I would like to kick off The Colon Powell Diairies by posting and commenting on some websites that have been crucial in the culinary as well as spiritual portion of my journey towards colon health. Daniel, a dear friend of mine, was the first to turn me on to the benefits of raw foods, both in living well in general and especially in taking care of symptoms of Crohn's Disease. After years of being told by Western medical practitioners that diet and Crohn's Disease are not linked, I followed this traditional medicine practitioner's amazing advice. I am so glad that I did, as it has changed the way I look at the food I ate for so much of my life and the food I eat now--as well as how I eat it. It has altered the way I see how this food is related to symptoms of Crohn's Disease. The Rawtarian: Simple and Satisfying Raw Food Recipes is just one of the sites that has been an awesome way for me to eat food that tastes great and is nutritious!
There's an awesome café and bakery in Boulder, Colorado, where I currently reside, that takes raw food preparation to a level I have never known:
Julia's Kitchen Café and Bakery
At Julia's Kitchen, where one can "Nourish your body, feed your soul", owner Julia Hellermen never fails to offer the Boulder community the tastiest local, organic, and 100% plant-based meals I could imagine! There are lots of raw food options besides plenty of other amazing dishes that will completely satisfy one's appetite and leave one feeling ready to go about the rest of their day. After eating here for breakfast, lunch and dinner, I am convinced that anyone could find something to eat here, even if they claim no interest in gluten-free and/or vegan cuisine and lifestyle.
In addition to teaching me about the benefits of raw foods, Daniel also introduced me to the world of natural medicines and to one of his teachers, Heidi Jarvis, who is now the founder and director of Earth Pharmaceuticals and Natur's Colorado School of Holistic and Naturopathic Studies. Together, Daniel and Heidi showed me the great benefits of medicinal herbs, teas, and flower essences. As if I couldn't receive more gifts from them, Daniel has also dedicated so much of his time to showing me the art of (self-)healing through reflexology, iridology, and essential oils, all while studying at The School of Natural Medicine at Boulder, Colorado. I am beyond blessed to have become friends with someone as patient and generous a teacher as he is. I have learned so much about my body, nature, and how I can heal if I allow myself to (re)connect with both.
To end today's blog, I would like acknowledge my dear new friends, hydrotherapist James S. Allred and energy medicine colon hydrotherapist Madeline Angelus. Both in and outside of their clinic--Art for Vibrant Health ('AVH' from here on) and Advanced Colonic Techniques School and Clinic ('ACTSC')--, Madeline and James have been beyond generous in helping me see the light while I experienced the symptoms of a recent Crohn's Disease flare-up. With them, I found out so many things about my own self that helped me make sense of what was occurring with my mind, body and spirit while my body expressed distinct symptoms. As Madeline practiced Eden Energy Medicine on me, she introduced me to James, who in turn showed me the awesome benefits of colon hydrotherapy, especially for people suffering from symptoms of what is known today as Crohn's Disease. These two incredibly individuals have listened to all of my questions, comments and concerns, like no other medical practitioner before them, all while allowing me to calm my own nerves in order to help me stand tall on my own two feet again. I have never felt so in control and independent in my life. I know that I will carry with me everything I have learned from them and sessions with them.
I hope that this is one of many blogs of The Colon Powell Diaries that helps my friends, family and acquaintances see what I have experienced in order to understand how I got to where I am today, if they should wish to do so. I also hope that by sharing this knowledge, I can continue what my great teachers have done for me my whole life. I feel that by continuing to pass this knowledge on, we can learn so much more about the connection between body, mind and spirit, Mother Earth, Crohn's Disease and more. I am doing this not only for myself and others, but for my dear ol' colon, properly named Colon Powell, with whom I plan on living in peace and harmony for many years to come.
Thanks so much for reading The Colon Powell Diaries! Write questions to thecolonpowelldiaries(at)gmail.com and check out more posts at
http://thecolonpowelldiaries.blogspot.com/.
