Hello Everybody!

I am going on an indefinite retreat (tomorrow) at Panditarama Forest Monastery in Myanmar.

Things happen to the body/mind on retreats because I (generally) eat less, eat healthier, lose body weight, move less, sit more, move more slowly, close my eyes, don't look arround, etc. Overall, it's all great, but sometimes I feel I get out of balance with certain nutrients/vitamins, but I am not sure which ones.

Sometimes in the past, I have had a "let everything go" or "leave everything behind" mentality about bringing vitamins/supplements to retreat. Other times, I have had a "I need to feel good" attitude and I have brought Vitamin C, Vitamin B Complex, green powders, and/or spirulina.

I am wondering about your philosophies on supplements and if you bring supplements on your retreats? If so, which ones?

Be Happy!
Chi

I took some cod liver oil to a buddhist retreat. And felt very guilty taking it.

I also had a ton of l-theanine. Retreats can be stressful. Theanine can be mellow me out just a tiny bit.

I too love L-Theanine....calmness without tiredness.

Theanine for when the Night gets too Dark for me. I've also had some success with various adaptogens -- Bacopa, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola.

I also plan to experiment with meditating on various nootropics. Once I've done some more thorough testing I'll post a thread about it.

And, to Sawfoot (and anyone with similar sentiment), can you explain the cause of the guilt? I don't think I understand fully.

Cod's are living beings too.

Sorry...sometimes humor trumps the rest of my good judgement

hahaha good

always go organic, and good organic.

you already use spirulina: that is great as it has a great nutritive spectrum as well as proven detoxification qualities. its one of the best superfoods out there. that together with chia chia seed will give you all you need.

its really important to get it from a source with is REALLY pure and clean. the best i've found is to be had at naturalnews.com

btw..keep your eyes on that site for the next month as there will be an announcement which should shke the timbers of nutritiuonal medicine.

have a great retreat,

tom

I used to work for a vitamin manufacturer. I would tend to always recommend a multivitamin/mineral over individual vitamins.

Omega 3s (i.e. fish oil) actually have some plausible benefits regarding neuroplasticity along with exercise, like walking.

Out of the nootropics I'd go for piracetam.