Editor’s Note: Last week, we focused on the impact of air quality on your health. This week, I’ll dive into how cleansing your mental and emotional space can further enhance your vitality, as discussed in my book Create The Vitality You Crave.
In today’s fast-paced world, we’re often plagued by stress, negative self-talk, and limiting beliefs—what I call “self-sabotaging thoughts.” These mental and emotional burdens can impact not just our mood but also our physical health. As Karol K. Truman wrote in Feelings Buried Alive Never Die, “Inner healing and changing of belief systems must take place before the disease is eradicated.” Healing our minds is just as crucial as healing our bodies.
The Power of Your Thoughts on Health
We are living in an age where the influence of our thoughts on our health is not just a theory, but a well-established scientific fact. Dr. Bruce Lipton, a pioneer in Epigenetics, reminds us that “our thoughts change our biochemistry, which changes the behavior of our cells.” This means that self-sabotaging thoughts are not just emotional roadblocks—they directly influence our DNA and biological processes.
To unlock your full vitality, you must cleanse these self-defeating beliefs, transforming them into positive, empowering thoughts. It’s about taking control of your mind, and with it, your health.
ANTs: Automatic Negative Thoughts
Dr. Daniel Amen, renowned psychiatrist and brain expert, coined the term “ANTs” or “Automatic Negative Thoughts” to describe the persistent, self-defeating thoughts that can sneak into our minds and wreak havoc. These ANTs can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression. The good news? You can break free from them.
ANT-Killing Technique
Dr. Amen’s solution to these silent saboteurs is the “ANT-Killing Technique,” a simple yet effective method that can be used by anyone:
- Become Aware: Pay attention to your thoughts and recognize when a negative one surfaces.
- Label the ANT: Acknowledge the thought as an ANT and identify its nature (Is it fear-based? A judgment? A self-doubt?).
- Challenge the Thought: Ask yourself whether the thought is really true. Often, it’s not.
- Replace it: Swap the negative thought with a more positive and constructive one.
By actively managing and reshaping your thoughts, you can stop sabotaging yourself and start building a mindset that supports vitality and well-being.
The Role of Epigenetics in Healing Your Mind
Dr. Joe Dispenza’s research highlights that our thoughts can significantly influence gene expression, aligning with Dr. Bruce Lipton’s findings in epigenetics. By fostering a positive mental environment through meditation, intention, and mindfulness, we can profoundly impact our biology. This journey involves harmonizing our mind and body to achieve desired health and vitality.
Cleansing mental and emotional states is essential for tapping into our epigenetic potential. As Karol K. Truman states, true healing starts within; changing our belief systems is crucial for overcoming physical issues. Self-sabotaging thoughts can obstruct this process, as Dr. Lipton notes: “Our thoughts change our biochemistry, which changes the behavior of our cells.” To attain the vitality you seek, it’s vital to address and release these negative thoughts and emotional burdens.
Healing Emotional Wounds: The Missing Link
It’s impossible to talk about mental cleansing without addressing emotional wounds. As Dr. Karol Truman explains, every thought and feeling sends a message to your cells. These messages affect your DNA and overall health, even if you’re not consciously aware of them.
Trauma, especially from childhood, can have long-lasting effects on your emotional and physical health. Adverse childhood events (ACEs)—such as abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one—can lead to chronic stress, hormonal imbalances, and even changes in how your genes express themselves. Studies show that people who have experienced trauma often carry the physical burden of it in their bodies, manifesting as illnesses like autoimmune disorders or cardiovascular diseases.
Healing these emotional wounds is crucial to cleansing your mind and body. If trauma is stored in the body, as Dr. Bessel van der Kolk outlines in The Body Keeps the Score, then addressing it is essential for your physical and emotional well-being.
Simple Steps to Cleanse Your Mind and Emotional Body
- Mindfulness Practice: Start with a daily meditation or mindfulness routine. Even 5-10 minutes can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions.
- ANT-Killing: Incorporate Dr. Amen’s ANT-Killing Technique into your daily life. It’s a simple, actionable way to regain control over your thoughts.
- Emotional Release: If you have unresolved trauma or emotions, consider modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or energy work to help release stored emotional pain.
- Positive Affirmations: Replace self-sabotaging thoughts with positive affirmations that reflect the vitality and health you want to manifest.
- Healthy Boundaries: Cleanse codependency and people-pleasing tendencies by setting boundaries that protect your emotional energy.
Conclusion: Cleansing for Lasting Vitality
Cleansing your mind and emotions is just as important as caring for your body. By addressing self-sabotaging thoughts, hidden blind spots, and emotional wounds, you create a powerful foundation for lasting health. Remember, your thoughts shape your biology and your future. Through mindful practices, positive affirmations, and emotional healing, you can unlock the full vitality you deserve. Reclaim control of your well-being—starting with your mind.
If you have enjoyed reading this blog, and want to take a deeper dive, then you will love my new book Create The Vitality You Crave: Epigenetics 101 to Unlock Your Healing Power. You can order on Amazon by clicking here.
NOTE: If you have already purchased my book and are reading it, your review would mean the world to me, as it makes Jeff Bezos very happy, and allows others to find my book, too. Thank you!!
You can click here if you would still love to order a copy of my book. The audiobook has had some uploading issues but it’s coming soon. Additionally, I will be releasing a workbook to support you in implementing the information at a whole new level. Here’s to your Vitality!
