A soul cleansing detox

In a previous post, Wiping the Slate Cleanse, I discussed a 3-day detox cleanse that I completed. In that post, I noted that I would expound upon two principles that I experienced during my cleanse — gratefulness and not giving up. As I have continued to ponder these concepts, I have reached some simple conclusions about what is a complex relationship that we all at some point have had or will have with gratitude and fortitude. In this post, I will share my conclusions so as to encourage you and to promote a deeper discovery in your own personal journey with soul cleansing.

Make room for gratitude. Move forward by grace.

What is it about loss that gives birth to gratitude and overwhelming joy for the things that we either once took for granted or could never see at all? Perhaps it is the process of choosing to let go of one or more things to make room for something new. Maybe fasting from the familiar provides clarity so that the treasures within each of us can finally be unearthed and put to good use. I found it interesting that a physical cleanse can be a channel for accessing the deeper levels of the soul — our emotions, feelings, and the way we connect with the rest of the world.

As a practicing enthusiast of Yoga and Pilates, both mind-body movements, I understand that the connection between mind, body and soul does exist, and we can access that connection through our awareness of who we are in the face of adversity and loss, which is the most opportune time for our truest selves to shine. I demonstrated this concept at each meal, even though it was less than what my physical body was accustomed to. Specifically, I thanked God for providing the sustenance and good health to sustain a cleanse, and I also thanked Him for His grace to keep moving forward, even when I made a mistake and didn’t follow the rules of the cleanse precisely.

Sacrifice, and discover great fortitude.

When I began this cleanse, I knew that it would be work. Even before the cleanse, my perception of work was that it requires effort. Whether the work is manual, mental, emotional or all three, work always requires energy and intentional effort. For example, a vocation is a form of work that one is divinely called to do, and yet it requires much energy each day. Relationships are also a form of work. Whether the relationship is with a co-worker, with a significant other, or between a parent and child, maintaining healthy relationships requires effort.

Based on my preexisting perceptions about work and my experience with this cleanse, I learned that committing to a cleanse takes courage, and choosing to put in the work to sacrifice reveals great fortitude. I believe that we all have the fortitude to complete a cleanse, which is optional or to endure a dramatic life change, which often is imposed. Both circumstances present a unique opportunity to explore how going without can become what I experienced as a gateway for relating better to myself and to others through my Creator, who ultimately provides all that I need, when I need it most.

Take the next step.

The effects of a detox cleanse are not meant to be short lived. My intention for cleansing was to redesign a longer-lasting, healthier alliance with food. However, after the cleanse and through my reflections, I had the emotional room and mental clarity to recognize that gratitude and fortitude were shaped during the cleanse.

Now what’s next? For me, my next step is to stay conscious; to be aware of what I put into my body and know that ultimately I make those choices. Moreover, I choose to sacrifice for a greater good, my health. I choose to be grateful and to receive God’s grace. I choose to be courageous and embrace the fortitude that lies within me.

Whether choosing to undertake a detox cleanse or whether experiencing some other sacrificial encounter with life, choose to move forward with intention, and be amazed by the after effects that can create clarity in the mind, goodness for the body, and freedom within the soul.

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