Paul's Calling

Recently I've been contemplating what it means to have a calling.

Since I was 12 years old I've had a job - bailing hay, roofing, mechanic, selling women's shoes, managing retail shops, opening raw food restaurants/smoothie/ juice bars, personal training, life coaching, menu director, raw food chef and many others. Each of these jobs taught me something of value, and most of them positioned me in the middle of interacting with people of all ages and races. It's been a blessing that I had the ability to work hard to make a living, learning the systems and skills necessary to perform each job I had the opportunity to experience.
 

My first experience with losing a close family member was when my mother died of complications of a heart attack and stroke at the young age of 55. It was a huge game changer, and it was just after that time that I started looking at the systems and people around me differently. It became clear that many Americans were in a similar health situation as my mother had been in, and they too were in critical need of a wake up call. I believe there is still time for us to be proactive as a nation and turn our collective health around. If enough individuals change the state of their personal health, our nation will naturally start developing new systems to meet the demand. I envision a new paradigm shift as our buying power begins to support local and non-GMO farmers, permaculture, compost systems, renewable energy sources and all that goes along with creating truly healthy families.
 

I feel called to be a teacher, sensing that God has called me to lead the mission of Cleanse America.
 

My mother was a wise and humble woman. One day I was sharing information about raw foods and healing with her. She just sat and listened to me and I saw tears welling up in her eyes. I asked her what was wrong, as I didn't think I had said anything to offend her. She told me how proud she was of me for wanting to help people with their health. She then asked a question that has stayed in my mind until this moment. She said "What about their souls?"
 

I can still feel the power and weight of that question with me now.
 

I have lived quite a bit of life in my 36 years. I've been involved with people who think that there is a direct correlation between the foods they eat and how spiritually enlightened they are. I have seen how the vast majority of people who claimed that seemed to also be judgmental and unhappy deep down. I have also been around some of the most spiritually sound people who also seem to have unhealthy eating habits, and I've seen how this physically unhealthy state impairs their ability to share their spirituality.
 

I surrendered my life to God about 6 years ago. Since then I have had a peace that permeates every part of my life. It was around that same time that I began a cleansing diet, eating 100% raw foods while  I was also living without electricity - all by choice. My personal experience showed me how often matters of the spirit come up in our lives and how frequently we cover them up with food, drink, TV, radio, internet and the many other numbing devices we have created. When I took away all the things that would normally distract me, there was only me left there - alone with myself, my thoughts and God. It was one of the most intense things I had ever done and experienced. There came a point where I was so spiritually afflicted, I couldn't sleep for 3 days. At the end of the 3 days, a good friend came over and prayed with me and it was the first time in my life I felt the true power of prayer. Shortly thereafter I realized that I could no longer do things in my own power and I humbled myself before God and surrendered completely to His will.

My whole life I had sought out spiritual teachers, studied philosophy, world religions and done many different things to explore the temporary alignment with one could have with spirit. From what I can see many have had the dogma/religion of God without having the direct experience. It is my hope that Cleanse America will awaken people not only to new levels of health but also to into a deeper relationship with God.
 

We invite you to join us in a 10 day cleanse.  Each individual can be a catalyst for the Transformation of a Nation.
 

Have a blessed week,

Paul

Gearing Up for Next Week's Cleanse!

We only have 4 FULL Days left until we begin the cleanse, so NOW's the time to encourage anyone you know who is on the fence to come join us. We want everyone to get plugged in this weekend so there is time to prepare, plan and get inspired! 

Even if you're not sure if you're ready to commit to a 10-Day Cleanse, we invite you to come access all of our premium content so you can enjoy the recipes, the motivation, education, inspiration and support of hundred of like-minded people from all over the globe for just $25. Come be part of the Transformation of the Nation! www.cleanseamerica.com 

Check List for Gearing Up for the Cleanse:

