Day three, the saltwater tonic, hmm, what can I say? Let’s start with, “I think that was one of the most difficult experiences of my adult life.” As I have mentioned previously, my eating habits would be considered horrible by any standards, but always with plenty of salt! I may well have cured myself of the desire for salt! I stand in awe of you who have managed to gulp down the entire quart as prescribed. A pint was all that I could manage, and it was certainly not done in any semblance of gulping, but rather more like baby sips with long pauses between. While I have not had my lemonade yet this morning, I have had to follow the “tonic” (to my way of thinking a tonic should be something mixed with gin, lime and ice and it should be enjoyed in the shade of a large tree on a hot afternoon with friends, but that was four days ago, lol) with plenty of small sips of cool water, though I resisted the temptation to add ice, I feel that I may have ruined the intended affect. Time will tell, and I feel hopeful that I have not sabotaged my efforts, but for those of you who can take any small comfort from the tea, this old man would recommend that you exhaust those comforts first!
On a more positive note, my perception of hunger has changed dramatically. If for no other reason than awareness, I would recommend the Master-Cleanse diet to all who wish to explore themselves and their bodies. Even if your goals are tainted by vanity (as mine certainly are), you will walk away from the experience with a newfound awareness of yourself. I look forward to more revelations as I continue down this somewhat odd path. Metaphorically: I was drawn toward a marvelous fruit tree on a distant hill, but as I have ambled along the path toward it I have found the flora along the way, each specimen basking in the warm sunlight, and seemingly sending me its own special message of vibrant color, intoxicating aroma or strong majestic beauty; and there is the fauna too, standing hesitantly, suspicious of my intentions, but complacent with my actions; my eye caught none of the wonders of the path from my former vista where I was focused solely on the fruity expectations of the magnificent tree, but now I find it hard to focus on the tree; instead wondering at all of the marvels the path has to offer.
I find it interesting that this loosely connected forum focuses so completely on the physical aspects of their journey. Though I must be quick to point out that I have read a number of posts where people have remarked upon their mental acuity and clarity either during or after their experience; I have seen little actual focus on this startling aspect of it. I even find myself feeling “pushed” to make my posts clinical and matter-of-fact, when it is exactly the opposite of what I am feeling. I am certainly not suggesting that anyone has in any way tried to push me, only that I feel a certain tone in the posts and have felt an obligation to conform, but I think, perhaps, I understand. I think that anyone going into this experience has to have certain misgivings, doubts and fears, and that as their bodies begin to respond these distractions demand attention (actually I really wanted to use “hunger for attention”, but was afraid that might cloud the issue ;-). I think that it is just as important to point out the psychological phenomena that accompany this experience, as it is to point out the physiological benefits. In a somewhat convoluted way, this forum seems to use the psychological tools of reassurance and encouragement to help people overcome their fears of physiological change by focusing predominantly on the physiological in an attempt to alleviate the apprehensions in the individual’s psyche. (Do not mistake convoluted as pertaining to inefficient or in any way malicious, rather read it as “involved” and “intricate”.) No doubt this is a dynamic forum filled with warm and friendly people who have a genuine desire and ability to help; however, my somewhat ambiguous point would be: “I think that everyone entertaining the notion of beginning this program, and certainly everyone already involved in it, should take a few moments to explore the psychological path that they have embarked upon and enjoy the experience not as a ‘mind over body’ power play, but more as an awareness of the interaction of mind and body.” I want to make it perfectly clear that I am in no way criticizing the interaction of this forum, but rather curious as to why the psychological benefits seem to take such a back stage to the physical as they are both abundantly clear to me. If any of you have experienced minor or profound psychological experiences, perhaps it would be nice to comfort people who are anxious and apprehensive with these as well as your words of inspiration concerning the metamorphosis that their bodies are undergoing.

Pax,

Fish4Fun

PS My email is [email protected] if anyone wants to comment, but does not want to post it, please feel free.