Such an abundance of free time I’ve discovered!  Without Netflix or videos in the evenings (I haven’t had regular television in 6 years), I am idly watching sunsets again, sitting quietly with my animals, journaling, walking, shopping for and preparing healthier meals, and doing….wait for it…NOTHING AT ALL.  I know, right?  I didn’t know I had it in me, either.

Since authenticity is one of my core values, I don’t want to portray that this “detox” period is all fun and games. Believe me it has its moments!  Living alone and predominantly unplugged, I see and feel these grumpy mood swings as I withdraw from sugar.  Then I get mad that I’ve been addicted so long, then I get mad because I’m getting mad.  Good grief!  Root causes start to peer out in the form of fear, shame, disgust, guilt, and anger, all of which have been conveniently avoided through sugar and the fun distractions of technology.  Now I feel, laugh, cry, scream, journal, or whatever it takes to carry on.   These unpleasant feelings are like the plant medicine I work with in ceremonies.  When I surrender and allow (my buzz words for 2015), they flow along teaching me much in a loving and gentle way.  However, when I resist seeing something or allowing them to purge something from my body, the discomfort intensifies.  Feelings won’t kill us, but judging and resisting them most certainly will (aka cancer).  How long have these deeper ones been waiting for me to put away the treats, turn off technology and recognize them?  Some hurt a lot, but flowing like a river feels much better than being stuck like a rock.

I spent much of life believing I was my emotions or feelings.  (Thank you Eckhart Tolle for clarifying all of that!)  Now I have been learning to observe my feelings, really knowing that I am the observer rather than these feelings which seem such a real part of me.  Fear is probably the strongest that I’ve avoided, thus keeping these deeper, darker triggers and reactions suppressed.  Talk about ‘time to take the trash out’!

I also realize that while I have been routinely ‘treating myself’ in my spare time to streaming video shows and my favorite (often sugary) foods, that habit overtook the millions of other small, spontaneous smile catalysts (Martha Beck’s phrase from The Joy Diet) I’ve been missing.  You know, those things we tell ourselves we’re too busy to slow down and enjoy like bubble baths, turning on the oldies to dance and sing in solitude like a rock star, jumping rope, coloring/painting, and so much more!  Indulging myself in these ways while reflecting on whatever is arising in my heart and mind is definitely an interesting break from this busy world.

Today’s Ceremony Detox Menu:  Apple cinnamon herb tea and a boiled egg for breakfast.  Lots of clean water throughout the day.  Steamed cabbage, zucchini & squash over quinoa for lunch.  An apple and Immunity Now tea for a snack. A freshly juiced blend of kale, spinach, cabbage, celery, parsley, wheatgrass, blueberries, cranberries, tomato, and cucumber for dinner with some snack-size bites held out for crunchy nibbles.

Today’s Unplugged Time:  It’s that time again…I feel like chatting with a friend who feeds my soul while I take a walk.  Then I’ll try out this new hula hoop I bought myself, take a bubble bath,  journal and get a good night’s rest.

Namaste and much love,

Sheryl Sitts, Founder, Journey of Possibilities

Spirit guided me to create this “Countdown to Sacred Plant Medicine Intensive”  blog series to help demystify this sacred healing/awakening path while simplifying the dietary preparations by sharing practical ways I am preparing for the Amazon while working and living in a modern society.   If something I share sparks your curiosity or interest, please COMMENT BELOW and let’s create a conversation here.  I receive no compensation for sharing here but am drawn by my heart to create a safe space and portal of possibility for anyone seeking hope and help to know there are many natural solutions we have not fully explored.  Only by searching within and carefully selecting holistic modalities that resonate for us and practitioners who hold their work and healing space sacred can we truly unlock our own amazing journey of possibilities!  I am here for you if I can help in any way.  Namaste.