Day 4: Get your OM on, then hop with John

I remember when meditation was a foreign concept to me. I was very busy. It did not sound like the best use of my time. Would I have to fold into a pretzel and chant? Now I've learned that meditation is actually one of the most important things I can do every day.

The 21 Day Quantum Wellness Cleanse states, “Meditation is good for you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. By making a regular practice of it, you can expect:

*Improvement in concentration and artistic abilities
*Improvement in performance levels in sports
*Increased ability to learn and communicate
*Profound relaxation
*A change in metabolism due to the lowering of biochemical by-products of stress
*Lowered heart rate and blood pressure
*Greater ease of respiration
*A feeling of being 'in tune' with your higher nature
*Greater insight and inspiration
*A more grounded approach and response to life’s challenges”

So really, why not try it?

Making time for yourself “won’t make you a bad daughter or wife or mother; it will make you a less resentful, more confident, interesting, beautiful, patient, tolerant and fun person to be around.  Your bright, shining light will give everyone else around you the permission and inspiration to shine more brightly.  Love yourself enough to do whatever it takes to be the best you you can be.” –Skinny Bitch

Setting aside even one minute a day to breathe and close your eyes to embrace the quiet is a great start. Close your eyes and count out ten breaths, focusing on the inhalations and exhalations. That’s one minute.  As you get more comfortable, you can move to 5 minutes, playing soothing music. Then eventually, maybe even 20.

Many say that the best time to meditate is in the morning. When you sit with your eyes closed before you start getting ready, the rest of your day will be set for calm, centered, and inspired focus.

If you would like, you may try this lovely meditation:

“Find a quiet spot and sit or lie down and close your eyes.  For at least ten breaths, drop down as deep into yourself as you can and connect to the part of you that wants to heal and flourish.  Feel the little buzz of magic that is getting stirred.”

Think about why you are doing this cleanse. Imagine yourself feeling lighter, happier, cleaner. Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge that this is a big step- you are doing your best and are already doing better than last week. Feel the pride in your commitment.

Use whatever time you can squeeze in – even letting these thoughts settle quietly as you breathe deeply is a good starting point. The first time I did this cleanse, I would take 3 minutes out of my lunch break and close my eyes at my desk. The main thing is to take some time to reflect and to let the good of the changes you are making settle in.

You can even make a meditation out of eating your food.

"While eating food, feel that you are feeding the power of God within. Watch the soul through every taste of the food." - Paramahamsa Hariharananda

Speaking of food! We've had some delicious, hot and spicy meals so far. In the interest of balance, it’s time to cool down a bit with a refreshing salad that’s easy to take with you on a busy day.

Today’s recipe, Hoppin’ John Salad, was introduced to me by the 21 Day Vegan Kickstart. It’s one of my favorites and I always have friends and family request the recipe when I bring it to gatherings. A printable version, along with nutrition information, can be found here: Hoppin' John Salad.

Hoppin' John Salad
Makes about 10 1/2-cup servings
2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, or 1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas, drained
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup finely sliced green onions
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 tomato, diced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil (I used pumpkin seed oil, thinking of my cleansing girls in Croatia!)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 - 2 garlic cloves, crushed

*(optional) I’m adding corn– ¼ cup, ½ of a yellow bell pepper, diced, and ½ cucumber, diced

Combine black-eyed peas, rice, green onions, celery, tomato, and parsley in a mixing bowl. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, oil, salt, and garlic and pour over the salad. Toss gently. Chill 1 to 2 hours if time permits.

If you don’t have all of the veggies, just play around with the ones you like. I’ve made many variations of this depending on what’s on hand. Always Delicious!