When I went Raw 9 years ago, I had no idea it would be as much about lifestyle as it is about food…

I was never an outdoorsy person. When I met my husband, one of the things that instantly drew me to him was how absolutely comfortable he was just being outside. (He works out doors building massive waterfalls and ponds.) Our second date was on a walk in the forest in November on a snowy, sunny day where the snow sparkled like diamonds in every direction all around us. My husband introduced me to hiking, and now after 13 years I am still completely in love with it. (And him!)

cold weather and being raw

One of the hardest things for me growing up has been the cold.  I have always suffered in winter weather.  When I went raw, I didn’t know how I would maintain my raw food lifestyle during the long winter months. I have learned several tips and strategies which I will share about in an upcoming post, but what I most want to let you know is that when I went raw, I became healthier. My immune system has doubled what it used to be. Cold weather and other stresses don’t affect me as much anymore.

I now LOVE spending time outdoors in Nature in all kinds of weather.  Nothing seems to bring balance and insight and a sense of magic and miracles as much as a walk in Nature where the view isn’t manmade.

My family and I set up our tent year round except for winter so we can camp out whenever we want.  It feels amazing to sleep and dream and wake up outside under the night sky that covers us all…

While I gather my tips and recipes for next time, I wish to offer you a poem that was recently shared with me by an Earth Empress named Melissa, that is a beautiful reflection of a night spent outdoors, as well as a FOREST MEDITATION.

SLEEPING IN THE FOREST by Mary Oliver

I thought the earth remembered me,
she took me back so tenderly,
arranging her dark skirts, her pockets
full of lichens and seeds.
I slept as never before, a stone on the river bed,
nothing between me and the white fire of the stars
but my thoughts, and they floated light as moths
among the branches of the perfect trees.
All night I heard the small kingdoms
breathing around me, the insects,
and the birds who do their work in the darkness.
All night I rose and fell, as if in water,
grappling with a luminous doom. By morning
I had vanished at least a dozen times
into something better.

I realise that it may not be practical for you to sleep outside anytime soon, especially with winter coming.  My loving suggestion is to compensate by sleeping with the window open and ensuring plenty of outdoor time during the day.  And, to take an image with you of the forest into your dreams as you drift off to sleep tonight, wherever you are…perhaps have a pine scented aromatherapy bath to sooth your body and soul before tucking yourself in for the night.

a meditation

Imagine an emerald green forest before you…as you stand at the edge of the forest, take in a deep breath of fresh air. The stillness of the forest evokes a deep calm within, inviting you to step into this magical place.

You notice the colors of the grass and trees and flowers seem richer here. You can hear the wind moving the forest branches, and there is a nearby stream…the sounds are relaxing you.  You are surrounded by ancient wisdom and strength and peace. You feel calm and open.

Time stands still and you let go of your need to do or control anything. In this sacred space, you have faith that you are safe and protected.  You feel grounded and are at peace.  You are amoung many friends- the trees, the flowers, the birds and forest animals…

You feel the soft carpet of pine needles underneath your feet, the rich greeness is everywhere and the air is warm.  You see an opening of the trees above where the sun is streaming through.

You enter a grassy knoll by a babbling brooke.  It is so beautiful you can hardly believe your eyes.  You reach your arms high above your head and start to twirl around and around feeling lighter and happier than you have been in a while…

You can’t help laughing and smiling from deep within your heart.  You are filled with wonder and joy!

You sit down on a large rock that makes a perfect seat right beside the crystal stream where a large bird is standing. You both make eye contact and share a moment of bonding, before she takes majestic flight.  You feel blessed by the encounter.  You are warmed by the rays of sunlight, and feel hugged by the love you feel all around you.

There are now two white brids flying overhead.  You feel they have been sent by your new friend, the large bird in the water.  They are carring small pebbles in their beaks and are carefully dropping them into the water.

You look into the water and see beautiful gold fish, a turtle and some frogs…They all seem to be playing together and showing off for your enjoyment.  They keep diving down and coming back up with more and more excitement. After watching the antics of these playful beings, to your utter surprise and delight you suddenly notice that there is something else you see in the water a couple feet below the surface.

It is a pattern of stones, forming words.  This is what the fish, turtle and frogs were wanting to show you…

It is a special message infused with love, just for you.  You instantly recognize it as exactly what you most needed to hear just now.

It is a deep confirmation of something you already know, and are wanting to be reminded of…

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Tagged: exquisite self care, natural health and beauty, raw foods, raw renewal, rejuvenation, sensual beauty