More and more individuals are considering detoxing and cleansing their bodies of impurities for health reasons. But interestingly, some of the most toxic problems we suffer are negative mental states.
For instance, research, as well as common sense, is increasingly showing the health risks of anger. An Ohio State University study showed that those who had less control over their anger tended to heal more slowly from wounds. In another study, researchers concluded that anger problems have been linked to all major causes of death (stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/anger_problems).
For many, negative feelings can sometimes accumulate to disturbing levels. During those times, we need a good mental detoxing to clear out unhealthy emotions, such as jealousy, stress and irritation, which can poison one’s good nature, upset mental balance, and damage health.
Here are some helpful tips I have found in my spiritual practice that are important in mental cleansing:
Don’t let resentments fester and grow – eliminate them with forgiveness
Cleanse away hatred with affection and compassion
Purge past disappointments with gratitude for good things in your life today
Don’t rehearse cruelty – practice empathy and tolerance instead
It is love, compassion and appreciation that will help us detox our mentality and bring us many health benefits.
St. Paul lists nine important ingredients that can help detox any hatred: patience, kindness, generosity, humility, courtesy, unselfishness, good temper, guilelessness and sincerity (see I Cor. 13: 5-8). These qualities act as antidotes for anger and its health threats.
There was a time in my life when I hated a colleague of mine. His life seemed so much better and his success more pronounced. I eventually became ill whenever I thought of him. I realized I needed a good detoxing. I studied I Corinthians 13 and tried to be more unselfish, kind and patient with my friend, others I knew, and even myself. The result? My anger disappeared. We became friends again, my health became stronger and my life richer in many ways.
American human development specialist and founder of the Heart/Math Institute, Doc Childre, wrote, “Appreciate yourself for whatever progress you’ve made, then use that energy of appreciation to move forward (heartquotes.net).”
If you’re combatting anger, jealousy or hatred, try a mental cleansing. Give yourself a good mental detox with humility and love. See for yourself how it helps eliminate stress. You’ll feel better about yourself and even reap some lasting health benefits.
