So I did it, it's done. I jogged 1 mile of the San Francisco Marathon as planned, took a photo of the 'Mile 1' flag, and then proceeded to walk back to the starting line, against the grain of the oncoming runners who were just getting started, took off my bib, and then jogged back to my car and headed home.
What a strange feeling. I've never done that before, not finished a race (except for a bike race I did a while back, where I took a wrong turn and ended prematurely). It was a great contrast, the energy of the start of the race with everyone going in one direction, compared to the calm and stillness and quiet of the walk back, against the grain. It seemed like everyone was looking at me, wondering who I was, what I was doing. Maybe some of them thought I finished the race already, maybe some of them didn't have an idea.
I didn't really mind. I was just taking it all in. The past 12 weeks of training for this moment, the injury to my knee which prevented me from completing the race, the decision to go anyway, to walk 1 mile and be done with it. It was better for me to show up, pick up my stuff, prepare as if I was going to complete it, and do a small part versus just not showing up at all. And it was worth it.
It's brings closure to my marathon career, no more 26.2 milers for me, I've decided. Just halfs from now on, so much easier on the body, so much more efficient to prepare, so much easier to recover. And it also brings closure to this block of training. I've learned a lot through the whole process, especially dealing with setbacks and the emotions that can be tough to deal with. You train for so long, with so much effort and dedication, only to see all of it washed away with an injury that requires you to set aside you goals for now. Dealing with that, the way I did, was pretty cool. The way I'm wired, I like to finish everything I start, and in this way, I did.
And you know what, just for me to jog 1 mile of that race, when so many other people will never have the chance even to do that, is a blessing and something I will never take for granted.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Aryuvedic Cleanse - Results and Thoughts
I'm done! It's the morning after the cleanse, I woke up early, had a nice large helping of fresh water, and like the instructions said, purged very easily. What a ride this was, I think it was a life-changing event, making me rethink being a Vegan. I feel so purified, so clean inside, so lucid, and so calm and still.
My digestion has changed over the past 4 days I can tell. My body was healing itself, I could see by the 'colors' of the purge, very different than before, much cleaner, much easier. I'm going to think long and hard about my Vegan stance, maybe even switch it completely, and do an Ayurvedic diet instead. Well, for me, it's pretty much a Vegetarian diet, isn't it? (although an Ayurvedic diet isn't necessarily Vegetarian) The ghee is a big part of it, but the selection of foods, as well as the spices, the additional focus on when to eat, exactly what to eat, how it's prepared, etc. just seem to be more specific and sophisticated than just being a Vegan, or even a Raw Vegan. Don't get me wrong, being a Vegan is great, one of the best choices I ever made for myself, but I think it's great to explore alternatives and see how you respond to them.
I think I've lost some weight, probably 2-3 lbs. I wasn't doing this for weight loss. It would be interesting to see what my blood pressure is, I think it's still relatively high (the whole reason for doing this in the first place) but it feels lower. I've done Yoga throughout, so my strength and flexibility and balance are all good. And heck, I've worked throughout, so my work ethic hasn't been compromised at all.
I 'cheated' once (had young coconut juice and ginger tea) for lunch while my co-workers had their food, then I had my kitchari/mung soup/rice afterwards. I probably worked on the computer and watched too much TV, alas some habits are hard to break. Lastly, I exercised throughout, when I should have been taking it easy. I just did a bunch of yoga classes, mostly taking it easy. But, other than that, as I am apt to do, I followed the plan exactly as mentioned, and it has paid great dividends. I would do it again it a heartbeat, and likely will do this regularly.
The other thing I will do is visit with an Ayurvedic doctor, and get a complete and more thorough diagnosis and dietary plan. I'll likely try that for 6 weeks and see how that works out. All in all, no regrets, very simple and easy, and done before you know it. Thank you very much to my Yoga Teacher, who passed along this wisdom during a workshop a while back, I'm very grateful for that.
