Detoxification.
The concept is all the rage right now and it can also be an intimidating one. But it’s really just a fancy word that means body cleansing. This is the process the body performs to rid itself of toxins in order to prevent short and long-term negative effects. Basically, detoxifying the organs and systems is how our bodies move and function at tip-top condition.
Let’s think about this in a new way, shall we?
Imagine the body as a house with different rooms and closets full of clutter and garbage in desperate need of spring cleaning. In the body, these rooms and closets are places like the liver, intestines, fat cells, skin cells, and the nodes of the lymphatic system. But here’s the thing; in order to “detox” safely and properly there is some prep involved.
If you’re in need of a good detox, the first step is to prepare the body for what is actually very hard work. The body uses several pathways for detoxification (or junk removal) via the liver, kidneys, urinary tract and colon with secondary pathways being the lungs and skin. These are the channels used to rid the body of pathogens, viruses, yeast, chemicals, toxins, medication, inflammation, free radicals, and other harmful cells.
If we continue with thinking of these pathways in terms of cleaning house, the hallways need to be clear, the windows wide open, the doorways free of clutter, and the chimney swept. Once the detoxification process begins, success depends on the ability to keep things moving out; hydration and “waste removal” are key! If the floodgates of toxins are opened without a clear pathway for removal, the problem will compound and may end up the same or worse. However, with a little bit of planning and some care, a good detox session can set up a body for significant healing and long-term health.
The body is in a constant state of daily detox, but it is still important to do deeper work a few times a year. Again, think in terms of seasonal cleaning sessions. As well, there are other areas of life that get blocked, slow moving, cramped and cluttered but actually don’t have an automatic process of detoxification that you may or may not have considered.
Just for “funsies”, what if we gave similar attention to the environment in our home? Purging and clearing actual clutter? Curating a beautiful wardrobe? What would happen if we sifted through the activities that fill our calendar creating a constant state of busyness, hurried transitions, and little space for stillness? Or re-evaluated relationships that produce a cycle of shame, fear, or frustration? What if our external environment could receive some TLC, taking some lessons from the work our bodies do daily?
The goal? Simplify. Release. Revive.
The result? Reduced stress, an organized mind and home, and joyful relationships that push us to growth and development.
I think that a good “detox for life” would be a powerful prescription for a season of health, healing, and happiness.
This is my goal for my detox for life series… a fresh perspective on the stuff that has filled up our bodies, minds, and daily life. Nothing too drastic and simple enough to accomplish in a small amount of time.
