Are you: Bogged down? Emotionally drained? Unable to focus?
Perhaps it’s time for a Soul Detox. You may have heard of other types of detoxifications that are to help our bodies begin functioning in a healthy manner again. So what is a detox? According to the Oxford Dictionary the definition for “detox” is “a process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances.” If our bodies need a cleansing at times, then the same is true for our souls.
We often forget that we are bombarded with all sorts of messages and stimuli throughout our day that can have a negative impact on us. When we hear or see these negative influences it can be like a poison that infiltrates our souls. And, if left unattended long enough, it can become toxic to us and cause us to become physically, emotionally and spiritually drained resulting in burn out. This toxic soul state can also lead to long term problems that can affect our overall physical health and impact our relationships with others. The sooner we begin to identify the “poisons” in our life, the sooner we can detox our soul and be on the road to becoming a healthier person: Mind, Body, and Spirit.
How do you detox your soul? Begin with these things in mind:
What Goes In, Will Come Out
Whatever you are influenced by or allow into your mind will affect you in some way. Everything from the music you listen to, the movies you watch, and the books you read place messages inside your mind that can shape who you are or will become. If you listen to a lot of coarse humor or foul language those same words will eventually become part of your language. Be aware of positive messages vs. negative messages. Be selective with what you allow in, because eventually it will come back out.
Speak Life, Not Death
Remember the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? That is simply not true. Negative words can scar the soul. We have all experienced an unkind word that has been spoken to us…let’s face it…it hurts. When we become negative in life, our words start to reflect that. Choose your words wisely each day. Our words have the potential to bring life to a situation or death. This is especially true in our relationships with others. Make a commitment to build others up instead of tearing them down.
Dig Up the Roots of Anger, Bitterness, Unforgiveness and Envy
Everyone knows that when you are weeding a garden you have to dig up the roots. Why? Because if you don’t, the weeds will grow back. The same is true with “toxic weeds” like anger, bitterness, un-forgiveness and envy. The longer we harbor those emotions the deeper their roots grow down into our souls and the more difficult it is to get rid of them. Identify the source of those emotions, learn to deal with them, uproot them and move on. Learning to let go of these negative feelings can help you grow a garden of healthy fruit in your life, rather than allowing the weeds to choke out your joy and peace.
Become FEARLESS
Sometimes we get trapped in fear, afraid to step outside of our comfort zone and embrace change. Sometimes we fear repercussions of our past mistakes that can cause us to live in shame, low self-esteem and doubt. Sometimes we even fear people and become entrapped in a spirit of fear of rejection or ridicule and allow them to set our standards for us. It’s time to become bold and courageous and FEARLESS. Do not allow your past to dictate your future. Let go of shame and guilt and start living the life you were created for.
Say Goodbye to Toxic Influences
Toxic influences come in all shapes and sizes. They are found in our leisure activities and hobbies, in the things we ingest into our bodies and even in our relationships. Evaluate the health of your mind, body and soul. Are you allowing garbage to enter your mind through toxic print, music and media? Are you consuming unhealthy foods and beverages that can make you sick and have long term consequences that lead to disease? Are you involved with people that tear you down instead of building you up or pressure you to do things that go against your morals and values? If you said yes to any of these things…say goodbye to the toxic influences. Purge these things from your life and live free.
Go to God in prayer and develop your own Soul Detox Plan. Ask the LORD to reveal to you the areas of your life that you need to “clean up” and start making a list. Spend time in prayer and ask God to help you get rid of these things so that you can glorify Him through your thoughts, words and deeds. If you think it would help, find an accountability partner to help hold you accountable to your Soul Detox Plan.