My digestion has changed over the past 4 days I can tell. My body was healing itself, I could see by the 'colors' of the purge, very different than before, much cleaner, much easier. I'm going to think long and hard about my Vegan stance, maybe even switch it completely, and do an Ayurvedic diet instead. Well, for me, it's pretty much a Vegetarian diet, isn't it? (although an Ayurvedic diet isn't necessarily Vegetarian) The ghee is a big part of it, but the selection of foods, as well as the spices, the additional focus on when to eat, exactly what to eat, how it's prepared, etc. just seem to be more specific and sophisticated than just being a Vegan, or even a Raw Vegan. Don't get me wrong, being a Vegan is great, one of the best choices I ever made for myself, but I think it's great to explore alternatives and see how you respond to them.
I think I've lost some weight, probably 2-3 lbs. I wasn't doing this for weight loss. It would be interesting to see what my blood pressure is, I think it's still relatively high (the whole reason for doing this in the first place) but it feels lower. I've done Yoga throughout, so my strength and flexibility and balance are all good. And heck, I've worked throughout, so my work ethic hasn't been compromised at all.
I 'cheated' once (had young coconut juice and ginger tea) for lunch while my co-workers had their food, then I had my kitchari/mung soup/rice afterwards. I probably worked on the computer and watched too much TV, alas some habits are hard to break. Lastly, I exercised throughout, when I should have been taking it easy. I just did a bunch of yoga classes, mostly taking it easy. But, other than that, as I am apt to do, I followed the plan exactly as mentioned, and it has paid great dividends. I would do it again it a heartbeat, and likely will do this regularly.
The other thing I will do is visit with an Ayurvedic doctor, and get a complete and more thorough diagnosis and dietary plan. I'll likely try that for 6 weeks and see how that works out. All in all, no regrets, very simple and easy, and done before you know it. Thank you very much to my Yoga Teacher, who passed along this wisdom during a workshop a while back, I'm very grateful for that.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Aryuvedic Cleanse - Day 4 of 4
Starting the last day, 3 meals to go. I actually don't dread these last three meals, I'm looking forward to them, savoring them. Usually at the end of a cleanse, I'm more concerned about the food I miss, rather than the food I'm actually eating, and the last thing I want to do is eat more of at the end. On the contrary, with a bit more spice and flavor, I'll likely include this type of food regularly in my diet. It is simple to make, easy to digest, and quite affordable.
I feel great, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Centered, relaxed, at one with my thoughts and feelings, and in control of my anxious moments, letting them be, letting them pass through without dwelling, without judgment. I think the self massage and the hot baths really put it all together. You can't help but be physically changed after working on your skin for 4 days in a row. It's a great feeling. I also feel lighter and cleaner, less bloated, less inflamed. My fingers feel skinny, which is a detox sign, or an indication of weight or water loss. I've felt that before when I was on a 30-day raw food diet.
The day after the cleanse (Day 5) is supposed to be when things that to 'purge' for lack of a better word. I'm to take a grip of purgative herbs the night before, and things are about the cleanse themselves. I'm not sure that will happen to me, because as a Vegan, my digestion is already decent. But, we'll see. It would be great to cleanse and purge, as is expected by the cleanse.
As always, I do wish you a healthy and happy day today.
I feel great, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Centered, relaxed, at one with my thoughts and feelings, and in control of my anxious moments, letting them be, letting them pass through without dwelling, without judgment. I think the self massage and the hot baths really put it all together. You can't help but be physically changed after working on your skin for 4 days in a row. It's a great feeling. I also feel lighter and cleaner, less bloated, less inflamed. My fingers feel skinny, which is a detox sign, or an indication of weight or water loss. I've felt that before when I was on a 30-day raw food diet.
The day after the cleanse (Day 5) is supposed to be when things that to 'purge' for lack of a better word. I'm to take a grip of purgative herbs the night before, and things are about the cleanse themselves. I'm not sure that will happen to me, because as a Vegan, my digestion is already decent. But, we'll see. It would be great to cleanse and purge, as is expected by the cleanse.
