Day 5 ❍ Power of Media Detoxing & Energy Cleansing
Years ago, I heard an interview with Oprah where she mentioned that when a driver picks her up, they know not to have the radio on. She requested this because she understood that what we consume, not just through food and drink, but through everything we listen to, read, and experience with our five senses, has an impact. She was conscious of what she was taking in and mindful of her choices.
Just as we process food and drink in our gut, we process information in a similar way. Perhaps the most toxic forms of information come from social media and something we still call the news. They pull us into a trance where fleeting dopamine hits are met with a phenomenon of craving for more, followed by a media hangover where it’s common to feel depleted. Today, I want to encourage you to examine all of the information and energy you are consuming. Where might you make some small shifts? Do you have the news on in the background for hours on end? Are alerts constantly going off on your phone? Who do you interact with the most in your life, and what is their energy like? Are these interactions by choice or necessity? How can you be a positive force in these interactions? Where might you be projecting negative energy, and how can you shift this?
The energy we absorb and give to those around us can be nourishing and it can be toxic. I remember pre-pandemic, going to practice at YogaWorks on Larchmont one day. As I was parking, I thought, "Oh gosh, that annoying guy who exhales like he’s making some primal whale sound will probably be there. I can’t stand that effing guy… why does he need so much attention?" Clearly, I was in a mood and needed the practice. In a moment of grace, I caught myself and the irony gave me pause. I thought, "Alex, why don’t you go in there and bring good energy rather than planning on everyone annoying you?" This changed everything for me and became something I continued to practice. It wasn’t about Moby Dick. I was uncomfortable for entirely different reasons— that I did not truly feel a part of that community. So I targeted the easiest thing I could find to isolate myself.
This level of detox is profound as the toxins can be so insidious. They become powerful ammo that will spiral us into a negative feedback loop in seconds. As we bring awareness and make small shifts, we can reclaim our energy and find more freedom and definitely more joy in our lives.
ACTIONS
Media/News
What are you consuming? Take inventory of your media consumption.
When are you consuming this? Consider the timing and context.
Small shifts: Be more mindful about what and when you consume media.
People
List the 5 people you interact with the most. If several of them are your children, group them as one.
Evaluate interactions: If someone is a negative influence, what small shift can you make to interact differently?
Stay curious over judgmental: Aim to be open and inquisitive rather than critical.
Positive contributions: Consider what positive energy you can bring to your interactions.
This won’t kill you: Temper the amount of gossip you feed on.
Energy Shielding & Clearing Techniques
Mirror Shielding: When someone is toxic, imagine a mirror in front of you, reflecting their negativity off of you. Then envision a clearing energy (perhaps angel energy if it resonates) that is between you and this person and this energy clears the toxicity so we are not trying to make them more toxic either.
Protective Light: When feeling anxious or emotionally drained, visualize a protective light surrounding and filling you.
Connect to your breath: Use your breath as a support during tense moments.
Wash your hands: After interacting with toxic people, or even occasionally at family gatherings, washing your hands can be a symbolic cleanse.
Watch
Ted Lasso on Apple TV: If you are looking for something to watch and haven’t seen this yet, I highly recommend it. This fish-out-of-water story threads the needle of comedy and dharma in a way I haven’t seen before.
ARTICLES
Fast Company: (article from another election year): Here's What Happened When I Gave Up Following the News for a Week
The Atlantic: How Digital Media Turned Us All into Dopamine Addicts and What We Can Do to Break the Cycle
Reclaim your energy by being mindful of your information consumption and interactions. Small shifts in awareness can lead to significant changes in your well-being and sense of community. Remember: This is a practice. You won’t always feel like doing it, but over time, we can strengthen the patterns of kindness and presence.
RECIPE INSPO
Sweet Potato Fish Cakes with Japanese Slaw
Looking for inspiration for dinner? Try this recipe rich in protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids.