It is becoming popular to cleanse, I think. Recently several friends have approached me; "I want to cleanse. How should I do it?". Certain types of people like to be told what to do, and honestly when I was just beginning, I did too. I researched and read, I sought advice from select raw foodists, and when I felt well educated and prepared, I dove in for personal experimentation. Now, an advocate embarking on my 4th week-long cleanse in the past 6 months, I do kinda feel like an (ever evolving) Expert. At this point, I would honestly suspect anyone who claimed to know my body better than I, would shake my head at the idea of paying a fee for health, and would outright laugh at the thought of maple syrup or burdock root being some kind of secret serum. At this point.

If you are considering a cleanse, you are a Rebel. So let's do what Rebels do and break down some systems, shall we? Warning: the following ideas might be seen as crazy by the general population:

The body works perfectly. Its sole concern is to be a body and it will do anything in its power to maintain that integrity. A flower just takes the sun, rain and soil and becomes a flower out of it. If someone breaks a leaf, it rushes to repair. All the flower is concerned with is being the strongest, brightest, healthiest organism it can be. We are the same. We just need to stop interfering.

I have 22 piercings. The first 10 I used peroxide and triple antibiotic ointment to heal. The next 10 used diluted lavender oil, thinking I was a Rebel. The last 2 piercings (getting really crazy here!) I used absolutely nothing.

If I healed before, it was inspite of my interference, not because of. So the ideal cleanse would be one that interfered the least with our body's natural healing process then - a complete fast taking in only water, sunshine, fresh air, and sleep. But let's face it, not all of us are ready for that type of commitment. So now, when deciding how I am going to cleanse, I ask 3 questions to lead the way:

1. Why am I cleansing?
2. What are the advantages and challenges of my current lifestyle?
3. What level of detox am I prepared to undergo?

I asked one of my recent cleanse-curious questioners these inquiries and she answered respectively, "I want to lose 10 pounds. I eat the Standard American (SAD) Diet, exercise twice/week, and wish to go about business and relationships as usual." To which I responded, "You will loose 10 pounds and be able to continue your present level of work and socializing, if you increase your workouts to 5 times/wk and cut coffee, soda and white flour out of your diet. That is a cleanse for you." I don't think she liked my answer. Should I have suggested maple syrup enemas?

I myself answer the questions like this: I am cleansing to let any residual inflammation, physical pain and unresolved emotions tied to my past 2 years in STOMP go. I am cleansing to create a Free Space of Chaos to move forward from. My current lifestyle has the advantages of being supported by 95% raw vegan foods, consistent exercise, and plentiful love. My lifestyle challenges are inconsistent sleep patterns, inconsistent beds, inconsistent climates and a proclivity for social overexertion. And finally, having secured a private space for alone time, having no job to answer to, and having alerted my friends and family to the potential need of support or seclusion, I am willing to detox all the way. In fact, I would be utterly disappointed if catharsis was not involved.

My week-long cleanse will therefore consist of, tailor made for me: 1T apple cider vinegar in 8oz water, then 1T barley green power in 8oz water, on a rotating basis as I become thirsty. I will sleep as much as possible, spend ample time outdoors, administer an enema twice daily, exercise as I feel fit, and keep a journal handy for emerging cathartic revelations. If I feel threatened for whatever unforeseen reason, I will feed myself bits of (my super comfort foods) one young coconut or one ripe avocado. I will write in my online journal every day, promising (in contrast to this entry) to keep it direct and observational. And most importantly, I will listen to my body and if at any time it wishes to change plans, I will yield to its wisdom.

After all, it is quite good at being a body. Perfect, in fact.

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