As always, I do wish you a healthy and happy day today.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Aryuvedic Cleanse - Day 3 of 4
Starting Day 3 of my 'Vata' Aryuvedic Cleanse. Everything went fine yesterday, although I did feel a bit hungry during lunch and dinner, long spaces of time between meals, just because of the way my work schedule turned out. I found myself drinking a lot warm water in between meals, just to take the edge off. Overcoming hunger and accepting it as a natural part of your being is something I always need work on during cleanses, so the emotional and spiritual part of that feeling is a good one to go through.
I had breakfast early yesterday, maybe a bit too early, and I found myself having lunch about 30 minutes before I should have. That's where the issues were, because I had a yoga class at 730pm and didn't eat dinner until 10pm or so, then massage and hot bath around 1030pm and bed by 11pm.
It's okay, no worries, nothing is ever perfect, and I feel fine this morning, especially my skin which is as soft and supple as it's been in a long time. My joints, as well, feel exceptionally supple and open. I'm not sure if it the cleanse or the yoga, but I did 'plow' pose (halasana) yesterday and for the first time ever, I was able to touch my toes to the ground. Plow is a tough pose for me because I'm a guy, for one thing, and my quads are like tree-trunks. So, that was a nice breakthrough.
The halfway point of any cleanse is always a big milestone, it's all downhill from here, and the benefits of the cleanse become more apparent. I do feel lighter and cleaner. My body and mind are more balanced, the feelings of anxiety and wandering I had before are less noticeable, and I'm definitely a lot warmer than usual (because of the yoga, baths, spices, and yoga). So, there is definitely some physical and emotional effects going on here. I'm going to take it really easy the next 3 days (workout) wise, just some very light yoga at home.
Allrighty then, time for some warm rice milk and 6 tsp (30 ml) of ghee, I'm actually looking forward to it! I wish you all a safe, happy, and healthy day today.
I had breakfast early yesterday, maybe a bit too early, and I found myself having lunch about 30 minutes before I should have. That's where the issues were, because I had a yoga class at 730pm and didn't eat dinner until 10pm or so, then massage and hot bath around 1030pm and bed by 11pm.
It's okay, no worries, nothing is ever perfect, and I feel fine this morning, especially my skin which is as soft and supple as it's been in a long time. My joints, as well, feel exceptionally supple and open. I'm not sure if it the cleanse or the yoga, but I did 'plow' pose (halasana) yesterday and for the first time ever, I was able to touch my toes to the ground. Plow is a tough pose for me because I'm a guy, for one thing, and my quads are like tree-trunks. So, that was a nice breakthrough.
The halfway point of any cleanse is always a big milestone, it's all downhill from here, and the benefits of the cleanse become more apparent. I do feel lighter and cleaner. My body and mind are more balanced, the feelings of anxiety and wandering I had before are less noticeable, and I'm definitely a lot warmer than usual (because of the yoga, baths, spices, and yoga). So, there is definitely some physical and emotional effects going on here. I'm going to take it really easy the next 3 days (workout) wise, just some very light yoga at home.
Allrighty then, time for some warm rice milk and 6 tsp (30 ml) of ghee, I'm actually looking forward to it! I wish you all a safe, happy, and healthy day today.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Aryuvedic Cleanse - Day 2 of 4
Just woke up, had a digestive herb, some ghee and rice milk. First day wasn't bad at all, I got through it fine, with no issues. I took my yoga class last night, and took it fairly easy, didn't push the boundaries too far, held back, and rested so cleanly in savasana, a feeling I've been experiencing well lately.
I had the portions of brown basmati rice (which is the yummiest part of the meals), kitchari (which isn't half bad), and mung soup (umm...), as mentioned and it was great. I feel cleaner already. As a Vegan, my digestion is very good already, but change is always good for the body, and the nutrients I'm getting and the simplicity of the food I'm eating is already having an effect. I feel less bloated, more alert, and more supple.