• Clean out your kitchen - refrigerator, pantry and cabinets - removing any foods that will be temptations during your cleanse.  We understand that this may be a challenge for some of you who have families, but make every effort to organize and prepare your kitchen in such a way that you'll maximize your success!
• If you're a registered member at Cleanse America's Community Site - download & read your Digital Materials - Guidelines for Cleansing, Liquid Recipe Collection, Raw Food Recipe Collection & if you'll be juicing or doing liquids only, check out our VIP Liquid Lounge for added support! 
• Make up a shopping list based on our recommend food list (in the Guidelines for Cleansing) and on the recipes you'll be planning to make and bring beautiful fresh produce into your kitchen!  Take photos of your vibrant purchases and share them with us in the photo section!
• Wean yourself beginning TODAY off coffee, soft drinks, alcohol, etc. Cutting back sensibly will greatly reduce any discomfort once the cleanse starts.
• Take the time to get clear on your goals and intentions for the cleanse.  Come share those positive goals with us in this discussion - Goals & Intentions for Your Cleanse.
• Begin to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  This is a perfect weekend to take the time to pray and meditate to set the tone for the week ahead. Plan out your personal steps for grocery shopping, exercise, rest, food prep, etc.... you will succeed if you have a plan and stick to it!
• Unplug from television as much as possible during the cleanse - mass media is geared towards getting you programmed in a way that is NOT supportive to your best health.  Stay plugged into our community here - filling your mind, ears and eyes with supportive videos, raw food eye candy and tips to help you stay on track.
• And PLEASE have someone take a before photo of your face (and full body if you like) BEFORE you begin this cleanse. Please upload that photo to our photo section this weekend so we can have a baseline look at you before we begin. If you truly stick to 100% raw foods and liquids, you will see a difference in just 10 days, and we want you to track that and share your results at the end of the cleanse.

Someone You Should Meet - Scott Thomas

I wanted to thank Penni & Cleanse America Wellness Warriors Seth & Daniel Hayhurst (the camera eye) for capturing that encouraging testimony from Scott!

It's really great to have Scott Thomas on board with us for our summer cleanse that begins next Wednesday - the FIRST DAY of SUMMER!  If you're already registered and getting plugged in at our Cleanse America Community Site, then be sure to friend request Scott. Also learn more about his journey by checking out his newly created blog http://scottbthomas.blogspot.com

Scott will also be blogging over at the Cleanse America's Community Site during next week's cleanse - so be sure to look for that!

Share this inspiring video with your friends and family! Video link: http://youtu.be/LJGWf2-5bLs

and to learn more about or watch Average Joe on the Raw go to the website: www.ontherawfilm.com

6 Ways to Boost Your Health

Only 6 days Left Until Next Week's Cleanse!


Here are 6 Ways to Boost Your Health (non-food related)

1. Laughter - Watch a funny movie, spend time with lighthearted friends, tell jokes......

2. Sunlight - A daily dose of Vitamin D boosts your immune system & will add a healthy glow to your skin

3. Gratitude - Ponder & Meditate on all of the blessings of your life.

4. Get Grounded - Walking barefoot is a free reflexology session from nature.  Reduce inflammation by connecting to negative ions that the earth gives naturally. 

5. Stay Positive - "Neuropeptides are created in our body every time we have a thought and our immune cells listen for and react to the emotional dialog. Positive thoughts such as love, joy, happiness and forgiveness create health promoting neuropeptides that boost the immune system." Raw Foods Bible by Craig B. Sommers, N.D., C.N.

6. Breathe - Deep, slow breathing as a practice is very beneficial to mental and emotional states. 
So if you can gratefully walk barefoot in the sun while laughing at a positive joke you are on the right track!!!
Have a great day!!
Paul

7 Ways You Can Prepare for the Cleanse

Only 7 Days Until our Summer Cleanse Begins - June 20th (1st Day of Summer!)

7 Ways You Can Prepare for the Cleanse:

1. Find out the dates and times of your local farmers market(s) so you can get a jump start on finding fresh locally grown organic fruit & vegetables.

2.Tell your friends and family of your intentions with the cleanse. This is helpful for accountability and for planning out meals/schedules.

