This was an excellent training exercise for me.  I had to ensure that my directions were as clear and precise as I could get them.  I wanted to leave no room for "creative interpretation", so that the gardener would be safe AND would get the desired results.  It is easy to get long-winded in our explanations of things, particularly when its a topic about which we are enthusiastic and knowledgeable.  Here, I absolutely had to keep it short and sweet, something I plan on practicing more often!

During our yoga teacher training weekend this past weekend I used this example during our anatomy class.  It isn't enough to simply memorize some body parts; an asana teacher must be able to apply that knowledge to the practice in order to maximize efficacy and minimize the potential for injury.  The teachers-in-training gave great feedback about this learning exercise (and they had great answers, too!).

My colleague, Monette MacPherson, will be offering a Yoga Workshop for Home and Garden Maintenance (a.k.a. "Yoga for Gardeners") workshop at Maple Leaf Community Yoga this May.  Click here to learn more!

Applying Yoga Philosophy in your life: Seva (Selfless Service)

"Applied Philosophy" is an important practice in Purna Yoga.  Knowledge that is not actually put to use is...well...pretty useless.  It just adds to the clutter of the mind.  Putting knowledge to use, however, is a practice that can enhance one's life through better understanding, healthier habits and more joyful attitudes.  I have found that learning to apply yogic philosophy in my daily life is an invaluable practice.

In new Maple Leaf Community Yoga Studio & Community Newsletter I wrote about Seva (selfless service):

"The principle of selfless service is common among all spiritual traditions.  Indeed, spiritual or not, a community functions more harmoniously when its members willingly give - of their time, energy, and other resources - in acknowledgment of the many gifts that being part of the community gives them.  In essence, Seva is a practice of non-attachment and of being in the present.  It offers us the opportunity to let go of the "what ifs" associated with the potential outcomes of giving.

An offering is selfless when the giver relinquishes concerns regarding reciprocation.  The giving is done without a sense of burden, but rather with a sense of joy and gratitude for having the opportunity to be of service...to share one's gifts and talents.  An act of Seva may be as simple as sending a card of appreciation to someone, sharing food or flowers from your garden, or donating time or money to organizations you wish to support.  We are each blessed with numerous ways in which we can serve our community, whether it is our neighborhood, our yoga community, our church family or another "tribe".

Take a moment to reflect on your day or week, noting the many ways in which you have engaged in Seva.  Appreciate the opportunities you have had to be of service.  Make a commitment to consciously practice Seva and...without getting hung up on the results...observe the way that giving selflessly enhances your life."

If you would like to receive the Maple Leaf Community Yoga Studio & Community Newsletter, please click on this link to view the first edition and sign up for future mailings!

Letting go...in order to grow

Growth requires a willingness to let go.  As we change, we learn that certain habits no longer serve our dharma (life's purpose), relationships must change or dissolve, the very definition by which we have lived our lives may need to be rewritten.  In the case of the latter I recommend invisible ink, that way you don't get too attached to the new definition!  In order for any of the above to happen, however, we must let go of the past, along with any attachments to outcomes or results in the future, and simply be here now...in as true a state of harmony as we can.  That state requires a lot of letting go, as well:  of stress, of the roller coaster ride of emotions, of the "monkey mind", etc.

In class last night, Aadil said something that really stuck with me:

"Let go of your willingness to accept stress."

My mind hiccuped at first in indignation (it cracks me up when my mind is indignant).  "'Willingness'?"  It scoffed, sounding oh-so pitiable and crossing its arms defensively.  "I beg your pardon!  I am not stressed because I am 'willing' to be."  Then my wiser part chuckled and smiled softly at my mind, shaking its head.  My mind uncrossed its arms as understanding dawned:  "Oh, well, waitaminute.  I just now got kind of stressed out about that, didn't I?  Hhhmmm.  I can see that there's something to this."

By the way, all of that happened in about .36829 seconds.  It wasn't a long scenario or anything.  Also - as a side note - I didn't really imagine my brain having arms at the time...it just makes for good reading.

