Recently, I’ve started a 21-Day Consciousness Cleanse by
Debbie Ford. I am only on the second day
and I feel peaceful but strong, with an increasing sense of purpose.
One thing that I already find profoundly different is the quiet
strength that comes from avoiding the media.
According to the book, social media like Facebook can lead to comparing
yourself to others, instead of looking within to focus on your own path. Everyone’s path is definitively unique to
them and their dreams, so why would I look to measure my success based on
another’s pictures, postings, life events?
I didn’t even realize I was doing this until I stopped. Even after two days, I can feel my self-confidence
increasing, as well as faith in my own journey.
I’ve also been drastically limiting television, especially
programs that are violent or stressful.
A favorite reading of mine by Thich Nhat Hanh in Peace is Every Step says,
“Watching a bad TV program, we become the TV program. We
are what we feel and perceive… We can be
anything we want, so why do we open our windows to bad TV programs made by
sensationalist producers in search of easy money, programs that make our hearts
pound, our fists tighten, and leave us exhausted? Who allows such TV programs to be made and
seen by even the very young? We do! We are too undemanding, too ready to watch
whatever is on the screen, too lonely, lazy, or bored to create our own lives. We turn on the TV and leave it on, allowing
someone else to guide us, shape us, and destroy us. Losing ourselves in this way is leaving our
fate in the hands of others who may not be acting responsibly.”
My husband isn’t exactly thrilled about this, as we just
started watching Breaking Bad and
I’ve requested we put it on hold for a little while. Luckily, he’s very supportive and
understanding, though, so I’m optimistic that my marriage will survive the turn
from daily time staring at the TV together for hours as lumps on the
couch. I’m hoping we can get outside a
bit more and find some delight in nature before it gets too cold here in Ohio.
I’m hoping to come through this cleanse as a Best-Selling
Author, successful new business owner (more on that later), and Overall Better
Person. A skinny one. Oh right, it’s not that kind of cleanse this time.
OK, so really I’d like to be more peaceful and powerful in my own
life. Wish me luck!
