The Seven Stages of Raw Transformation

From Successfully Raw Issue 107:

I first "downloaded" (as I like to call it) "The 5 Stages of Raw Transformation" around three years ago. At the time it made complete sense and seemed perfectly complete, however, early this year it seemed like there was a little something missing. I knew that the 5 stage cycle went around again over and over, but what I wasn't bringing into the equation is: What goes on between blossoming (embodying our aspirations) and waking up again at a newer, higher and more refined level? And was it just one stage missing or more? I thought no more of it and trusted it would come to me when it was time, and so it did on a flight home from the US at the end of May - just when I least expected it, of course!

I realised that, in nature, once a flower or tree or even an animal has blossomed or grown to its potential it drops petals/ leaves/ skin/ antlers or whatever is appropriate for that creation. Unless it does so it cannot move on to the next season or phase of its life. It is actually no different for us, and you will already have experienced some of this yourself, possibly without even knowing it.

For us, and specifically for those on a raw food journey or any journey of growth, we do the same thing, namely:

Step 6) Release
Step 7) Retreat

Releasing is all about letting go of those things that no longer serve us. For the human this can be any number of things - people, environmental factors, beliefs, emotional pain or baggage, physical clutter, clothes that no longer suit who we are or who we are about to become, ways of doing things in our daily lives - the list is endless.

For me, recently, I have let go of so many things, this made it abundantly clear to me that Release is indeed the next stage of the process, because until we release those things that are "denser" than where we are going we are not light enough to upgrade on those mind/ body/ spirit/ emotion levels that will facilitate and support our next level. Yes it is profound, but it is real nonetheless, and the more you look, the more you will see!

As for the next stage, Retreat - once we have released we are free to go into a smaller more "womb like" space where we can once again "embrace the magic". This is the place where we are encouraged to get spiritually naked, to surrender to losing whatever else it is we need to lose before we come out the other side - just like the caterpillar that turns (literally) to mush before he can become a butterfly. Initially he releases his friends and family and social habits (as well as very hungry eating habits!) and then he retreats to a twig or safe place where he can be totally alone and allow the magic to happen - whether or not he knows what will happen is anyone's guess, but nonetheless he is brave enough to go through the process and we all know that he gets a way better outfit on the way out!

And so it is that at every stage of our human journey we have the opportunity to release and let go of our old Self. The Retreating part is the part that many of us try to skip, however, but in many respects is the most potent and ripe with potential - when we skip it we come out with way less than we might have done had we simply taken care of the "letting go" part.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that there are so many retreat establishments created in our world, as it is a necessary part of life. You will find that those who embrace retreating also embrace growth; indeed, what I am suggesting here is that the two rely on one another! I can definitely see a pattern among those in my own circle of friends and family - those who have never been on any kind of retreat are not huge on personal growth either! I also know that when I have consciously retreated some MASSIVE shifts have occurred for me that have been way more profound and life-changing than when I simply decluttered my in-tray, wardrobe or garage! Retreating is basically an invitation to get CONSCIOUS and let even more go, everything, potentially, in fact.

And so it is, that regardless of season, there are many times in a human being's life where releasing and retreating are necessary steps that need to be undertaken. I do not see them as negatives as some may do (like going back into the dark), but rather steps towards a newer more magical chapter that we absolutely must be lighter and more energetically capable for.

As far as the raw food journey is concerned, this cycle is as relevant here if not more so. When you think about it, when you choose raw and lots of it, you are constantly releasing! Every single day the live matter is replacing the cooked dead matter that your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies have been supported by. What is important now is that you realise that this starts small at a cellular level and then works its way out across your whole world! This is why you find yourself outgrowing friends, jobs, situations, relationships and the like so quickly and so consistently...

So what is key here is to remember the final stage - the way of the wise wo/man - the Retreat. Do not let the releases go unnoticed or unappreciated for what they are. By building in a retreat phase, no matter how small or short it may be, you have the opportunity to become conscious about the process, to surrender fully to something bigger than you and potentially to open yourself up to way more than you anticipated, emerging lighter, brighter, shiny and new for your next chapter, when you once more will return to awakening.

I wonder what's next for you?

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If you would like to discuss or comment on this article and its relevance to you I would love you to! Simply type in your comment in the box below.

© 2008 Karen Knowler

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR ON YOUR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Karen Knowler, The Raw Food Coach publishes "Successfully Raw" - a free weekly eZine for raw food lovers everywhere. If you're ready to look good, feel great and create a raw life you love get your FREE tips, tools and recipes now at www.TheRawFoodCoach.com.

Comments

[Alex]

Hi Karen, I hope that you are well. This was a really good, timely article for me, so thank you. It's come at the right time because recently I have been feeling subdued and not my sparky self. This is largely down to incorporating more non-raw food into my diet than ususal (owing to holidays, weddings and the like), yet I now think that this has been a time of retreat for me. I have been wanting to get more creative, whilst being comfortable and questioning many things.
I hope this is due to eating consistently more raw food on the whole and not just being depressed!!!! Or this could be owing to having intenstified knowledge on how much I need raw food and staying on board with it, without a spiralizer, dehydrator, nut bag etc. yet! If you have any tips I will be very grateful!
Thanks, Alex.

[Fay Hartwell]

Thanks so much Karen for your words of wisdom. What you talk about resonates with me. I've spent the last week managing cravings and fluctuating between nurturing myself and being frustrated. I found it hard to understand why after doing so well I was being challenged. Only yesterday did the sunshine break through, the cravings dissolved and I emerged, brighter, stronger, and full of loving power! I'm reminded again and again, that it's the process and we're always growing, there'll never be a time when we stop so finding relief in that process is my goal.

Thanks again, Fayxx

[Sally Thomas]

Dear Karen,
Your article absolutely brings a tear to my eye. I had needed the past two weeks to fully absorb your last e-mail of Issue #106. The information in this current Issue #107 is even more profound for me! How fortunate we are to have you relay so poetically yet so concisely such deep knowledge and understanding.
With highest regards and thanks,
Sally

[Dr. Rima Morrell]

Great article Karen. Release and retreat are keys to greater unfolding in the experience of so many. I write about that in the context of change in my book 'Travelling Magically: How to turn your journey into a life-changing experience' out with Piatkus this Thursday. Also have a section on how important raw food is to raise your vibration - and the importance of doing that.

Here's to letting go of the dense!

Rima

[Pamela]

I loved your article. Something that helps me a lot is the release technique (www.releasetechnique.com). I'm lucky that I knew this technique before going raw. It has helped me with emotional/spiritual/physical balancing and it's easy!

[Karen Knowler]

Thanks everyone for your comments and kind words and congratulations Rima on your new book! Piatkus are one of my favourite publishers, not least because they published Living Magically, the inspiration for this blog : )

[Barbara Weith]

Hello Karen,
Very much appreciated your thought-provoking article. In reflecting on my own behavior, it seems I tend to approach it backwards, i.e., first I like to retreat and then I release old habits and ways of being/doing. (I always seem to be the odd ball). But truly, I find that retreat for me is like re-booting my computer, clearing the static; erasing the screen so to speak. I love my retreats! I take long walks, soak in the tub, read tons of books and then when I emerge, I like to catalyze what I've learned by changing my routine(s). I'm much more receptive to change when I also change my daily routines. So, for example, I might take a walk first thing in the morning and then start a new juicing routine instead of taking care of office work/house work. Anyway, the words that come to mind after my little retreats are: catalyze, empower, elevate, propel, launch, expand, unfold and ignite. It seems to work for me. Best regards,