We are all creatures that physically, and often emotionally, respond in various ways to the world around us. The way in which we react to and understand our environment can change over time; as we gain experience, knowledge, and resources, we develop the capacity to adjust our behavioural patterns. It is quite natural, then, that these patterns—aspects of our own particular personality that are affected by the environment—might also be affected by a process of “cleansing.”
What, then, is cleansing? In essence, cleansing is a process of becoming aware of and releasing the associations, perceptions, and beliefs from the past that have been limiting the possibilities in our lives. These associations, perceptions, and beliefs that limit our potential are often deeply embedded in our psychological system, and vary widely from person to person. For instance, a person who has had traumatic early life experiences may have a fear of intimacy, or may lack belief in their own value or capabilities. This is not an easy process to work through, but it is possible when we commit to engaging in an interactive process of cleansing.
First, it is important to identify what areas of life are blocking our ability to reach our goals. Are there underlying beliefs and attitudes that are preventing us from having healthy relationships? Are fears and doubts impacting our ability to make progress? With increased awareness, we can learn to recognize and address the issues that are at the root of our inhibitions.
Once identified, the next step is to begin to explore, and accept, them. This can be done through journaling, talking with a trusted individual, or engaging in talk therapy. Through this exploration, we can identify the core issues that are causing us to experience discomfort or distress in our lives. This new understanding helps us to determine what needs to be released, and what needs to be held onto in order to move forward in our lives.
The final step of the cleansing process is to take action. This could mean creating a plan for addressing the identified issues, or taking a positive step towards our aspirations. We can begin to practice mental and emotional habits that support our development. These might include exploring creativity, engaging in self-care, healthy nutrition and exercise, and exploring spiritual practices. Whatever steps we take must help us to become more aware of our own values and help us to create positive change in our lives.
By engaging in the process of cleansing, we can discover our inner potential and value. While we cannot change our past, we can learn to transform our current lives and relationships. Through this process, we can develop greater levels of self-awareness, understanding and appreciation of ourselves, as well as an acceptance of our individual uniqueness. Through a commitment to rethink and reinvent, we can reverse patterns of behaviour and ways of thinking that are no longer helpful and open up possibilities for living a more meaningful and joyful life.
