Raw food retreat
The power of retreat
Taking a time-out from our regular day-to-day lives is essential. I find that I need to unplug and take time away at least quarterly. For years I have longed to go away to a health spa recently I mentioned this to a friend who shares my passion for healthy, intentional living. Soon we were planning for a long weekend of raw food, juicing, walking, yoga and relaxation at the Oregon Coast.
The beauty of raw, organic plant foods
Raw or living foods are regarded by many as the most beautifying and nutritious to consume because many vitamins, enzymes and other live, beneficial constituents are destroyed by the heat of cooking.
Contrary to what most of us are taught, a plant-based diet can provide all of the essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids required for optimum health. Many raw foodists are attracted to the lifestyle because it makes one feel, as Celedra put it, “like you are vibrating with the planet”.
Mindfulness, vitality, and connection
My friend and I stocked up at the co-op before we left Portland and over the 72-hour weekend we ate nothing but fresh, raw, organic foods. We made up our own recipes and relied on some from Jennifer Cornbleet’s book Raw Food Made Easy for 1 or 2 People.
My taste buds came alive and the earthy-juicy-sweetness of the fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that we ate were so satisfying! We both noted that we needed and wanted to eat less food than we’d expected. Not only do raw plant foods taste better, I find that I can really feel the nutrients assimilating into my body, like puzzle pieces clicking into place – instant vitality!
Ongoing rewards
When a retreat is over the challenge is to sustain the fresh perspectives we attain while away. The gifts of this weekend are many; perhaps most notably I’ve returned home with a heightened appreciation for the intricate perfection of nature and continued mindfulness about what and when to eat.
Touchstones of the Sacred would love to hear from any raw food enthusiasts! How does raw food impact your body, mind and spirit for the better? Do you feel closer to the divine or your truest essence through a raw lifestyle?
