Hello,

I am planing to do work exchange in northern Michigan for the summer at a meditation ranch, and I need some advice about how to best take advantage of my time in nature and my opportunuty to cleanse.

First question is how to best take advantage of sleeping outside. Should I use a tent? The tent I would be using has not so good ventilation and a plasticy smell- still makes me feel better than a house. If no tent, what is a good home made bug repellent I could use?

Second question is about feeling energized for day labor. Wonderful things happen when I reduce my caloric intake, and I seem to have somewhat of a programming regarding my fitness for work and a full belly. I am gluten intolerant, so that usually includes brown rice, although working there in the past under that philosophy has rendered me quite constipated. I will be gardening quite a bit, which will expose me to the sun. I still seem to have reduced strength unless I eat. Is this psychological? What would be a good program so as to eventually fast while working hard outside?

Thank you MH!