The highlight of the day had to be the self massage and the hot bath (need to buy more epsom salt). Made me sleep like a baby last night, something I've been longing for a long time. Surprisingly, my face, even though doused with the massage oil, is clear and supple this morning. I felt a sense of detoxification and release after the bath and then to bed.
Day Two then, is a repeat of Day One, save for the amount of Ghee (now 4 tsp). Seems like a lot, but with the warm rice milk, you can't even tell. It's actually really tasty, like Buttered-Popcorn flavored Jelly-Belly's (one of my favorite flavors that I rarely eat), so I don't dread that at all. I could do Ghee, I think, especially if it really does help me to lose body fat. I guess then I can't call myself a Vegan, but a Gheevan or something silly like that. Whatever, labels don't do it for me anyway.
In any case, this cleanse so far is great, and I would recommend it for folks looking to experiment, have an open mind, and want to explore their body's reaction to a different type of treatment. I wish you the best today, and hope that your day is filled with health and happiness.
I had the portions of brown basmati rice (which is the yummiest part of the meals), kitchari (which isn't half bad), and mung soup (umm...), as mentioned and it was great. I feel cleaner already. As a Vegan, my digestion is very good already, but change is always good for the body, and the nutrients I'm getting and the simplicity of the food I'm eating is already having an effect. I feel less bloated, more alert, and more supple.
The highlight of the day had to be the self massage and the hot bath (need to buy more epsom salt). Made me sleep like a baby last night, something I've been longing for a long time. Surprisingly, my face, even though doused with the massage oil, is clear and supple this morning. I felt a sense of detoxification and release after the bath and then to bed.
Day Two then, is a repeat of Day One, save for the amount of Ghee (now 4 tsp). Seems like a lot, but with the warm rice milk, you can't even tell. It's actually really tasty, like Buttered-Popcorn flavored Jelly-Belly's (one of my favorite flavors that I rarely eat), so I don't dread that at all. I could do Ghee, I think, especially if it really does help me to lose body fat. I guess then I can't call myself a Vegan, but a Gheevan or something silly like that. Whatever, labels don't do it for me anyway.
In any case, this cleanse so far is great, and I would recommend it for folks looking to experiment, have an open mind, and want to explore their body's reaction to a different type of treatment. I wish you the best today, and hope that your day is filled with health and happiness.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Aryuvedic Cleanse - Day 1 of 4
I'm starting an Aryuvedic cleanse today, based on a workshop I took several weeks back. In the workshop, I was diagnosed as having a "vata" imbalance with a constitution of "pitta" and "kapha". Without getting into the details of the diagnosis, I was given a program specifically to help balance out my "vata" imbalance, part of which is a 4-day cleanse, which involves eating very simply, taking in ghee and certain digestive and other cleansing herbs, doing self massage, and taking hot baths.
In addition, I am to take it easy, refrain from heavy exercise, thought, etc. The way I'm wired, I'm up for trying anything, even if it involves violating my current tenants. I'm a Vegan, right, so ghee (clarified butter) is really not my thing, but because the program specifically requires ghee, I'll go ahead and do it for 4 days and see what happens. Heck, if it makes me feel better, maybe I rethink my stance a bit.
For each of the days, it goes like this:
Wake up with the sunrise, 6am
Breakfast – 615am
- Take 1 capsule of digestive herb before ghee – 615am
- Take ghee with warm rice milk (2tsp, 4tsp, 6tsp, then 8tsp)
- Small portion of kitchari, mung soup, rice – 645am
- Drink Tea (Ginger, Cumin, Coriander)
Lunch - Noon
- Take 1 capsule of digestive herb
- Large portion of kitchari, mung soup, rice
- Take 1 capsule each of Manjistha and Turmeric after meal
- Drink Tea (Ginger, Cumin, Coriander)
Dinner – 7pm or 8pm
- Take 1 capsule of digestive herb
- Medium portion of kitchari, mung soup, rice
- Take 1 capsule each of Manjistha and Turmeric after meal
- Drink Tea (Ginger, Cumin, Coriander)
Self Massage – 9pm
Hot Bath – 930pm
Go to bed by 10pm
Lunch will be the toughest, because I'll be at work. I'll probably eat at my desk, then go for a walk in the sunshine. Exercise will be light and easy, maybe a Yoga class at night, with 50% effort. The hardest part of this was getting all of the recipes and food right. The recipes for kitchari, mung soup, and rice ... with all of the spices required are quite simple, but I trialed them all last week, and let's just say I'm not using any of the stuff I made then. But, with experience comes better results and last night I cooked up everything fairly well, and things this morning aren't too bad.
