I just finished two months of cleansing with a really powerful herbal tea blend, along with my Joyous 10-day detox which I did longer than 10-days. I feel lighter, more joyous and ready for the next step -- 21 days of getting fitter and stronger, while eating clean -- more on that below.
While detoxing, I was thinking about spring cleaning my mind as well. I realize it's not officially Spring yet (I'm counting down the days), but I wanted to share some ways to spring clean your mind. I originally posted this back in 2010 and thought it was worth a re-post with a few tweaks.
Write an entire page worth of a constant stream of consciousness for 7 nights in a row. Do not lift your pen, keep writing whatever thoughts come to mind for an entire page. This is different than a diary. Just let go and let the emotions flow through your heart and mind, right onto your paper.
It is the soul food for the mind and the spirit. I started my first yoga practice about 15 years ago. It not only changed my body, but also had a profound effect on my emotional wellness.
Write a letter to release feelings such as guilt, anger, frustration, jealousy. You dont have to worry about sugar-coating anything, because you are not actually going to send it to anybody. This is incredibly freeing.
Look for alternative methods of coping
When you feel down in the dumps, instead of drinking alcohol, stuffing it down with comfort food, watching a movie to get your mind off it, look at it in the face. How? Take a bath, meditate, go for a quiet walk. Allow the feelings to manifest and fully embrace them. Cry, yell, scream
just allow whatever needs to happen, happen.
Lastly, write down this affirmation when going through an emotional detox and read it before bed or first thing in the morning: I have the courage to release toxic emotions in a positive and constructive manner. I possess the clarity of vision to renew and plan my future aspirations, so enabling me to move forward on lifes journey.
How do you spring clean your mind? Do you have any suggestions for our joyous health readers?
Thank you for the spring mind cleaning information. I will try it. I do not drink alcohol, but I do eat sweets (gluten free). I have lost 65 pounds and working with an obesity councillor for the past two years. I have severe arthritis and when I lose another 25 pounds I can be put on the list to have my knees replaced. I would love to take Yoga but do you know of any Chair Yoga classes in the city (Vancouver?) As I do not think I could get down on a mat at this time, maybe one day but not now. Thanks again for the information. Kathilyn
ReplyHi Joy and Joyous Health Readers! These tips are Awesome! When I did the Detox Online, great by the way ;) and I recommend it to everyone, I loved your tip with the Deep Belly Breathing. I have to admit, I didn't think it would have much effect but ... it made a HUGE difference! Yes, huge! I continue to do it every day and I feel the difference when I don't. I feel more at peace, more grounded and it just feels like my day is more Joyous! Simple but very effective tip. Oh, and I love the affirmation in this post! Big Thanks as usual for being such an Inspiration! :)
ReplyI'm glad to hear you really benefited from this simple but very effective exercise! :) Thanks for the comment, it made me smile.
These are all very easy-to-do exercises for clearing the mind. Thank you for posting, Joy. Whenever I feel my mind is full, I like to practice a particular mudra (yoga hand gesture) called the Kalesvara Mudra. I sit with myself for a few minutes with my hands in this position, and the practice helps to clear and calm my mind every time. It's also very beautiful because your hands create the shape of a heart.
ReplyWhat does 90 grams and 30 grams equal . I'm making your recipe for chest rub . Thank you very much Coll
ReplyHey Colleen! 90 grams is typically around 3/4 cup and 30 grams is typically about 1/4 cup, however those measurements may vary slightly as these measurements differ in weight to volume. That should do the trick though :) Rachel - Joyous Health Team