CLEANSES, DETOXES AND PURIFICATIONS

I think it’s safe to say we have all felt “off” at some point in our lives—maybe more often than we’d like to admit. Or perhaps we’re dealing with a health issue that just won’t go away. It’s times like these when I take a long, hard look at myself and say: “It’s time for a cleanse.” Cleanse, detox, purification—some people will split hairs about the definition of each one, but as far as I’m concerned, the bottom line is all the same…time for a cleanup!

I often hear people say they’re nervous about getting started with a cleanse, or they’ll even grimace when the concept is mentioned. So, I would like to help demystify the process and hopefully inspire you to try doing it yourself. Of course, please ask your physician for advice, but I also feel that a little common sense goes a long way when it comes to cleanses. Remember, you know your body better than anyone else, now all you have to do is really tune in and give it what it needs.

DIET 

Certainly, the number one thing most people associate with cleanses, detoxes and purifications is a specialized diet. And I will say, yes, that is absolutely correct! There are infinite ways to structure the diet plan, so I will not go into specifics here. But major items to consider eliminating would be: refined sugars, processed foods, alcohol and caffeine. Now, I know some of you might be putting your hands up in the air right now saying: “No way…that’s all my favorite stuff!”

I get it—I’ve been there, but believe me, if you try it, you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel. When you’re ready, make a grocery list of fresh foods and stock your refrigerator with healthy options to last you the duration of your cleanse.

Being prepared is half the battle!

TIMING

I cannot stress enough how timing can make or break your cleanse. As far as I’m concerned, the holidays are just completely off limits—and by that, I mean ANY holidays. Let’s face it, holidays mean food, drinks and not to mention they can get downright busy and stressful, so please, please, PLEASE don’t sabotage your good intentions right off the bat by planning your cleanse around these festivities! I find the change of seasons is a much better way to go…say adieu to one period of your life, and work with nature to beautifully usher in the next. Many people also wonder how long they should do their cleanse. First, I will say it’s good to remember you can do this in baby steps. Maybe it’s just one day, maybe 3. Again, you need to tune in to your body and understand what’s best for you. I have done approximately 20 cleanses over the last 25 years, and they have ranged from 2 days to 2 months. There’s no right or wrong time frame. You’ll also find the more you do it, the easier it gets AND you tend to carry over new, healthy habits into your day-to-day routine.

SELF-CARE

A detail that is often overlooked during a cleanse is self-care. I could probably write an entire book about this, but for the sake of time, I will do my best to briefly explain its importance. Self-care falls under a wide spectrum, so it can look very different for each individual, but overall, it’s important to create time for nurturing yourself. For example, diving into a mystery novel while sipping a delicious cup of tea could be the very definition of bliss for someone—and a perfect way to indulge in a form of self-care. Then we could have another person who would love nothing more than to spend an entire afternoon communing with Mother Nature in their garden. And then yet another individual hops on their mountain bike and rides 50 miles in one day and is exhilarated with a rush of endorphins. I think you can see my point, as long as you’re not harming yourself or anyone else, self-care is whatever brings you joy!

*Side note: Some of my favorite forms of self-care are: walks by the lake, singing, listening to audiobooks while I putter around the house, receiving Reiki treatments and sound massage. (Sound massage is a form of healing therapy using various percussion instruments and bowls on and around the body. I work with a gifted practitioner in Port Washington, WI for any of you who may be interested—let me know!)

DEEPER DIVE

An aspect of cleanses that isn’t discussed enough is the emotional, mental and spiritual rollercoaster of a ride it may present to you. Right off the top, a major focus of a cleanse is to rid your body of things it may be addicted to. So, for some of you that may be caffeine or sugar, and for others we’re talking about alcohol or drugs. Then to take it one step further outside the body, maybe someone is addicted to shopping, or gambling or being the victim, etc. No matter which way you slice it, all these things are addictions, and you will need to take a closer look as to WHY they are in your life. For lack of a better phrase, you will most likely need to “face some demons”—it’s gonna get real folks, but I promise you it’s ABSOLUTELY worth it! You will learn so much about yourself. I recommend finding healthy ways to express the multitude of thoughts and emotions that will inevitably surface during this time. Journaling is a great way to document your observations and then go back later to see how far you’ve come. You may need to confide in a close friend or family member, and certainly a professional if necessary. Please remember that by doing this cleanse, you are doing your body, mind and spirit a gigantic, colossal favor—this a way to show yourself love, caring and gratitude!

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about starting your own cleanse, detox or purification—I’d be happy to help. In the meantime, I would love to get your feedback, and find out what mystical, metaphysical and spiritual questions you have. Thank you for taking time to learn with me, and know wherever you are on your journey, we are all divinely united and loved. Be well!

Suki