Though I am deeply spiritual, I don’t generally include religion in my articles. This is an exception. It is a great way to illustrate the importance of purifying ourselves.
Whenever we decide to make a change in our lives for the good, such as joining a new church, or deciding to live a more moral life, there are certain steps that must be taken. It is the same when trying to change our bodies – to eliminate the qualities that destroy us.
The steps are simple, yet can also be challenging, depending upon the degree of deviation from what is good, healthy and acceptable.
First, you have to eliminate the bad. If our goal is to detoxify the body, we have to stop putting the junk into it that makes us sick. Eliminate the sugar, refined carbohydrates, additives, coffee, alcohol, bad fats, etc.
Spiritually, it means eliminating lust, greed, foul language, all forms of dishonesty, jealousy, etc. Avoiding media and other works that are degrading to us spiritually. It is worthless to purify if we continually contaminate ourselves.
Secondly, we have to be nourished. To nourish our body, we have to take in good, wholesome foods that provide the nutrients necessary to grow, repair and sustain function. Eating real food is critical. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, preferably organic (without pesticides, herbicides etc), whole grains and legumes (lentils and split peas), and brown rice. Some detoxification programs allow for chicken and fish at some point, depending on the length of the cleanse. Our tissues, organs and brain must be nourished if they are to do their jobs so we can feel good.
Spiritually, it is no different. We nourish ourselves spiritually by regular attendance to church – being nourished by the word of God – reading our scriptures, attending bible studies or by private bible study, and by reading magazines and books that help strengthen us spiritually.
The third aspect of personal cleansing is to stimulate detoxification of stored garbage. In a body detoxification program we take herbs. These herbs assist the liver, kidneys, lymph, and intestines to purge their waste. The body was designed with the capability of depositing waste, but if we are accumulating it faster than the body can keep up, disease results. Garbage in, garbage out. Giving the body a helping hand is essential today if you want to get healthy.
Our spiritual “herbs” that purge us of our filth is thru Christ. Through the Atonement, through His Grace. We are purged of all the toxic evils of the world – all the things we may have soiled ourselves with.
When we put in place the good things that uplift us spiritually, there is no room for the filth of the world. When we eat good, healthy, wholesome foods, there is no appetite for junk.
If we are to be healthy in body, mind and spirit, we must cleanse and detoxify on a regular basis.
©2011 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.