“Take Care” is a standard salutation we consistently use when saying goodbye to someone. We say it when a person has been through a difficult emotional problem or a health challenge as a loving intention for them.
Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both physical and mental health. Mental self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Deep breathing outside in the fresh air does a lot to help increase serotonin levels for a better mental attitude through the exposure to negative ions. An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electrical charge. The charge of an electron is considered negative, which is equal and opposite to the charge of a proton, which is considered positive. Today’s modern world is overstuffed with positive ions. Lighting, computers, electronic devices, air conditioning systems, and some building materials emit positive ions into the air. They can cause tiredness, irritation, and depression, just to name a few.
Sunshine and fresh air, which provide negative ions, are one way you can reduce positive ions. Pay attention to how you feel after you have been outside for 20 minutes. Nature is a powerhouse of negative ions. As the weather warms up, try walking around barefeoot in the grass and take your ionization experience to the next level.
Physically keeping your self–your inner environment–in a negative charge supports all your mechanics in working more efficiently. One of the best ways to do that is to intentionally feed your body foods that won’t be sticky: whole, fresh foods that relieve the toxic load. By keeping yourself alkalized, you can reduce your positive ion load. The more alkalized you are, the easier it is for your body to detox. It will take at least 20 minutes for you to ionize. Compared to someone who is really ill and toxic, their ionization may take longer, and more methods, treatments or tools may be needed to gain the same results.
The liver is the organ that takes on the daunting task of filtering blood. The liver is a tough organ system. It has to be for the way we abuse it. The liver is the part of your body with the most significant ability to heal and regenerate.In the Macrobiotics lifestyle, we respect this fact, and part of the philosophy is to eat according to the energies of nature; in other words, support the organ systems that are being activated within each season.
Spring is the season that activates the liver and gallbladder. March 20th is the Spring Equinox. No better time than the present to begin liver care. With the liver being the manager of blood quality as well as digestion, the focus on cleansing, reboot, and regeneration needs to begin now.
Changing patterns such as overeating and adjusting food combinations will help the liver discharge the excess from the winter. Removing excesses such as heavy oils, extra salt, and more prolonged cooking, will allow the liver to lighten up.
In this month’s cooking class, I will outline the foods that need to be introduced during this season, the physical aspects of change, and the emotional cues to look for when you experience liver detox.
Join us Saturday, March 11, at 9:30 for a liver-supporting menu. Feel the difference not just in that moment but also, as many report, the rest of the day!
~Virginia
