Are you ready for a mental cleanse?

What do you think of when you hear the word cleanse?  

I’m guessing that your thoughts gravitate toward something nutrition related. 

A simple Google search for this word provides you with over 50 million links.  Sure enough, as I browsed through the first few pages, I found that each of the links either outlined a specific bodily cleanse program or provided information about the importance of detoxifying a certain part of our system (i.e. liver). 

I want to introduce you to a different kind of cleanse.  One that doesn’t get as much attention, but can have a profound impact on your well-being.  It’s called a mental cleanse.  You see, our minds are inundated with thousands and thousands of pieces of information (and images) every day.  Whether it’s emails, television shows, or Facebook posts, our brain often works overtime to absorb the enormity of information we’re exposed to.  Just as a food source may release various toxins in our body, the same is true for the mental sources mentioned above.  You don’t need to look very far to find potentially toxic information.  Whether it’s the inappropriate email a friend sends you or an angry rant you see on Facebook, mental toxins are everywhere.

This past week, I made a commitment to remove myself from Facebook for seven days.  I referred to it as The Seven Day Cleanse.  Pretty creative, huh? 

Quite honestly, I found myself forming a dangerous habit over the last several months of needing to read everyone’s posts throughout the entire day.  While there were many that were uplifting, there were an equal number that caused unwelcome emotions like frustration or disappointment.

Below are a few of my observations regarding my experience with this cleanse.

I’m more present with my family.

My wife sometimes refers to my cell phone as my pacemaker as it’s often attached to me in some manner.  During this cleanse, I’ve noticed that my phone has spent more time on the kitchen counter than it has in my hands.  I’ll still check my email occasionally, but the constant need to check Facebook is gone. 

I’m reading more from meaningful sources that are designed to enrich my mind.

When I made a commitment to remove myself from Facebook, I made another commitment to fill my mind with enriching content.  I’ve spent more time reading my Bible in the last week than I have in quite some time.  This wouldn’t of happened without the cleanse.

I’m not habitually reaching for my phone.

It seems like whenever there was a lull in the day, I’d reach for my phone and immediately check Facebook.  It had become kind of a knee-jerk reaction.  I’ve found that those quiet moments, void of any technology, are often the most meaningful and reflective.

So, what do you think?  Are you ready to take on a mental cleanse?  It doesn’t have to be Facebook.  You could make a commitment to turn off your television for five days, or stay off any other form of social media for an extended period of time.  Regardless of what you choose to do, take solace in the fact that your mind will thank you.

A mental cleanse.  It does a mind good. 

P.S.  Sorry for missing my blog last week.  I was in Oregon celebrating my Grandmother’s 95th birthday and ended up writing a personal blog to her (in the form of a card) for this wonderful occasion.