Transitioning in phases

Change is essential to life.  We change anyway whether we like it or not.  Every day we are growing, degrading, becoming weaker, becoming stronger.  Our thoughts can harden into intractable attitudes, our actions become habits which can eventually be seen in our bodies.  When we stop changing we die - except that even after death, our physical bodies continue to change until dust.

But change doesn't have to mean erosion and degradation.  It can also mean adding to, building up.  It seems to me that the effort of building up, adding to, staying positive and productive is far greater than the simple act of surrendering to natural decline.  But the effort is very worthwhile and sometimes it's just a matter of making simple choices.

I never would have tried to change to raw veganism if someone hadn't served it to me, on a plate, a gift of love, a burst of flavor in my mouth, a feeling of wellness surging through my body.  At another gathering, a dear heart said to me, "Open your mouth, this is too messy to pick up with your hands," and she fed me.  Once again I felt that love, tasted that amazing fresh flavor, and felt the good from top to toes.

That was the first phase.   It was an uplifting experience.  But it made me curious, and that led to some time online, a couple of visits to a restaurant and the library, watching documentaries, buying a book.  That was the second phase.  We opened our minds and our eyes.

The third phase was finding products and materials for the things we want to do.  Where do you buy sprouting jars?  What's the best dehydrator?  Do we need a juicer?  Which are the best nutritional supplements?  Which books are worthwhile to read?  Who's who in the world of raw veganism?

The fourth phase involves developing skills and deepening research.  We are learning how to grow sprouts.  We are trying new recipes.  We are figuring out how to make sure that our growing 12 year old son really does get enough B12, vitamin D, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and protein.

The fifth phase involves changing habits and retraining our tastebuds.  The morning routine is evolving - the sprouts are rinsed right after letting the dog out.  The morning meal is a fruit and vegetable smoothie instead of cereal.  As I bring new raw vegan cookbooks into my home, the familiar old cookbooks are pushed to the back.  As we munch on flavorful raw dehydrated cauliflower "popcorn," the SAD (standard American diet) snack chips are forgotten.  We aren't deprived of anything, we are simply making room for what is better.  As we continue, the SAD is less appealing and we crave the fresh, raw and fabulous.

The sixth phase is sharing.  One day I will have the privilege of feeding delicious raw vegan food to someone, perhaps even someone who has never tried it before.

The phases overlap, and we are going at our own pace.  Certainly every experience is different.  The important thing is that we are taking charge of the natural flow of change in our lives, and working with nature to bring about the results we want.