Detoxing For The Mind

We detox our bodies, sage our homes, and purge our closets to keep our bodies healthy and homes in order, but what about taking time to detoxing the mind?

Last December, I decided to go through my 2018 journal to reflect on the year that I had. I wanted to note any recurring themes that I wrote about throughout the year as an area to focus on before going into a new year. The beauty of writing via keeping a journal is that you can go back and read your own words and thoughts, noticing trends and areas to work on or even that you have grown in. When I went through my 2018 journal, I noticed that the words "I need to" came up over and over again. It took finally burning out and even a heartbreak to take action because my mental health and peace of mind was becoming affected by some of the things that were long overdue of being removed.

Instead of cutting all of my hair off like in the book/Netflix movie "Nappily Ever After" or going on an international quest of self-discovery like in Eat Pray Love (only because that's not financially possible for me lol) I spent the entire month of December 2018 detoxing my mind. Aside from my immediate family and a few of my closest friends, I disconnected from everyone. I deleted all social media apps and minimized the amount of time I watched tv or even listened to any music that was not worship music. I checked in with close family and friends periodically but for the most part, kept to myself. I was on vacation for the holidays from work so I had the luxury at the time to do that. Instead of spending it "Netflix and chilling" or hanging out, I spent all of my time in prayer, reading the word and pouring all of my hurt, frustration and disappointment to Christ. I spent hours each day praying, reading the bible, listening to sermons online, reading devotionals, playing worship music. While I was disconnected with much of the world, I created my own little world for weeks with the Lord.

While I had the luxury of totally disconnecting this way because I was on vacation from work, am not married and do not have kids, I truly believe when Christ knows that you desperately need time with him, he will make a way for even the busiest person. I think back to those days and how intimate and beautiful they were often. After spending only a few weeks completely committed to being in Christ's presence, I was able to start the new year feeling like myself again. I found a sense of joy, peace, and happiness that I didn't have most of 2018. I can't imagine if I wasted those weeks binge watching tv, scrolling social media or entertaining men that were not worth my time.

Giving my full attention to God gave me restoration, hope and healing I could have NEVER received on my own. Trust that if you truly crave one on one time with the Lord that he will make it possible, no matter how busy your life is or limited your time. A detoxed body and clean home means nothing if your mind is not regulated, your heart is hurting and your spirit is off.

Give time immediately to the Lord to receive the peace, healing and love that only he can give.

Deleted all social media apps from my phone

Fasted by only drinking liquids until noon each weekday

Limited watching tv and replaced with watching online sermons

Limited listening to music unless worship music

Replaced social media with apps such as Pinterest where I saved up bible study ideas, recipes, fitness ideas, crafts and projects

Not responding to texts/calls from anyone that I did not divulge the reason I was disconnecting to avoid temptation to have conversations that would hinder my healing.

Mantras, quotes and bible verses to turn to

Removal of thoughts that do not reflect Gods word

A new purpose and more intimate relationship with myself and the Lord

A greater appreciation of those that were to remain in my life and comfort in the removal of those that no longer belonged

Peace and clear understanding of the things that could not remain in order for me to keep it

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, even their own life--such a person cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26 NIV)

But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29 ESV)

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (Psalm 105:4 ESV)

photo credit: Daria Shevtsova