The food is bland and simple, to say the least, but that's what a cleanse is all about. My feeling is that I can pretty much do anything for just four days (when it comes to food), so I should be fine. I'll let you know the results, as well as provide tips on food preparation, etc. in upcoming entries.
If you've never done a cleanse before, I would encourage you to investigate. It's a great way to experiment with your body, to see if there are alternatives out there that could be beneficial to you long term. And most cleanses last a fairly short period of time, less than a week for some. So, read up, and consider giving it a shot. Of course, make sure you know what you're doing, check with your doctor, and by all means, if you're not feeling well, just stop, no reason to harm yourself, if it isn't working out. I wish you health and happiness, and a good day.
In addition, I am to take it easy, refrain from heavy exercise, thought, etc. The way I'm wired, I'm up for trying anything, even if it involves violating my current tenants. I'm a Vegan, right, so ghee (clarified butter) is really not my thing, but because the program specifically requires ghee, I'll go ahead and do it for 4 days and see what happens. Heck, if it makes me feel better, maybe I rethink my stance a bit.
For each of the days, it goes like this:
Wake up with the sunrise, 6am
Breakfast – 615am
- Take 1 capsule of digestive herb before ghee – 615am
- Take ghee with warm rice milk (2tsp, 4tsp, 6tsp, then 8tsp)
- Small portion of kitchari, mung soup, rice – 645am
- Drink Tea (Ginger, Cumin, Coriander)
Lunch - Noon
- Take 1 capsule of digestive herb
- Large portion of kitchari, mung soup, rice
- Take 1 capsule each of Manjistha and Turmeric after meal
- Drink Tea (Ginger, Cumin, Coriander)
Dinner – 7pm or 8pm
- Take 1 capsule of digestive herb
- Medium portion of kitchari, mung soup, rice
- Take 1 capsule each of Manjistha and Turmeric after meal
- Drink Tea (Ginger, Cumin, Coriander)
Self Massage – 9pm
Hot Bath – 930pm
Go to bed by 10pm
Lunch will be the toughest, because I'll be at work. I'll probably eat at my desk, then go for a walk in the sunshine. Exercise will be light and easy, maybe a Yoga class at night, with 50% effort. The hardest part of this was getting all of the recipes and food right. The recipes for kitchari, mung soup, and rice ... with all of the spices required are quite simple, but I trialed them all last week, and let's just say I'm not using any of the stuff I made then. But, with experience comes better results and last night I cooked up everything fairly well, and things this morning aren't too bad.
The food is bland and simple, to say the least, but that's what a cleanse is all about. My feeling is that I can pretty much do anything for just four days (when it comes to food), so I should be fine. I'll let you know the results, as well as provide tips on food preparation, etc. in upcoming entries.
If you've never done a cleanse before, I would encourage you to investigate. It's a great way to experiment with your body, to see if there are alternatives out there that could be beneficial to you long term. And most cleanses last a fairly short period of time, less than a week for some. So, read up, and consider giving it a shot. Of course, make sure you know what you're doing, check with your doctor, and by all means, if you're not feeling well, just stop, no reason to harm yourself, if it isn't working out. I wish you health and happiness, and a good day.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Emptiness
I'm reading "The Joy of Living" by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. In a nutshell, the book discusses emotional and psychological problems facing folks in modern times, and how these are explained using both Buddhist and scientific methodologies. It's a interesting read, to say the least.
