The amazing thing about eating is that we all do it, several times a day, week after month after decade. Yet, a profound truth has escaped many of us: consistency is the key. By definition, any activity in which we engage repeatedly is a practice or a discipline. This ritual, which keeps showing up throughout our lifetime, actually represents a Spiritual vehicle for growth. Many of us run around taking yoga classes, martial arts, meditation etc., (all wonderful practices) with the goal of expanding our consciousness.

How about the daily opportunity for spiritual realization held within every bite of food? The simple practice of eating is actually a clever and convenient spiritual tool of the highest order. It is built-in and therefore foolproof. No time to meditate today? Just eat something!

In addition to consistency, it is important to take into account the calibre of the food you intake. Consider the widely accepted mantra that you are what you eat. Did you know that saying is known in every culture around the world? Ask any young child what foods are healthy and they will certainly declare “Fruits and Vegetables!” Research has further indicated that raw food is more healthful. This philosophy marks the cutting-edge in nutrition.

Life is all about enzymes. Enzymes are defined as proteins produced in living cells that accelerate or catalyze the metabolic processes of an organism. Raw food is teeming with enzymes, electrically charged water and Prana/ Chi. Cooked food is not. If you take two seeds, roast one and then plant them into the ground, what would happen? The unadulterated seed would patiently remain dormant until the proper conditions of rain and sunlight were present, and then it would sprout and eventually grow, perhaps into a life-sustaining plant or tree, bearing fruit and giving life. As for the roasted seed? It would rot.

Raw is nature’s first law. It all comes down to potential. Scientists could ash both seeds and analyse the chemical components telling us that both the raw and roasted seeds had identical vitamins/minerals present. Yet, the outcome could not be more different. This would suggest that there is more to the story of the ‘5-basic-food-groups-vitamins-minerals-proteins’ chant and other myths promoting SAD- the Standard American Diet that we have been led to believe.

Let us observe every other-than-human creature on the planet and notice how almost invincibly strong, fast, agile and instinctual they are. Slim, supple, graceful physiques, centered, focused, peaceful dispositions and a ‘No Limits!’ joyful outlook are part and parcel of eating Nature’s Food. Our miraculous body is programmed to function and even heal automatically- just as flowers bloom and planets revolve - as long as we do not clog them up with dead, de-Natured food-stuff.

So, when you have to forgo your chosen Spiritual practice, and the next time your stomach is gurgling with hunger, remember, a fresh garden salad, smoothie, or fruit plate are all fun ways to continue your journey up the Mountain Top, and you do not even have to leave your kitchen. Simply enjoy!

For some great salad recipes, Click Here & Here.

Shannon 'Shakaya' Leone