As a transformation mentor and a coach, I went through several life-transforming experiences myself – from changing my country of residence to changing my career, to changing my relationships, just to name a few. Most recently, my time spent at Hippocrates Health Institute was another life-transforming experience, leading to a major change in perspective on healing and wellness.
In the past, I maintained a macrobiotic diet for a while; however, I was later persuaded by my doctor to eat animal protein according to my blood type. Over time, my body started to change and a number of health concerns surfaced… As is probably the case for many of you, I was always too busy to pause and address some of my health issues. My priorities – from concerns about family members to taking care of my clients to addressing urging business needs to starting new ventures – were always somewhere else except on my Self. After habitually working 50-60 hours a week, staying up late every night, snacking on fruits and chocolate all day long while sitting in front of the computer or driving to meetings, not taking any breaks during the day for relaxation and movement, I started gaining weight, feeling pain in my joints and adding more tasks to my daily “to do list” than a self-loving and balanced woman should have. It would be fair to say that I was pushing myself beyond healthy boundaries/limits and was using food and sweets to numb some underlying emotional issues… does any of this sound familiar to you?
Since I recently relocated to West Palm Beach, FL, I was told by my daughter and a few other people about this place called Hippocrates Health Institute (HHI) located right in my “backyard” in West Palm Beach. After reading numerous positive testimonials from the alumnae of the institute, I decided to sign up for 1 week. I really liked the picturesque scenery of the campus, the variety of alternative therapies available on site, far-infra-red saunas and several swimming pools with a choice of water temperature… as it turns out, there was so much more in store! I must say that my first week resembled a boot camp experience much more than a spa vacation! No kidding! The main difference was that I didn’t “have to” do anything, but I wanted to do what they suggested there.
If someone had told me a month ago that I would be drinking wheatgrass juice, green juice, and blue-green algae several times a day and eating raw foods for lunch and dinner, I would have laughed in disbelief! But the amount of valuable information I got exposed to at HHI, the opportunity to witness some really incredible healings and personal transformations, support and kind attention from HHI’s staff, made me want to do whatever it takes to recover my vitality, health, and balance. I decided to focus on myself, on ME, inc for a change… I made a decision to extend my stay at HHI for 2 more weeks. Not because it was easy, no, but because it felt like the right thing to do for myself.
For the first time in my adult life, I didn’t touch a computer for the entire 3 weeks!! And I only used my iPhone a couple of times, mostly to record interviews and take pictures. I learned a lot about the importance of proper nutrition, food combining, the body’s rest cycles, the awful effects of stress and EMF (electromagnetic frequencies from Computers, cell phones, TV) on our physical and emotional state, the harmful effects of acidic foods and sugar, the crucial importance of having “live food” in the form of various sprouts, and much, much more. Educational lectures and Q&A sessions with HHI’s directors, Dr. Brian Clement and his lovely wife Anna Maria, were invaluable, with topics ranging from Principles of Health, Food Combining, Ancient and Current Self-help techniques to Supplements Exposed, Fasting on Liquid Nourishment, and many more.
It was quite a challenge to coordinate the many interesting activities available there – yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, Chinese Health exercises, meditation, Nia dance (loved it!), Pilates, aqua fitness, strength training, re-bounding and stretching, etc. – with the numerous therapies at the spa, lectures on holistic healing and proper nutrition, informative and tasty (Really yummy!) cooking classes with Chefs Ken and Renate, and so much more!
“Living Foods” diet and many of the exercises I did at HHI started to move the energy in my body and some unexpected emotional releases followed… Detoxification process that consisted of enzyme-rich “living foods” diet, juicing, far-infrared sauna, and physical and psychological exercises brought into light not only some buried physical issues but also deeply hidden emotional burdens and difficult memories. At first, I was feeling embarrassed while crying for no obvious reasons, but eventually, I allowed myself to simply let go of many old emotional wounds that I unconsciously held in my body without realizing they were still there. I cried, laughed and everything in between. The atmosphere of non-judgment, support, encouragement and loving kindness were truly conducive to deep healing. Weekly “healing circles” with one of HHI’s psychotherapists, the wise and insightful Andy, taught me incredible lessons on humility, provided me with tangible possibilities for “deep healing through deep feeling”, and showed me the value of community support, and the power of “heart-to-heart” connections. I was deeply touched by the amazing stories of triumph of human spirit over physical limitations (thank you for sharing, Lorenzo!), spiritual quest for a meaningful life in spite of numerous obstacles (you rock, Mike!), and maintaining an upbeat, healthy attitude in life no matter what your destiny has in store for you – from cancer to other debilitating illnesses and challenges (thank you Nina, Lisa, Pam, Angela, and Debra!).
By the end of my 3rd week I felt at home at HHI – the “process of liking the raw food” was coming along (it’s much better now!), my body started to shed pounds of fat and recover vitality and strength, and my busy mind was finally at peace with everything that I have and don’t have. Interestingly, I was able to see my Life transformation at HHI from the point of Observer: my feminine energy took over; I became more gentle toward myself and others, more connected and patient, more present. All my encounters with incredibly courageous, kind, and authentic people at HHI made my overall experience there one of the most memorable and impactful. It is amazing how different we perceive ourselves and our lives when we are coming from a place of peace, clarity, and commitment. And it all starts with making healthier choices in life – with your food, relationships, and career.
I truly hope that my experience at HHI will inspire some of you to entertain the idea of making healthier choices in your life and to FOCUS ON YOU BECAUSE YOU WORTH IT!
To your Health, Wealth, and Happiness,
p.s. I am working on e-book trilogy on healing yourself through making Healthier choices. Stay Tuned!
p.p.s. Check out my series of Interviews with incredible people that transformed their lives through self-love, courage, and sense of purpose
