Navaratri Nourish, a seasonal offering in alignment with the celebration of Divine Mother led by yogis Meg White and Merry Trentadue, is an Ayurvedic cleanse happening this April. Spring is the time that ancient Ayurvedic science recommends cleansing the body, which is waking up from it’s winter hibernation and naturally letting go of toxins and stagnation that build up during the colder, darker months of the year.
Coinciding with the Hindu celebration of the Divine Mother or ‘Adi Shakti’ (Supreme Goddess) known as Navaratri, during this unique, communal cleanse conducted over zoom participants observe nine nights (and ten days) traditionally reserved for celebration of the Divine Mother by way of prana food, mantra meditation and ritual offerings at the home altar. Throughout the greater Hindu diaspora, Navaratri festivities include worshipping nine goddesses during nine days, flower offerings, chanting along with storytelling of myths and legends associated with primal female power.
Presented by two fellow yogis here in the West, the Navaratri Nourish cleanse coincides with this seasonal celebration as we gather in a supportive community each morning for Sadhana (spiritual practice) followed by a mini Ayurveda lesson and cleanse support. The perfect reset for the body and mind, seasonal cleansing resets our digestion, daily routines and habits. It shines a light on our relationship to food (ask yourself, are you eating to nourish, or for some other reason?) while aiding the body’s natural release of environmental toxins. Demonstrated benefits of cleansing include increased energy, detox, enhanced mood, reduced inflammation, weight regulation, improved vitality and longevity, boosted immunity, mental clarity and prevention of chronic disease. While in this more is more world it can be very tempting to buy all sorts of pills and supplements to ‘purge’ the body of unwanted toxins, this is counter-intuitive to the very spirit and purpose of a cleanse, which is about simplification and abstention.
This will be my second time participating in the cleanse with Merry and Megg, and I am truly looking forward to more magic and elevation. Not only is chanting already part of my daily morning ritual, when I did the cleanse last time, I realized how over-stimulating my diet is! From all that ginger in my morning smoothie to the loads of of raw garlic I put in my homemade salad dressing, not to mention my favorite indulgences like matcha and cacao. Sometimes the greatest gift is one of perspective. When we empty ourselves of craving and attachment, so many other good things can pour in. And one of the absolute best things about this cleanse is how much eating we do! A year later, my pantry is still stocked with all kinds of Ayurvedic herbs, healthy grains and of course, ghee! Not only did I not feel at all deprived during this cleanse, I felt a sense of calm satiety, and the infusion of new flavors afforded by all the herbs and spices literally tasted like candy! Who needs refined sugar when you have fresh mint, basil, fennel and cumin comprising the delightful potpourri of delicate, nuanced flavors caressing your tongue. Coming back to my body’s natural baseline of energy was profound. Opportunities to share openly with fellow cleansers proved supportive if not illuminating in many ways as well.
Living in a grimy city like NYC, many of us take for granted the supreme benefits and literally, spiritual food that comes with preparing simple home cooked meals. Not to mention the kind of energy we float on when chanting daily to the source of feminine wisdom. Whether we call her Kali, Shakti, Lakshmi or Durga – when we focus the mind by chanting as a meditative practice in devotion we increase our sense of stability and inner strength. Proven benefits of mantra meditation include stress reduction, improved concentration, increased focus, a calmer mind and nervous system, strengthened immune system, better sleep and heightened awareness. (1)
And if I need a little pick-me-up while abstaining from dark chocolate (another devotional practice of mine), I have just the secret weapon: the Cacao-powered Antioxidant Masque from Kindness Powered Skincare. I thought their Pumpkin Enzyme Masque was the perfect after-dinner indulgence, but things just go even better! Designed for dull, dehydrated or aging skin, the simply delicious Antioxidant Cacao Masque firms your skin and refines pores while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, calming irritated skin, and reducing redness. Leave it on 15-20 mins for that mid-cleanse glow-up! Pure botanical ingredients like cacao powder, french green clay, turmeric, cinnamon and ginger will leave your skin feeling pretty and plump.
Find it HERE
This year’s Spring cycle of Navaratri Nourish takes place April 9th-18th, and you can register officially with a self-care commitment payment as low as $27. There is a range of energy exchange options available for enrollment, what is offered on a payment plan or sliding scale basis, with even a few scholarship spaces made available each season. To sign up today, Venmo @Merry-Trentadue your initial $27 deposit.
Learn more about the Spring Cleanse HERE
Email merrytyoga@gmail.com with questions.
Shop Ayurvedic Food Online HERE
About Your Guides
Merry Trentadue is a Yoga Therapist, E-RYT500, Direct Divine Light Healer, reiki master, metaphysician, smile advocate, Bhakti owner, hug donor and professional whistler. Follow her on Instagram @merrytyoga Learn More at www.merrytyoga.com
Maui-based Megg White nurtures the nervous system with holistic wellness rooted in Ayurveda, Yoga, & Sound techniques. Follow her on Instagram @true.nature.wellbeing Learn more at www.truenaturewellbeing.com
NOTES
1. “Scientific Evidence of Health Benefits by Practicing Mantra Meditation: Narrative Review” by Ampere A. Tseng, Int J Yoga. 2022 May-Aug; 15(2): 89–95.