3. Write down specific goals/intentions and place them in areas where you will see them often. Fridge, bathroom mirror, etc... Write intentions in positive present tense. Example: I am in the best shape of my life and I love the way I feel :)

4. Set aside 5-10 minutes everyday to visualize yourself completing the cleanse and transforming your health.

5. Start eating cleaner food now. Taper off of caffeine/alcohol. This would also be a great time to give up smoking.

6. Clean out your fridge and cabinets of unhealthy food. This will help with temptations and there is something beautiful about a fridge filled with fresh fruits and veggies.

7. Find a workout partner who will support and encourage you. Dance, walk, jog, stretch, spin, yoga, laugh or swim. Have fun when you exercise!

With just a week left everyone at Cleanse America Headquarters is getting really excited! Looking forward to having you with us for this wonderful experience!
Also thank you to everyone for all the birthday wishes this week ; )
Paul

Cleansing As an Act of Love to Help the Planet

Cleanse America Begins in Just 8 Days!

Here are 8 ways that your participation in this cleanse can give back to the earth:

1. Every purchase of fruit/vegetable supports a farmer.

2. If you compost your pulp from juicing/prepping, it can revitalize soil and supercharge it with micronutrients.

3. If you plant the seeds from the fruits/veggies you eat, you can grow infinitely more than you consume.

4. When you grow or purchase real, raw foods (especially locally grown), it lowers the carbon footprint associated with packaged processed foods.

5. You can save your seeds and send them to areas of the world that could use them.


6. The amount of trash you accumulate will be greatly reduced.

7. You will be eliminating (pooping and peeing) more often. If the correct systems are set up this can be tremendously helpful to soil regeneration and water consumption. Compost toilets may be a stretch for most but I had to throw it in to at least plant a seed :)

8. You will be lighter and in turn your steps will be easier for the earth to bear.

We're all getting excited about the cleanse here at CA Headquarters! If you're not signed up yet, now is a great time to do so you can get plugged into our new Community Site to be inspired, educated, to connect and to download the digital materials that will help you plan for a very successful cleansing experience! www.cleanseamerica.com to register.


See you there!
Paul

Linda Heflin, M.D., - Cleanse America Team Physician

In today post, we're sharing the video that we recently filmed while visiting our team physician, Linda Heflin MD in her Stephenville, TX family practice. At the end of very long week of seeing patients, Dr. Linda made time to share with us a bit of her personal journey as well as more information on why embracing our upcoming cleanse is so helpful in many areas of your health, specifically in reducing inflammation in the body.

Here is some clarification and more specific details regarding inflammation from Dr. Linda:

"Inflammation is a normal part of our body’s natural defense system and it plays a role in many chronic disease processes.  Some of these are:

•  Asthma                                                                                                                                              
•  Heart Disease
•  Type 2 Diabetes
•  Alzheimer’s Disease
•  Inflammatory Bowel Disease
•  Stroke
•  Cancer
•  Chronic Pain

What we eat can affect the inflammation in our body. The ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 has changed in the last one hundred years. Most of this is from the change in our diet namely - what we refer to as the Standard American diet. The goal for Omega 6 fatty acids to Omega 3 fatty acids should be about 4:1.

Anti-inflammatory foods are ones that are high in omega 3’s such as flax seeds and their oil, hemp seeds, chia seeds,walnuts, leafy green vegetables, and - if you are not a vegetarian - cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel. 

When people take supplements to help increase their omega 3’s there are several sources.  Plant sources (which contain ALA) are very good.  Many people currently take a fish source (which have EPA and DHA), however, you should check with the manufacture to make sure that any heavy metals such as mercury, were removed when the omega 3 was processed.

Other sources of foods that decrease inflammation are ones that are high in antioxidants such as colorful vegetables such aspeppers, carrots, citrus fruit, green and black tea, dark leafy greens, onions and garlic. Spices also contain anti-inflammatory compounds.  Some of these are ginger, turmeric, oregano, cayenne, clove, nutmeg and rosemary.  Fiberis also good at helping to decrease inflammation.  A goal of at least 30 grams a day is ideal.

Congratulations on making the choice to take charge of your health.  This 10-Day cleanse is a perfect way for you to push the reset button and get a fresh start. I'm looking forward to experiencing this great time of corporate cleansing with you!"

Linda Heflin, M.D.