Happy Nature's New Year, Reader!
Spring is finally here, and for me, this is when the new year really begins.
A ReBirth is happening in our world. In Ourselves. In our Spirits.
We are witnessing new beginnings, endings, collapses, upheavals, and more is coming. This isn't to scare you, Beloved, but we need to be real with ourselves and each other about what we're feeling, seeing, and experiencing in the present moment.
In the words of beautiful Sam Cooke, "A change gon' come," and we are certainly in new timelines emerging.
Spring reminds us of the power of transformation. Metamorphosis occurs at each stage of human development; we must be ready to change.
Yes, it’s uncomfortable and hurts.
Yes, it’s difficult and frustrating.
Yes, you will make mistakes as you figure it out.
All those emotions and tribulations are necessary and par for the process of growth.
What’s unhealthy and abnormal is latching onto stagnation and depletion. Winter shows us that just because something appears dormant and quiet doesn't mean inactive. It is in darkness that we gestate our greatest miracles, and when the light returns in Spring, we can see what's been incubating and marvel at the wonder created.
What are you saying, Dr. Ray?
I’m saying, Spring is here, and with it comes ReBirth. An opportunity to be honest about what you need to shed and let go so a new transformation… metamorphosis… can begin.
“We are rapidly changing as a collective. We can’t keep expecting the past to be the same as the future. Fear keeps being weaponized to prevent progress. Release the fear. Embrace Truth, Forebearance, and Courage. This is the time to transform with Healing, Innovation, and Growth.”
~ Dr. Ray
Consider the following...
WHY are we programmed to believe it is healthy and natural to be busy, overworked, and stressed during the cold, dark Winter season, which was previously meant for hibernation, planning, and reflection?
It’s no surprise that many folks feel ready for a vacation or burnt out again by April/May!
Spring is nature's new year. Ideally, this is the time we collectively reawaken in activity after a restful, quiet Winter. Springtime is a natural activation of our inner fire energy.
Fire energy drives us into productivity and growth. It's the energy of "doers". Too much fire will burn you! But the right amount can cleanse and transform you. We can healthily build our inner fire/heat through the following Springtime practices:
- Planting Seeds and Gardening
- Outdoor exercise
- Planning new goals and projects
- Taking inventory of what is needed for the upcoming year
- New Moon/Lunar Ceremonies to usher in new energies and changes
- Springtime celebrations of renewal and transformation (ex. Easter, Passover, Nowruz, Eid al-Fitr, Holi, etc.)
- Babymaking - yes, this is a great time for fertility!
- Frolicking in meadows and parks
- Hosting communal gatherings
- Shedding heavy, dark layers and colors for brighter, lighter clothing and colors.
- Easing yourself into peak productivity
These activities capture the essence of Spring and honor the Ancestral aspects of ourselves.
When to Spring Detox, or Not?
Let me take a moment to address the conventional practice of a “Spring Detox”.
Beloved, you don’t need to drink a week of green juices, or take herbal laxatives, or waste money on scams and schemes claiming your body needs a detox.
As I become more enlightened and decolonized in my wisdom, so do my teachings to you. That’s what I mean about releasing what doesn’t work or serve the collective, and embracing the Truth.
Our bodies are brilliantly designed machines that detoxify 24/7.
Our lungs, liver, kidneys, gut, lymph, skin, and auras detoxify for us at all times. We're all exposed to toxins daily, in varying amounts. In healthier settings, these exposures are minimal and manageable. However, extra support may be warranted when there are heavy exposures from synthetics, chemicals, EMF/radiation, drugs, refined sugar, alcohol, ultraprocessed/junk food, and poor spiritual hygiene.
If you’ve been heavily exposed to toxins as a result of misguidance, stressors, or unfortunate circumstances, then the first step, Beloved, is not to buy the first “Detox Kit” you see, but to actually be honest about the root causes impacting your health.
1.) Identify the toxin(s) and causes of heavy exposure. This is an initial step in a root-cause approach that brings to focus the real issue needing attention. Seek a sustainable solution for abatement and future prevention versus a temporary quick fix.
2.) ‘The simplest and hardest “detox” you can do for yourself is to 'Cut the Crap’, and yes, pun intended, lol. Reduce or remove the obvious offenders. Replace with healing options that feel lighter and restorative.
3.) We can support natural detoxification by making wiser daily choices consistently.
- Choose water over soda and alcohol.
- Choose breathwork or meditation over smoking.
- Choose getting good sleep over working extra hours.
- Choose vegetables and fruits over candy and fries.
- Choose therapy over yelling or raging.
- Choose walking over sitting.
- Choose love over hate.
4.) Spring brings an abundance of fresh foods that love the liver. Make it a goal to eat the following foods regularly this season to optimize detox processes:
- Arugula, Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado
- Local Raw Honey
- Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Kale
- Carrots, Dandelion greens, Fennel
- Garlic, Leeks, Scallions
- Lemons
- Nettles (careful, they sting when raw!)
- Radishes, Alfalfa & Pea Sprouts
- Strawberries, and more!
"Spring foods are naturally supportive of the body's innate detoxification, and eating seasonally is a great strategy to optimize your inner healing processes by using food as medicine."
~ Dr. Ray
Welcome to Spring, Beloved. Change is here. Rebirth in the world first begins Within.
Amen Asé 🙏🏾
Throwback Blog Posts for Spring Renewal:
Because I know some folks still gonna do a "Spring Detox" despite what I said, lol, you might as well do it safely. Here's a throwback post on the dos and don'ts for pretox/detox.
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Get a Dose of Heat this Spring with sauna therapy. Sauna is a great way to promote natural detox through sweating. Our sweat releases many toxins and activates Fire energy.
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Practice Updates:
1.) New Phone, Who Dis? (240) 860 - 1086
Please update your contact card for A Dose of Vitamin Ray with the new main office number of (240) 860 - 1086. Additionally, the California phone number - (916) 678 - 0173, remains active and available as a secondary office line.
2.) Doctoring from 21502: Cumberland, Maryland
A Dose of Vitamin Ray is currently based in Cumberland, Maryland. In-person appointments are not yet available, but telehealth appointments (virtual visits) are available nationwide.
3.) Pending Maryland Licensure:
My Maryland naturopathic medical licensure is currently being processed, but I expect it to be finalized in April. It took longer than expected due to an outdated requirement, but now everything is underway. I will send out an announcement when I'm able to start providing direct medical services to Maryland residents. Please stay tuned!
California and New Hampshire medical licenses - I am still actively licensed and can provide primary care medical services to patients in those respective states.
If you are located in a state outside California, New Hampshire, and Maryland, I can provide naturopathic health coaching and functional medicine services, and in most cases, labs and supplements are still available to you without issue.
4.) New WebMD Profile & I Need Reviews!
Recently, Google suspended my business profile after I moved to Maryland and updated the location. Unfortunately, this nasty move on their part makes it hard for folks to find my practice. I tried to appeal and reverse it, but I low-key think it was intentional ranking and SEO suppression. So, Bye Google! Hello, WebMD!
Please, if you have EVER worked with me as a patient, consider submitting a positive review on my new WebMD page to support my business and help with practice visibility.
Thank you so much for your continued support!
Dr. Ray is Accepting New Patients:
Ready to elevate your healthcare? Let's talk! Book a free discovery call here.
Thank you for reading Reader, and I'll be in touch soon with more helpful tips this year! Please stay tuned, and feel free to answer the poll below about what topics you're interested in this year.
| What topics would you like me to cover this year? |
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Love and blessings always,
Dr. Ray
Ph: (240) 860-1086 | Email: Ray@DrRayND.com | Book Here
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