Yoga

So first, to get the numbers out of the way: I lost one pound this week, bringing my grand total to 55 pounds lost in a little less than five months. I weigh 205 now and predict that I'll be under 200 by the end of July with the help of my 10-day fast.

Second, I had to get a physical for employment with the Newark Public School District and when the doctor took my blood pressure - it was completely normal. Now, I never had seriously high blood pressure - at least not high enough that I was ever put on medication to regulate it. But every single time I would go to the doctor, they would mention that it was a "little" high. I'm talking about since the age of 8. 20 years of, "It's a little high . . .let's keep an eye on it." And today - not even a little high. Perfect. Thank you, veganism, running, and yoga!

Third, my 10 day fast is starting next week and I opened a group on Facebook for anyone who wants to try this with me. Just e-mail me or message me on Facebook and I'll invite you to the group if you're interested.

So finally, I have to share a profound experience I had on Friday. On Thursday, I was stuck at the CVS Minute Clinic waiting for the results of my mandatory TB test when I realized that one minute actually means 60 at CVS . . .and I would miss yoga. I was so frustrated because I have been on a religious schedule of yoga and running since the end of the fast. I needed to get into another class before the weekend, but the only classes open were level 2/3 classes. I decided to go - but with the intention that I would push when I could and rest when I couldn't. The class was amazing. I felt strength in my body I didn't know I had. I could feel the muscles really pushing, really working - and it felt incredible. I had such gratitude for my body, such gratitude for the hot room and the people in it, such gratitude for missing my regular yoga class, and such gratitude for the years of hating my body - so that in this moment, loving it was such a profound sensation that I was close to crying. This is the power of the juice fast for me - moments like this. This new relationship I have with food and my body. I wish I could give this feeling to everyone who struggles with emotional eating, or body image issues, or even people who feel like they need to be on a diet. I'll never diet again. I'll never take this body for granted again.