One of the fascinating concepts discussed in the book is "emptiness". You all know this already, rest your mind, quiet your mind, empty your mind, stop thinking, just rest ... and this will clear a pathway to overcome stress, anxiety, etc. I really didn't know what this meant, to be honest with you. I always thought if I just shut my mind down, hit the "power-off" button if you will, then I could let things settle and rest. Turn it off. That's what I thought it all meant. Of course, turning off your mind is virtually impossible, at least, for any length of time.
While I wasn't "wrong" per se, the concept of "emptiness" according to Rinpoche was vastly different. It doesn't mean "the absence of thought" or "hitting the power-off button". Rather it means "space" or "infinite possibility". A blank sheet of paper, a vast ocean, an artists' canvas if you will.
I was in San Francisco the other day, just hanging out, spending some "ME" time. I found myself sitting on a bench across Bryant and Embarcadero, overlooking the piers, the Bay Bridge, and the boats in the Bay. Between the piers was a "sheet of water" if you will. And for whatever reason, I thought of that sheet of water as emptiness. Maybe the waves, boats, etc. dancing around are the thoughts that race to and from my mind. But the sheet of water was the "space" that encompassed it all, the medium that allowed everything to occur.
Given that and applying it to my situation, thoughts and ideas that cause stress and anxiety shouldn't be turned off or powered down. They should be allowed to exist, like a boat in the water, dance in the medium, and then dance out of the medium. They should be observed, felt, and then let go. The mind, being so complex, has many boats dancing through it's sheet of water. So by treating the ones that cause pain and suffering with the respect they deserve, and then letting them pass along like all of the others, we can begin to deal with hard pressing thoughts, emotions, and ideas with a sense of peace and balance.
If you are experiencing a "tight mind" where you're trying to block out thoughts or ideas that are bothering you, or a "fighting mind" where you are hyper-analyzing those very things, consider giving the book a chance, and take the nuggets of wisdom for your benefit. I wish you peace and balance and an "empty" mind.
One of the fascinating concepts discussed in the book is "emptiness". You all know this already, rest your mind, quiet your mind, empty your mind, stop thinking, just rest ... and this will clear a pathway to overcome stress, anxiety, etc. I really didn't know what this meant, to be honest with you. I always thought if I just shut my mind down, hit the "power-off" button if you will, then I could let things settle and rest. Turn it off. That's what I thought it all meant. Of course, turning off your mind is virtually impossible, at least, for any length of time.
While I wasn't "wrong" per se, the concept of "emptiness" according to Rinpoche was vastly different. It doesn't mean "the absence of thought" or "hitting the power-off button". Rather it means "space" or "infinite possibility". A blank sheet of paper, a vast ocean, an artists' canvas if you will.
I was in San Francisco the other day, just hanging out, spending some "ME" time. I found myself sitting on a bench across Bryant and Embarcadero, overlooking the piers, the Bay Bridge, and the boats in the Bay. Between the piers was a "sheet of water" if you will. And for whatever reason, I thought of that sheet of water as emptiness. Maybe the waves, boats, etc. dancing around are the thoughts that race to and from my mind. But the sheet of water was the "space" that encompassed it all, the medium that allowed everything to occur.
Given that and applying it to my situation, thoughts and ideas that cause stress and anxiety shouldn't be turned off or powered down. They should be allowed to exist, like a boat in the water, dance in the medium, and then dance out of the medium. They should be observed, felt, and then let go. The mind, being so complex, has many boats dancing through it's sheet of water. So by treating the ones that cause pain and suffering with the respect they deserve, and then letting them pass along like all of the others, we can begin to deal with hard pressing thoughts, emotions, and ideas with a sense of peace and balance.
If you are experiencing a "tight mind" where you're trying to block out thoughts or ideas that are bothering you, or a "fighting mind" where you are hyper-analyzing those very things, consider giving the book a chance, and take the nuggets of wisdom for your benefit. I wish you peace and balance and an "empty" mind.
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