Self Mastery

Noon at Wilson Creek Beach. The ocean breezes have ended the temperature breaking heat wave. Glorious spring and summer, the best I've ever experienced. A perfect day. A good time to reflect. I was reading my journal about my efforts at cleansing and rejuvenation and yet here I sit facing the sun coughing up blood riddled, thick mucous.

I do have a disease where this is expected and perfectly natural for most, it's in the cards. But I have knowledge and a method that can partially eliminate my symptoms and elevate my state of well being. But for some reason known only to God's best friend, I am not applying the method. Partially because my breathing is out of control, but a short fast can tame that beast.

I know I'm not the only one on earth guilty of this. People constantly fantasize about being slim and fit if only they could stick to their diet and exercise. But the weight keeps piling on. Men and women all over the world addicted to nicotine try over and over to break their habit. Multitudes of people with good intentions fail in their efforts.

But this is my life and my life depends on change.

I was privileged to witness Daniel Northcott's stubborn battle with a rare form of incurable blood cancer. Family and friends rallied around and they tried a stream of alternative treatments. He died in the arms of his mother and sister. At Daniel's request his body was put on ice and he remained with his family for three days. The reason for this is to allow the etherical dimension to separate from the elemental or physical body. This is an esoteric practice that Daniel was aware of and his family honored his wishes. He also wanted his body to be wrapped in a shroud and buried in the ground near a forest. He was laid in an earthen grave sans coffin on Vancouver Island. The first man to receive a green burial in Canada's history.

Legendary photographer Bruce Webber beautifully captured the life and vitality of Heath Ledger. Two years after the photo was taken he too would be dead. Daniel and Heath were around the same age and I'm sure they would both do whatever it took to stay on this side of the dirt. I'm 62 and still on the living side of the dirt. And I'm beginning to understand why I fast and cleanse, then go back to my old ways.

Old habits die hard. Over indulging in good wine and rich food is a hard habit to kill. It's so sensuous to drink vino and devour a meal of tender meat and trimmings. Been doing it since I was a cave man, except in those days I worked my ass off for the meat and couldn't yet find grapes to ferment. So, I continue to flip from health nut to gourmet glutton. Why? Because I have not learned the high art of self mastery. I googled and found this: "Self mastery is the ability to make the most out of your physical, mental, and spiritual health. To be the best you can be."

Two words come to mind with mastery - discipline and control. If I wasn't in the latter stages of a progressive incurable disease I'd probably eat and drink my way to death's door. And that still is an option. But I've decided to learn some control and discipline over my habits and see if self mastery can improve my health.

I've learned over the years that quick turns in the road of life don't necessarily mean you stay on the road. So I'm taking a slow turn, not dashing into a water fast, but a gentler change that I can stick to. I'm eating only raw vegetables and fruits with some nuts. I still have the odd glass of wine, but only occasionally and never more than two.

I can feel some very subtle changes in the last few days, mucous seems to be less thick and not so dark with blood, cough is still present, but not as severe and my breathing at night is not as labored. I'm supplementing with hemp oil, CoQ10, Vitamin D, circumin and liquid magnesium with calcium. I'll cruise at this speed for awhile, then embark on a juice and water fast.

When my body eases I'll initiate the Buteyko breathing method and that is where the real elevation will begin. Stay tuned.