Testimonials

Hi Michael,

Thank you for checking in regarding the processing of our experiences with the group fast. I think of my participation for the past two years a major marker in my life. It was important for me to participate this year as it has helped me measure and bear witness to my own growth.

I am interested in living a balanced mental, physical and spiritual life. My world has expanded and been enriched by sharing the experience with you. This, combined with my new awareness, is helping me find more clarity in my life. As I previously shared with you, there is a place deep inside that has mended, my inner core feels stronger, more centered, along with a sense of well-being and wholeness.

I nurture the shift that has taken place in my life while trying to integrate portions of the shift into my life with Norm, being mindful that this is a process and it takes time. Your support during the fast and through your Skillful Living for the Full Moon communications are tremendous assets. Many thanks for all you are doing and for touching my life in a special way.

It is with deep gratitude that I share my thoughts with you.

B.H., Katonah, NY

Good Morning Michael,

One day slips into the next so easily that it is hard to believe it has been over a month since we shared our “break-fast” ceremony. However, so many of the benefits linger on. I attribute this to not only my state of mind, the 8 day silent retreat I completed last week and a week with grand girls on coastal Maine, but to your support and presence during our June journey. For me, this summer has allowed a great pause of concentration and intentionality. Our relationship to food runs rampant in this culture and can unfold mindlessly, but it was deeply nourishing for me to continue on an intentional path to stay vital on all levels, not really accepting any escape hatches…or at least not getting pulled under during the ride!

The juice cleanse was so valuable for me to “pull in.” It was great to be in Samadhi, which created such clarity, and to really find that place of intention, and of, course attention. I so appreciated the time you gave to all of us—the physiology and understanding of how and what happens in our bodies—as embodied beings, what a good place to start! As you know this was my second time on this particular cleanse and it was powerful, because I had the intention to be with and in the group, allowing myself to be supported, but supporting others at the same time. I enjoyed the casual flow of our daily “meetings,” and Robin’s graciousness and “looking out” for everyone was a grounding and welcoming ingredient. I loved the way the dream workshop began to open up after one person came forward, and how our guide picked up on everything and really did guide the speaker to find their own answers.

Your knowledge and experience, and again, your availability, was integral throughout the week. I happen to really enjoy the combination of juice ingredients and took the time cleaning up as a time to just be present.

I would like to do another cleanse this year. I love the results on all levels, as well as caring for myself and the benefits that it brings to all parts of my life.
I hope you and Robin enjoy the rest of this glorious summer.

J.G., Greenwich, CT

Michael,

It was nice to receive your note. The Juice Fast, while initially something I agreed to “tag along” on with LB, has actually been a profound experience in my life. It came at a time in my life when I was already beginning to fundamentally question how I should be eating, and your daily discussions on food have given me the basis for a complete rethinking of what I eat.

You will be happy to hear that I have moved my “healthy meals” from 10% to something closer to 70% and the resultant health benefits continue to inspire me to move that number higher. My weight (which I know is not your favorite gauge of health but hey, I work on Wall Street, and I like to track numbers) did jump up 3-4 pounds post-fast but this morning is now actually down to my end-of-fast low point…time to buy some new clothes.
I also wanted to say that I found your thoughts on food, the food industry and the health care industry to be an inspiring balance of informed analysis, healthy skepticism, open-minded exploration and pragmatic lifestyle decisions. I greatly benefited from hearing you speak on many wide-ranging topics and I think others would also benefit from hearing your “voice”. I certainly encourage you to write a book bringing these thoughts together – I expect that it would be very well received.

Lastly, I hope we can find ways to stay in touch. The kids still talk about their visits to Sun Raven and ask about Stanley and Stella. Despite busy lives, I hope we can find time to continue to connect.

D.G., Ridgefield, CT

Hi Michael,

The comments made by everyone who attended Tuesday night’s workshop were, as they always are, spectacular. I would like to quote just two of them: “Dr. Finkelstein made a wonderful presentation with new ideas to help yourself heal. He is very open to questions and is understanding…definitely opened my mind – very refreshing.” A second person noted that they felt it would be helpful having a monthly ongoing group to discuss these chronic issues, especially for those with metastatic/chronic cancer. When asked what their overall satisfaction of this activity was, our group gave you the highest rating.

I look forward to having you back in April.

With all my thanks,

Judy Freeman | Program Administrator | Gilda’s Club Westchester, Bedford, NY

Dear Michael,

I shared the notes from yesterday with the girls who requested it, and one of them said, “it was just so cool to have a conversation like that. I never talked about health like that before. That was a wise man.”

*Indeed!* 

Today, nuggets from the conversation keep coming up. When the group sat on the grass for an activity, another girl said gleefully, “this is us staying young and healthy!” Widespread dirt-flecked-carrot-eating has been observed, and we have noticed an increased incidence of HUGS today! We haven’t heard overt conversation about death, but tonight we enter Tish B’Av and we’ll be working closely with them through this night.

I really appreciate your offer to return to the group, to see through the topics raised. For future sessions let’s plan for that model. Your presence at camp feels like a thorough match; here is a densely interconnected network of people who want to learn from you and share in the singing, farming, growing and living. And through your eyes, camp is visible as amazing because you deeply understand what is happening here.

On a personal note, I am completely inspired by the integrity with which you walk; it is absolutely evident, and the power of your teaching flows so much from that. The words are animated by the being speaking them. I know I speak for the others with whom you talked last night, too.

Thank You.

The rain comes down and kids are pouring out of dinner with happy squeals, boots running around, emphatic puddle splashing! 

We are honored and grateful to share in this journey with you.

Respectfully,

V.S. and Y.S., Putnam Valley, NY