Cleansing For The Whole Person
We hear a lot today about body cleansing and detoxing. Many regimes related to these are useful to clear out toxins and wastes from our physical bodies, but what about the rest of us?
We are whole people, and as such, human beings are comprised of several different aspects, which interact with each other. In my new book, Whole Man: Unleashing the Potential of the Modern Man, I explore each of these aspects from a male perspective. I also provide suggestions and links to resources, for achieving balance within each of these aspects.
So let’s take the concept of cleansing/detoxing and expand it to encompass the whole person. Below is a suggestion for cleansing each aspect of the whole person.
Spiritual
Jesus and many of the other great spiritual teachers taught the idea that we live in the world but are not of it. Perhaps another way to look at this, is through the words of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin:
We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.
As whole people, we all have a spiritual dimension which directly feeds into the rest of our being. Just like our bodies, our spiritual aspect needs teaching, nurturing and nourishment to grow and flourish.
Action
Begin the practice of daily meditation. Even 10 minutes a day devoted to immersing yourself in the stillness of meditation, will begin to produce many positive changes within you. There is a great range of meditation CDs and classes available today. Choose such a resource which aligns with your individual spiritual beliefs.
Resource
https://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/Deepak-Chopras-Top-8-Meditation-Tips-Video
In this interview, Deepak Chopra presents 8 tips for meditating effectively.
Mental
Many of us have a constant stream of thoughts that run through our mind. Many of these thoughts, and the beliefs behind them, are not rooted in reality. Some of them developed as coping mechanisms at difficult times in our earlier lives. Beliefs such as, “I am unattractive”, “I am not smart enough”, “I am not loveable” are examples of such false ‘I am’ belief patterns.
We can change how we think and do not have to remain hostage to old, obsolete thought patterns. So make the decision to embrace that change now. If you do, a whole new world will await you.
Action
Take a step back and become an objective observer of how you think. Once they are exposed they will lose a lot of their power. Write out an affirmation to replace each of these thought patterns. Place these affirmations in strategic places (desk drawer, bathroom mirror, car glove box) and say them to yourself often.
Resource
https://www.thework.com/index.php
This is the website of Byron who developed a simple process called ‘The Work.’ This simple process will enable you to identify false beliefs, clear them out, and replace them with beliefs based in reality.
Emotional
Suppressing or bottling-up emotions is a very unhealthy thing to do. It can give rise to anger, depression, and in the long run, even sickness. Some people don’t feel comfortable confiding in others, some feel they have no one they can really talk to about certain issues, and yet others are not even aware of the fact that they have suppressed their feelings and emotions. The latter is referred to as repression.
To be emotionally healthy it is important to develop and use tools which facilitate us getting in touch with and expressing our emotions in a constructive way.
Action
Try writing an unsent letter. This process involves you writing a letter to someone with whom you have ‘unfinished business’. In this way you can ‘connect’ with your emotions. It could be someone who has passed on, an individual you harbor resentment towards, or even your partner or one of your kids with whom you are having difficulty communicating. Make sure you are in a place where you can be completely alone and free to express yourself how you wish. Just start off with “Dear…” Don’t hold back. Write exactly how you feel and let your emotions run freely. Here is your chance to say whatever you like. As soon as you finish, burn it. This letter is not for other eyes to see. If you wish, as the smoke rises up, hand this letter and it contents over to your spiritual source.
Resource
DVD: Tuesdays with Morrie (1999) starring Jack Lemmon and Wendy Moniz
Mitch is a man caught up in his hectic career as a sports commentator and journalist, who does not take time out for the most important things in life. A chance reunion with his terminally ill college professor begins to change Mitch’s life perspective.
Physical
To be in balance physically our bodies require 3 things: healthy food, exercise and relaxation. Sometimes in the business of life we can slip in one or more of these areas, and over an extended period of time our vitality and energy is compromised.
At such times we need to consciously take stock and make decisions to move once again in the direction of physical wellness.
Action
Rule 3 columns on a page with the following headings: Diet, Exercise, Relaxation. Think back to a time when you considered yourself to be physically healthy and list in each column what you were doing to achieve and maintain this state. Then rule a line across each column and list what you are doing now which has contributed to your dropped in physical vitality. Make a commitment to gradually re-introduce the more positive components back onto your daily life.
Resource
A comprehensive resource for those wishing to adopt a more balanced, nutritional lifestyle.
Sexual
Sexuality feeds into every part of our being. Often movies and the media portray sexuality very superficially, focusing predominantly on the physical aspect i.e. sex. We are sexual beings by design but often are not taught a holistic approach to this deep and creative part of us. Thus much of its depth and richness goes unexplored. Sadly, this lack is often replaced by secretive and destructive expressions of our sexual nature.
Our sexual nature is intertwined with our creative dimension. From this dimension arises our ability to experience life in all its completeness from a sensual perspective.
Action
Bring your sexuality out of the darkness into the light. Talk about it. Discuss it with your partner if you have one. If this is not practical, or you don’t have a partner, consider seeing a sex counselor. Approach this from the perspective of discovering your sensual side and being comfortable with it.
Resource
An access point for resources, services and information related to sexual health issues.
Social
We interact with many different people through the varied ‘roles’ we play in life: child, sibling, partner, parent, friend, etc. We are communal beings and need other people to grow and evolve.
How we connect to others directly affects our overall wellbeing. To reflect on this aspect of our life from time to time enables us to seek out and maintain healthy relationships. In turn, these healthy, life-giving relationships enhance our sense of connectedness and belonging.
Action
Make it a regular habit to look for opportunities in the mundane of life to serve others in practical ways. Clean up after dinner one night, do a load of washing, help your son/daughter with their homework, assist a complete stranger in need. Do these actions quietly, seeking no reward.
Resource
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org
The website of The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. Lots of great ideas for serving others randomly.