One of the most beautiful (and potentially frustrating) aspects of yoga is that it empowers us to be fully accountable for our lives.  How we feel, live, think, act, speak, etc. at each moment is the result of all of our choices up to now.  We can, at any time, choose to change.  That is an amazing potential as well as responsibility.  The fact of the matter is, we do choose to allow stress by continuing to live fast-paced lives, over-scheduling ourselves, not sleeping enough, eating poorly for our constitution, denying our spiritual lives, exposing ourselves to harmful chemicals, etc., etc.  It's just that while we make those choices, we blame the results of them on other people or forces "outside of our control".

We have the power, however, to choose differently...at any moment.  I trust that, eventually, my mind will really understand.

Spring Cleaning with a Parasite Cleanse

I'm spring cleaning my innards.

I'll bet that got your attention!  Call it spring cleaning gone inward, but last week I started a cleanse (with chelation), and this week bumped it up a notch (to parasite cleansing).  There is a lot of information available about cleansing, but much of it seems to be weight-loss or "general health" focused rather than parasite focused, so I'll add to the clamor and let you discern for yourself what might work for you and your health needs.

First of all, let me state plainly that I am in great health, so I wasn't feeling the need to cleanse in order to beat a chronic illness, lay waste to allergies, re-align my digestion, improve my sleep or one of the other wonderful results of a proper cleanse.  I am, however, interested in being as healthy as I can be, and the transition between seasons is the perfect time to do a cleanse.  If you are living with a chronic issue I highly recommend you work with a naturopath or ayurvedic practitioner who can design a cleanse tailored to your needs.  Please don't take my regimen as a "prescription", because it isn't!  Only you and/or your health care provider can determine what will serve you best.

With this cleanse, my main focus is on parasites.  I'll talk about the chelation another time.  What parasites, you ask?  We are exposed to parasites from many everyday sources, and living in a "developed country" does not put us out of risk of infestation.  I have lived in two foreign countries for extended periods of time (South Korea and Saudi Arabia) where I ate a number of foods that were prepared at a...different standard...than my usual fare.  While I have not had any antibiotics in a number of years, I have been treated with a chemotherapy drug which certainly affected my body long-term.  Heck, just sharing my home with a dog means I am quite likely often exposed to parasites.  This article has a really great description of the reasons to do a parasite cleanse.  Different parasites gravitate toward different parts of the body (some especially like the spine, others are content in the intestines, for example), and different cleansing regimes/products address these different parasites.

I have chosen to use two products from Young Living Essential Oils:  ParaFree and ComforTone.  It is essential that the efficiency of the colon be maintained when cleansing parasites, lest their waste and detritus remain stuck in your body, making you sick(er).  We have to move out the buggies that are dying off, and ComforTone facilitates that.  It isn't a fiber supplement, but rather a formula of herbs and essential oils that support colon function.  The ParaFree is the formula (again, of herbs and essential oils) that actually kills the parasites.  The company recommends the following cycle:  21 days on, 7 days off, repeat for a total of 3 cycles.  This is to ensure that you get all of the parasites at their various stages of growth (including recently hatched eggs - ew).

So, we started on Sunday evening (4/5) and are on day six as of tonight.  Many of my colleagues have used these products for their own cleansing, so I have heard reactions ranging from "It makes me feel tired", to the tell-tale headaches caused by die-off, to "I love cleansing, I always feel so clear-headed and light afterward".  After taking the single Parafree capsule Sunday night, I awoke Monday morning sort of expecting a headache, at the very least.  So far, so good.  I haven't had any flu-like symptoms and don't feel any more tired than before.  Rob has had a little more difficulty, what with full-blown hay fever and helping our friend the contractor with work this week.  He is definitely feeling fatigued.

One of the most over-looked aspects of a proper cleanse is the importance of high-quality nutrition during (and after, of course) the cleanse.  The body is working hard to process out all of this stuff you're sloughing, which can be quite tiring.  Also, on an esoteric level, parasites hold negative thought patterns and dark energy, so as that moves out of the body it can bring up a lot of "stuff" - emotional, psychic, etc.  Cleansing can be tiring, so rest is very important.  Hydration must be increased, along with highly nutritious foods high in fiber.  We have doubled our intake of Sunrider's NuPlus as well as the cleansing beverages Calli Tea and Fortune Delight Tea.  We're also eating plenty of ghee and other healthy fats, Chyawanprash and lots of raw veggies (smoothies are my new favorite thing).

I'll post about this process on Fridays, trying to be thorough but not graphic.  Next week I'll talk about chelation, and why it's so important to our health!