Because we are connected – body, mind and spirit – what affects one part of us affects the whole. During a recent Intensive workshop at GateWay, we talked about the process of detoxing the body, the mind and the spirit.
Detox the Body – presented by Lorraine Oberholtzer, RD, LD
Numerous methods are available for a chemical and physical detox of the body, but each of us has to know what is good for our own body. The idea of a healthy and effective detox is to free the body from anything that may be causing physical stress.
The best detox involves a two-pronged approach:
- Remove toxins
- Strengthen the body’s own defense mechanism
Toxin removal may include water filters, air filters, fasting from certain foods, buying organic foods, avoiding GMOs, cooking more meals at home and avoiding food additives.
Most toxin removal begins by reducing inflammatory foods such as processed sugars, dairy and gluten products.
We can begin to detox the body by simply eating less. This lightens the load on the digestive system and the all-important gut which contains immune strengthening properties.
Other important tips include:
- Drink more water
- Add a good probiotic
- Increase the omega 3s with fish oil, salmon, mackerel, tuna and trout
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Choose healthy fats such as coconut oil, nuts, avocados and extra virgin olive oil
- Increase exercise time and fiber consumption
Detox the Mind – presented by Kiersten Adkins, LPC, MA, Exec Dir of Pathway to Hope
The way we think determines our behaviors and can also affect us spiritually and physically. The mind truly regulates the flow of energy and information we receive and pass onward.
As we become more comfortable with who we are, our mental health is underscored by fulfilling relationships, well-being, healthy energy and a more impactful life.
Our basic functions such as eating, sleeping and breathing affect the feeling parts of the brain which also determine how we think about ourselves and our lives.
So our behavior is determined by how we emotionally respond to a situation. If we continue to think about something negative and feed that negativity, we will respond negatively. This can lead to self-sabotage and additional stress – which also affects the body.
Our goal, mentally, is to reduce the chaos and stress and become a more balanced, synchronized individual. The idea of balance, aka moderation, can help keep our emotions in a more steady, healthy place rather than swinging all over the place from despair to disgust to shame to fear then back to happiness and joy.
Some of the important questions to ask ourselves include:
- Am I mindful of myself?
- Who am I made to be?
- What am I going to be?
- How will I achieve this goal?
- When will this happen?
- Why will I invest myself in this goal?
As we determine to be proactive with our minds, we protect ourselves from emotional bankruptcy. Then, a healthy mind leads to a healthy spirit.
Detox of the Spirit – presented by Rebecca Thesman, CLC, BSE, GateWay Program Director and Life Coach
We know we need a detox of the spirit when we are out of alignment with God. For some women, that means they will feel directionless, unable to pray and/or feel as if they have no peace.
One way to return to alignment with God is to focus more on him than on ourselves and our problems. Keeping a gratitude journal is an effective way to discipline ourselves for more thankfulness.
But we also need to detox ourselves away from harmful attitudes such as:
- Self-doubt – based on fear and focused on the “I can’t” or the “I’ll never” statements
- Self-sabotage – when we procrastinate or feel paralyzed with no joy
- Stress – when our energy is drained and we no longer set healthy boundaries
- Settling – for what we don’t truly want – for what is second best
Some practical tips to help us avoid these dangerous “S” words might include:
- Ignore the “shoulds” – when other people or even our own minds try to “should” us into doing something we don’t want to do
- Set healthy boundaries, especially around the things that drain our energy
- Plan for a day of play and/or a special retreat away from everything
- Fast from anything that takes us away from God
- Increase more of the stress-relieving activities: coloring, singing, walking
- Remember we are made in the image of God – body, mind and spirit
- Pay attention to the inner nudges of the Holy Spirit
- Realize who we really are and appreciate our true value
As we work on these issues, we can move into more balance with our bodies, our minds and our spirits. Then we will be healthier and able to use our giftings to impact the world and make a difference.
©2017 GateWay of Hope – Hope, Healing and Wholeness for Women