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Last week I discussed detoxing. More specifically detoxing your body by eating nutrient rich, whole food. But what I failed to realize is that ‘detoxing’ is about much more than resetting your body, cleansing your system, and starting with a fresh slate. It just so happens that a yoga practice brought me to this realization. Let me explain.
When I walked into class last Tuesday, my teacher asked the class whether anyone would be interested in a detox flow. She said she felt ‘summer-ed out’…basically she hadn’t been treating her body very well and wanted to undo some of that stress she put on it (and they we have done to ourselves!) through a great detoxifying flow. I had never done a detox flow before and didn’t really know what to expect, but I am all about trying new things so I raised my hand!
She explained that detox flows involve long warmups, a series of inversions, and then a lot of twisting to really ring out your body and release all the things you’ve been holding on to….literally and figuratively.
The class ended up being very challenging. Definitely one of the sweatiest I have ever experienced and midway through I was thinking to myself ‘with all this sweat I am definitely releasing some toxins’. But then something my teacher said hit me. She remarked that detoxing the body is important…yes….but what’s more important is detoxing the mind. Negative thoughts are toxins that are just as harmful for our bodies as the toxins in the environment and our food. In fact toxic thoughts do MORE bad to our internal systems and organs than our surroundings could ever do. They are like poisons that seep into every crevice of our being and slowly break us down from the inside out. The pollute our minds, cloud our judgment, and fill our heads with all sorts of falsities…about ourselves, about others, and about the world around us.
Whether you’re thinking negatively about out others or about yourself, those type of thoughts are TOXIC. They are all the same and all serve the same purpose, to weaken us physically and mentally.
I left class with a completely clear mind. Not only did I feel physically clean and free, but my mind felt renewed and refreshed as well. In fact, like my teacher said, I think I got more mental benefits out of that class than physical!
And to think I wasn’t even really excited for class that day! That’s right, I woke up not really feeling in a yoga mood. But since I can only make it to class once a week now, I got myself to go. I convinced myself that I always feel amazing after a practice and that I’d regret it if I didn’t hit my mat. And that’s the other thing I wanted to leave you with today….the thought that sometimes, you just have to SHOW UP.
Most of the mental struggles we face in life come from contemplating our next decision or thinking about the future. But in reality, half the battle is just deciding to go, choose, or do the next thing that you are worrying about facing. It applies to many areas in life, but especially workouts! Most of the time, if you can just get yourself to your class, to the gym, or outside for the run, you’ll be able to accomplish what you set out to do. It’s just that initial moment of starting that can seem so daunting. But we are a lot more capable to things than we give ourselves credit for!
And on the occasion when you do start something and still feel like you’re not into it or can’t finish, that’s okay to! That means you’re listening to and in tune with your body, which is just as important as the notion of ‘just showing up’.
Okay, I know I through a lot of thoughts at you in this post, but I just had to get this all out! I love love love when a yoga class inspires a post. I always can just feel the words flowing out of my fingers as soon as I get home. Organic, natural writing is the best kind in my opinion.
So I challenge you to two things. Consider doing a detox…not of your body, but of your mind. Take some time to clear your head, come to a place of peace and centrality, and start fresh with some positivity and optimism. And number two, next time you’re doubting your abilities to do something, JUST SHOW UP. Make the decisions to go or start something and you’ll be amazed as what you can accomplish when you just get yourself to the place you want to go. Just show up mentally and physically…your body and mind will take care of the rest.
It only feels right to end this post filled with yogi wisdom with the classic yogic saying….
Namaste.
Have you ever considered the mindfulness side of ‘detox’?
What’s your favorite way to ‘reset’ your mind?
Do you find it’s easier to get things done if you just get yourself to start?
Kaila
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15 responses to “From My Mat To My Mind”
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Oh my gosh I love this! Yoga does such amazing things for me mentally (and physically too of course). That’s why I make the effort to go to an actual class as much as possible. I love how instructors can lead you through some mental stuff without actually making you say anything. All the things you said about detoxing your mind are 100% on point and I’m going to try really hard to work through that stuff on my mat tomorrow! Thanks for the reminder 🙂
I totally agree! Going to class is a totally different experience than practicing on your own!
YES
this is a DETOX I need right now given the CrAzInEsS of my life…
Agreed! I needed it too!
Loved this post! So important to keep our bodies and minds healthy. I haven’t tried any form of detox flow yet but am going to look it up!
It was something so different! Definitely a great experience!
My motto is Leave it on the Mat. When I am done with practice, I roll up my mat with the problems still in it.
Love that! I definitely try to do the same!
Namaste! I LOVE this post. I’m a big fan of “detox” yoga sequences, aka a lot of twisting, especially in the mornings. I love the notion of just showing up and facing whatever you’re worrying about or fearing. I totally agree that the hardest part is just showing up! I’ve found that for myself meditation is super helpful for “detoxing” the mind too.
Thank you Kara!!
Great post, Kaila! I reall y love that you brought your thoughts from your mat to your mind to your blog!
Getting things done is definitely easier if you just start! Then the ball starts rollin’, and before you know it, you’re done! My favorite way to clear my mind is to spend time praying, reading my Bible, and writing in my journal!
Thanks Allie!! I love writing and reading to clear my mind as well!
This post is so awesome! I really really really need to do this! If you’ve been reading my blog in the past month you’ll know that I’ve been suffering from the physical effects of anxiety and it has been really tough. I’ve been doing better but I really wish I had a yoga teacher like yours to help me stay on track! My negative thoughts are really harming me and I need to detox for sure!
Glad you were able to relate! I hope your anxiety lessens!
I’ve learned this past year how important it is to keep a healthy mind. I forget to keep up with it too often still but it’s becoming a habit to take more time for myself to feel like, well, myself.