My first cleanse was dogmatic, rigid and spartan. I appreciated learning this way because it gave me a reference point. What is the most strict way to cleanse and still survive? I was prepared for it, however. I was expecting it to be strict and I wanted it to be strict. I think it is important to learn the purist view before experimenting with what works for you on an individual basis. The first fast I experienced was under the care and tutelage of Hillary Adrian, Director of the Samui Dharma Healing Center. I traveled to study with her 4 times to cleanse for 8, 7, 10 and 14 days respectively. We spent the majority of our days in classes learning about nutrition, food combining, and the most important part of the fast, breaking it.
After the first couple of days of what was for me a bit of a dreary and depressing detox, I was hooked. I found the truth in the 13th century Sufu poet, Rumi's words
There's hidden sweetness in the stomach's emptiness.
We are lutes, no more, no less. If the soundbox
is stuffed full of anything, no music.
If the brain and belly are burning clean
with fasting, every moment a new song comes out of the fire.
The fog clears, and new energy makes you
run up the steps in front of you.
Be emptier and cry like reed instruments cry.
I am looking forward to getting to that point. But I have learned over the last 9 years, that my days in Thailand were a luxury retreat. It is a little more work to get to that point in my day-to-day life because I am still surrounded by temptations and my daily habits. I have rushed into fasting in recent years and not been able to reap the benefits of the cleanse, so I am taking my time and embarking on a true elimination fast. Tomorrow will be a big day as I will attempt to eliminate coffee, sugar, soy, and wheat. Wish me luck.