It has been a whirlwind 24 hours, but I am officially at the Institute and well on my way to a new healing lifestyle.
After checking into my very comfortable room at Punta house, I had a raw lunch consisting mainly of sprouts and what the Chef calls "side dishes". Orientation and rules were followed by the Executive Chef's presentation. Food has an almost immediate effect on the human body. I have spent years eating whatever tasted good to me with little regard to the benefits or harm to my organs. Like most people, I trusted that the food industry would not do anything to hurt me.
In order to minimze detoxification, I started to eat primarily raw veggies. After a week, it was a very unpleasant surprise to find that a small piece of birthday cake could send me to bed with severe reflux and somach pain. It definitely got my attention. I know it is time to change what I eat.
My group then got to take the tour of the facility. It is a tropical paradise with salt water mineral pools and meeting rooms and even a greenhouse where our organic food is grown. It will be great for peaceful walks and meditation in between the many informative lectures.
We ended the tour with a meet and greet. Guests from all over the world shared a little about themselves. Many of the guests have various types and stages of cancer, so I figured I must be in the right place. Joy and tears were shared as we went around the room getting to know more about each other. Everyone is supportive and it is great to know you are not alone. That is one of the hardest things for me. When I face this diagnosis, I feel so alone on a dead end road, walking toward a cliff.
To be with others facing similar challenges is encouraging. I truly believe I am in the right place and I am very grateful to be here.
Off to wheatgrass school...